Gonzaga Loves Logan
By: Brian Best
Gonzaga University is proud to be part of the Logan Neighborhood. The Logan Neighborhood consists of 67% rental properties, with many of those being occupied by GU students. This presents opportunities for GU to get involved in the neighborhood and influence positive relations between students and neighbors. Gonzaga takes an active role in maintaining sound relationships through outreach, activities, and participation in problem solving with longtime residents.
As a Campus Security Department, we are involved in the Campus Community Coalition and we meet monthly to address particular areas of concern or focus. That committee works with Law Enforcement, Campus Security and Public Safety (CSPS), a number of neighborhood residents, and many departments from the university, with the focus being student/neighbor related, to provide an opportunity to work together.
The “GU loves Logan” campaign exists to address some of the concerns the neighbors have with student generated, quality of life issues in the neighborhood. Marketing and Communications, Housing and several other GU departments are involved in the program. Campus Security plays an active role in this campaign, too. We provide information to students residing off campus and patrol the neighborhood to improve the feelings of safety for students and residents, as well as to influence a reduction in quality of life offenses. CSPS provides personal and property based security tips and other resource information and assistance to our students.
Gonzaga is an active partner and planner of the annual Logan Block Party. This event was designed to get students and neighbors together in a casual atmosphere and allow them to meet and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of the neighborhood. The block party is held off campus, with partnerships from many GU departments, neighbors, and neighborhood businesses. This event uses three city blocks surrounding Corkery Residence Hall. Like any good block party there is food and music with lots of games and booths to encourage neighbors to talk with neighbors. CSPS provides logistical assistance in planning and implementing this event.
We are all in this together, and we prove it by working together to make Gonzaga University and the Logan neighborhood a place where people can come together and feel proud of where they live.
Brian Best, Crime Prevention and Education Officer, Campus Security and Public Safety, Gonzaga University. 509-313-4018