As we walked around Gonzaga University’s campus, we were impressed by the sheer amount of statues present. We went on a journey to learn the history behind all of these sculpted works of art. Our journey brought us to Father Hightower, who proved to be quite knowledgeable about each of the statues and the religious meaning behind their construction. We learned that each statue has its own deep meaning. Our tour provided us with incredible insight into the values and mission of the University.
We started with St. Aloysius Gonzaga who was a 16th century Italian Jesuit and son of a noble Renaissance family. He died at 23 while in his studies, assisting the sick during a plague in Rome. He is the patron saint of youth.
The statue of Arthur Dussault was created by Debbie Copenhaver and unveiled June 30, 1990. It resides near the Herak Building on the Gonzaga University campus.
The Hand of Christ is depicted rising out of the ground in an image of Resurrection. This statue has been interpreted many ways including the hand symbolizing Jesus reaching out to help his followers.
Our Lady of Walsingham was a Saxon woman, who was instructed by the Virgin Mary to build a shrine that represents the Annunciation of Mary. There is a Lady of Walsingham statue on every Catholic school in the nation.
A statue of Bing Crosby stands in front of the Crosby Student Center as a memorial to Gonzaga’s most renowned Alumnus. Bing Crosby was a talented personality, world-wide entertainer and humanitarian.
St. Ignatius is the founder of the society of Jesus and is often referred to as the Jesuits. It stands in front College Hall, the original site of Gonzaga University.
Vincent de Felice, a local high school student, created the sculpture of Spike. De Felice said he tried to make the sculture “iconic, a standard, a force, a presence – something that will be talked about and that people will come see and take photos of.”
“The chain sumbolically says so much,” De Felice said. “It’s strong, proud, protective, loyal, ambitious ownership. The chain also ties or relates the dog to the building. The arena is symbolically and literally its kennel – thus the title ‘This is My House.'”
The Sacred Heart statue, commonly known as the “Aluminum Jesus,” is a favorite among Gonzaga students.
Bronzed Glory: 