By: Mike Kelsey ’10, ’12

Gonzaga Chapter Program & Alumni Association

Students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni have a lot of maxims, mottos, sayings, and adages that we live by as members of the Gonzaga community. “Go Zags!” can be heard anytime of the year, on or off the court or field as words of encouragement, affirmation, or even as a salutation. “AMDG: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” or “Everything for the Glory of God,” was first penned by St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus, and very simply sums up the mission of what the Jesuits work toward every day with their schools, missions, and vast variety of work.  “Be Inspired,” of course, has become more than just a tag line for a marketing campaign and instead is uttered in the minds of all of us as a challenge, or a calling, and sometimes even a reason for choosing to play a role in the Zag Family.

“Zag for Life” sits right alongside these other phrases, but holds a standard all its own that is realized by members of the community at varying stages of their time as Zag. First of all, we hope that as parents you’ve realized that the term “Zag” spreads far beyond those who have earned a degree from GU, or happen to be working on one right now. In our eyes “Zag” stands for all those who sacrifice to give this place the family-like atmosphere that has existed for over 125 years. Needless to say, some of you may consider yourselves to be Huskies, Cougars, Wildcats, Bruins, Broncos, or even Gaels (don’t worry, we won’t tell if you’re of the latter) based on where you have degrees from, but by engaging in this place through gracing us with the greatest gift you’ve given the world, your daughter or son, you’ve taken up the banner as being some of the truest “Zags” that exist.

While there are 40,000 alumni who are able to point to a piece of paper on the wall to show proof that they will forever be a Zag, we want you to feel a part of this family “For Life” as well. There are multiple ways to do this through programs offered by the Alumni Office at Gonzaga. Take note, these programs are indeed open to all “Zags” and are not exclusive to students or alumni.

Gonzaga Chapter Program
Gonzaga has over 30 chapters across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan that hold events, engage in community service, and build the Zag community away from the physical campus. The program is free and available to anyone who enjoys watching a Gonzaga game with fellow fans, attending networking events and socials, and serving their community with like-minded Zags. All you have to do is visit www.ZagsOnline.org/Chapters to find a chapter near you and sign up!

Gonzaga Alumni Mentoring Program (GAMP)
GAMP is a program that connects current students and alumni to Zags with similar career fields, geographic locations, or other interests that may aid them in networking to finding their next job or internship. If you work for a company that has internships or positions that may be appealing to a Gonzaga student, or you’re interested in mentoring a young Zag on their way to their first steps in the “real world,” please take a minute to learn more at www.ZagsOnline.org/GAMP.

Zagapalooza Weekend Kick-Off Celebration (Parents of the Class of 2013)
Senior parents, if you’re planning to make the trip to Gonzaga for one last Fall Family Weekend with your son or daughter, please join hundreds of alums, staff, students, and faculty for our Zagapalooza Weekend Kick-Off on October 19^th at 5:30PM as we welcome the next class of alums in to the greater Gonzaga community. There will be door prizes to be won, t-shirts given out, food, drinks, an appearance by President McCulloh and much more at this great event. To reserve a t-shirt, raffle ticket, and your spot at this event, RSVP at www.ZagsOnline.org/Zagapalooza-Kickoff.

This year is already shaping up to be one of our most active years with the Zag Family and we can’t wait to see more parents that are Zags joining us at chapter events, mentoring current students through GAMP, and joining us for a great celebration at the Zagapalooza Reunion and Fall Family Weekend in October!

As always: Go Zags, AMDG, Be Inspired, and of course, be a ZAG FOR LIFE!

-Gonzaga Alumni Office