Last night, I received my annual call from Gonzaga. I always enjoy getting this call because my junior year, I was in the same spot as these student callers. I like to learn a little about them, put them at ease, and learn a little about what is going on campus. Gonzaga basketball is about to go wild again. There is a new soccer field, a new freshmen dorm, a new engineering building and a lot of moving and shaking on campus.

Gonzaga was very good to me. I really came into my own in college. I headed up various retreats, explored social justice and community and generally had a great time with great friends. I even came to love Spokane, something most Gonzaga students never learn. Though not able to give that much, I give what I can.

I firmly believe in a Jesuit education. That might be the most obvious statement of the year, given the fact that I went to a Jesuit high school, college and two years of service. I even have a Jesuit spiritual director here in DC. All my tattoos are Jesuit related and I think and process in a very Ignatian way.

What I enjoy though about a Jesuit education is the development of the whole person. When you go to a Jesuit school, you are not just learning math, political science or business. You are learning how to think, write, and speak. You are learning how to argue, being challenged spirituality and mentally. A Jesuit once said to me "At Gonzaga, our engineers learn what engineers everywhere learn. What makes them leaders in the field was the courses they took on how to write, form a sound argument and speak their ideas. Other schools don't do that."

I will always give money to Gonzaga. It may go up and down depending on where I am at, but I will always give because it is that important. Likewise, I will always give to Bellarmine.

peace and love,
dave