Among the best four years of my life was spent at that great Jesuit institution, Gonzaga University. During my 25th reunion last year, my wife fell in love with the place, and now she wants to send our kids there (hopefully on scholarship!). She could sense that I was 'back home', as I regaled her with the wonderful experiences, both academic and personal, that I enjoyed.
I wish you luck in your attempts to 'right the ship' at Notre Dame. Fortunately, the leadership at Gonzaga, led by Fr. Bob Spitzer, S.J. (GU President) has my alma mater headed on the right course.
Although ND may have greater visibility, I'll put the quality of Gonzaga's students and alumni up against ANY school in the nation.
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY UNDER FIRE FOR BANNING PORNOGRAPHIC FEMINIST PLAYSPOKANE, Wash., March 1, 2002 (LSN.ca) - While various "Catholic" universities in the US have allowed the play, Gonzaga University, a Jesuit institution, has banned "The Vagina Monologues". Rev. Robert Spitzer, president of the university, explained his decision to ban the production from the university at a public debate this week.
Fr. Spitzer pointed out that one scene involved a lesbian sexual affair between a 16-year-old and an older woman, which was referred to as a "good rape." He noted that the scene was obviously contrary to the "Catholic and Christian view of marriage." Decisions on allowing certain speakers and productions on campus, "speaks volumes about who we are, what are mission is, what we believe," said Fr. Spitzer.
The play, written by Eve Ensler, consists of monologues delivered by several different women, including discussion of orgasms, pelvic exams, sexual abuse, sexual fantasies and childbirth. AP reports that it is being staged all over the country as a fund-raiser for "V-Day", a nonprofit organization that claims to want to stop violence against women.
See the AP coverage:
http://www.king5.com/localnews/NW_022702WABplaybanned.4e96289.html
http://www.tribnet.com/frame.asp?/news/religion/0227b213.html