On Gonzaga University

Gonzaga is a prestigious Jesuit University. I’ve heard, maybe the only one in our country. They pride themselves on deepening their relationship with God, and bettering the world for their people and others. That is a wonderful thing, and I support that Mission. Many Jesuits have been notable Scientists, and still are.

My conflict with them is petty, but it needs to be addressed.

Your people, Ten in all, mocked me for making minimum wage and dressing in Workman’s attire. While it is true that I wear Carhartt’s and leather Bracers, I rock it like a Boss. Because I am a Boss. I wasn’t even part of that conversation. I was the Topic.

Then they Baptized my car with Chipotle Burritos. It took 30 minutes to clean it to be able to drive safely, and I didn’t even get all of the meat off of my car. Thank God I drive a Volvo in Washington! Chipotle, by the way, if you read the news…. Anyway, that’s why If I can’t find a Taqueria, I go to Taco Bell.

A famous person once said something to the effect of….what was it? That we should not judge others by the color of their skin, and I suppose, their Carhartt’s pants, but by the content of their character.

Gonzaga, I am judging you by the content of your character. If this is what your people look like, then I sincerely doubt that you are following your Mission. I know that there are always a few bad eggs, but your selection process isn’t up to snuff in my opinion. Have you tried Candling?

If I were an employer, your student’s degree would not sway me to hire them or keep them. Although I do not hire people, I am usually the deciding factor on keeping them, because I know their character and their actions. I work with them.

I get that most of your students won’t be working 9 to 5 jobs, but not all of them can be executives, and definitely not in the beginning. They need us so they can prove that they can work with us. Well? Prove it. Character is part and parcel to your Success. As a Salesman Proper, I don’t just sell my products. I sell myself. That is what I am asking you to do.

We have a saying in the Working World. You have to be good to all the people you meet on the way up, because some day, you will see them again on the way down. Keep that thought in your pocket.

You need to teach your people to be humble, patient, kind, and to be reminded to be mindful of the needs of others. Not just now, but ALWAYS.

If that is not your Mission anymore, then I cannot help you, and I won’t. But it feels sad to accept that as our path, because it means that a degree from Gonzaga University has no meaning. It is no more important than my Bachelors of Science and Arts Degree at Western Washington University. What made you feel important, was that I believed in your Mission.

I think that the degree you get, and where you get it from, should mean something. I would gladly send my kids to Gonzaga University, Western Washington University, or Washington State University based on my Child’s qualities alone. You would be the top though, if I believed in you. I’m sorry to say, your image has been tarnished by people wearing your uniforms.