Why We Chose Gonzaga

Choosing a college is rarely one single moment. The process encompasses instincts, conversations, campus visits, financial spreadsheets, and the quiet, interior question of where you’ll grow best. Every student’s path looks a little different. That’s why we asked a few of our wonderful Gonzaga StuCom student workers to share what led them here. Their answers speak to academics, community, opportunity, and that hard-to-define moment when a place just feels right.

Analisa Placenti '26

• I chose to be a Zag because of GU's great combination of academic support and school spirit. I initially looked at GU because of their great nursing program and later found that faculty are extremely willing to support students in their success. When I first visited GU's campus, the people were so friendly and proud to be Zags which created such a positive environment!

Madison Caro '27

• I chose to be a Zag because of the friendly and welcoming community at Gonzaga, and the opportunities the university has to offer. I wanted a smaller school with small class sizes that promotes a tight-knit and comfortable learning environment, while still having opportunities to meet new people and see new faces every day. I also really appreciated Gonzaga’s alumni network. I know that the support from my fellow Zags is guaranteed even after I graduate and continue to pursue my career.

Audrey Kruger '26

• What ultimately led me to choose Gonzaga were the positive affirmations from many Zag alumni I knew from home. I was having a hard time deciding what I wanted out of college, but something that stood out to me was how excited other Zags were when they heard I was considering Gonzaga. I figured that a school that evoked such positive emotion was somewhere I would want to be. Reflecting on my choice now as a senior, I am nothing but grateful for the positive memories I have made at Gonzaga, and I am thrilled to now become one of those enthusiastic alumni who helped me find my place.

Jace Down ‘26

• I chose to be a Zag because of the small, tight-knit community. Coming out of high school, I wanted a place where I would have a voice, somewhere I could make an impact rather than feel like just another face in the crowd. That’s exactly what I’ve found at Gonzaga. I often describe it as a small school with big school opportunities. I also knew I wanted to study abroad during college, and Gonzaga’s study abroad program stood out immediately. There are countless opportunities, and the university does an incredible job making the transition to living abroad feel smooth and manageable.

There’s no universal formula for choosing a college or university. What matters is finding a place that matches your goals, values, and hopes for the years ahead. For these students, Gonzaga became that place. If you’re mulling over your options in these last days before May 1st, or just beginning your own search, we hope their stories help you reflect on the practical details and your own sense of fit. Sometimes the right choice becomes clear one honest conversation at a time.