Ethics, leadership key to School's popularity and national reputation

By Carol Bonino

"Modern business has reached that stage where not only special technical knowledge is required but also breadth of vision such as can come only from thorough education."

Sound like a quote from the School of Business Administration's mission statement? Actually, it's from the University catalogue . . . the 1920-21 edition. That was the year the new School of Commerce and Finance was introduced

"It is the desire of the Faculty of Gonzaga University to add to its departments of instruction an evening school of accounting and business management for the benefit of the numerous young men, whether still in college or actually in business, who have chosen a commercial career for themselves," the catalogue read.

Although the School of Business Administration, as it is now called, was established more than 82 years ago, its history could actually be traced back another 30 years, to 1890. It was October of that year when "the special course of Book-Keeping commenced" says the school diary. The course was taught twice a week in half-hour blocks.

The School of Business Administration has evolved remarkably since that humble beginning more than 112 years ago. In 1987, the School moved into its new home, the Jepson Center. The move gave the School space to grow both in size and in reputation. Today it is a nationally ranked business school known for preparing ethical business leaders who serve in organizations of every description, size, and location.

We have reached another pivotal moment in the evolution of the School of Business Administration, said Clarence H. Barnes, dean of the School. As part of The Campaign for GONZAGA UNIVERSITY, Educating People the World Needs Most, we are expanding the business facility by constructing a 20,000-square-foot addition to the Jepson Center. The addition will increase space for programs by about 45 percent, said Barnes.

Good thing. When Jepson Center opened in 1987, the School enrolled about half the undergraduates it does now, and one-third of the graduate students. This year, business undergraduates number 800; graduates nearly 200. Factor in the programs that have been added over the past 15 years – plus the faculty to teach them – and the need for more space becomes obvious.

The new three-level addition will be built along the north side of the current facility. In addition to providing much-needed classroom space and faculty offices, the expansion will give a prominent home to the Hogan Entrepreneurship Center and the newly formed Graduate School of Business.

Barnes describes the addition as a natural extension of the popular Jepson Center. "Our building has always been a magnet," he said. "It attracts people because it flows, it has character, and it reflects our strong programs." The addition will assure that the School of Business Administration will be able to maintain its excellent programs and widely respected reputation.