[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1525-E1526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING GONZAGA UNIVERSITY 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington as it celebrates its 125th 
anniversary. I take great pride in representing this nationally-
recognized institution of higher learning.
  In 1881, Father Joseph Cataldo, S.J., a Jesuit from the Rocky 
Mountain Mission, decided to establish a school for boys along the 
banks of the Spokane River. With $936 in silver dollars, Father Cataldo 
purchased 320 acres of land. Six years later, on September 17, 1887, 
Gonzaga College officially opened its doors serving 18 students.
  For the last 125 years, Gonzaga University has transformed itself to 
meet the educational needs of an expanding region. First in 1912, the 
School of Law was established to meet the Inland Northwest's legal 
demands. Then in 1921, the School of Business was formed to help 
bolster commerce with skilled business leaders. Seven years later the 
School of Education opened its doors to prepare teachers to meet the 
needs of a rapidly growing community. In 1934, when hydroelectricity 
was being developed as a new regional power source and engineers were 
needed to build dams, Gonzaga established a School of Engineering. And 
in 1975, the School of Professional Studies was created to educate 
health care professionals and prepare community leaders for the demands 
of the next century.
  Today, Gonzaga University is one of our nation's premier institutions 
of higher learning,

[[Page E1526]]

educating more than 7,800 students. While at Gonzaga students can 
choose from over 75 fields of study, select from 25 master's degree 
programs, and pursue doctoral degrees in Law and Leadership. In 
addition, Gonzaga student cheer on and participate in varsity soccer, 
baseball, golf, tennis, track, rowing, and of course perennial 
powerhouse men and women's basketball teams.
  So today, it is my grant honor to recognize Gonzaga University for 
achieving this historic 125-year milestone and applaud the entire 
University community--students, staff, faculty, alumni, and 
supporters--for the contributions they have made to Eastern Washington 
throughout the years. The Zag Spirit is alive and well, 125 years and 
counting.

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