Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Gonzaga University announced plans to build a new $400,000 extension.

In fact, this was more like a new separate Jesuit college than an addition to the existing one. The plan was to build the new college building north of Spokane, on the edge of the Peone Prairie, on land owned by the Pioneer Educational Society, and not far from the spot where early Jesuits first established churches and schools in the Spokane area.

The new college was intended for training prospective Jesuit priests. It would be “virtually a postgraduate school for Gonzaga and other universities whose graduates enter the Jesuit order and are preparing for the priesthood.” The course would cover three years, and the professors would be provided from the ranks of the Gonzaga faculty.

The plan was to build one large building, containing classrooms and living accommodations for 100 students. 

No name was yet chosen. But we know it today as Mount St. Michael, on a bluff towering high above Peone Prairie.

In other college news, Spokane College held its commencement ceremonies.

The program included speeches, musical performances and the class song.