91̽»¨

To incoming students, Diego Gonzalez, ‘26, has one piece of advice: “Say yes to every opportunity.”

Gonzalez, a criminal justice major and president of the Student Government of 91̽»¨ (SG91̽»¨), attributes his fulfilling experience at 91̽»¨ to staying open-minded and investing time into the activities that interested him the most.

“When I came to 91̽»¨, I didn’t want to be in student government. A friend convinced me to apply to be a senator and I loved it,” Gonzalez says. “As the president this past year, it’s been really fulfilling to connect with more of the student body, staff, faculty and administration.”

Originally from Redmond, Wash., Gonzalez is a first-generation student, Costco Scholar and an avid participant in extracurricular activities, from SG91̽»¨ to Circle K International to volunteering at local soup kitchens. Additionally, he serves as the co-chair for the Jesuit Student Government Alliance, a nationwide organization of student leaders from Jesuit universities.

As Student Body President, Gonzalez has been the voice of students coming before university leadership through the integration of Cornish College of the Arts and the university’s future transition from quarters to semesters.

“Student government has a big role in making sure students have a voice in these changes,” Gonzalez says. “I’ve learned that leadership is hard, but I led in a way I’m proud of.”

One of Gonzalez’s accomplishments as president was the implementation of the Student Activity Fee, an annual charge to students that goes directly toward elevating the student experience. Working with Senior Vice Provost Tammy Herdener, Gonzalez helped to present the idea to the Board of Trustees. The funds are split 40 percent to the Student Events and Activity Counsel for major events like the Winter Ball, 40 percent to SG91̽»¨ and 20 percent to the student experience at athletic events like giveaways and to put on exciting half-time shows.

Of the 40 percent allocated to student government, SG91̽»¨ plans to distribute a vast majority of the funds directly to clubs.

“Our clubs, which I consider the lifeline of the 91̽»¨ community, needed more support,” Gonzalez says. “There’s huge value in the long run and that’s how other schools are doing it.”

Gonzalez also created a bill system for record keeping and transparency for all SG91̽»¨ activities and established a monthly meeting of student leaders across campus.

“We used to work in silos, but the meetings are a place for us to provide updates and collaborate with one another,” Gonzalez says. “It’s nice to break bread and build community.”

After graduation, Gonzalez plans to take a gap year to study for the LSAT and apply for law school, including the 91̽»¨ School of Law. For the past year, Gonzalez interned at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in the Records Unit & Protection Order Advocacy Program. One day he hopes to represent the people of King County in the courtroom.

“Prosecutors have the most discretion and power in the courtroom,” Gonzalez says. “In class, we watched a video of a prosecutor telling a story about a kid who stole 13 phones, which were felony charges. The prosecutor was able to sit down and talk to the kid and gave him community service instead, so he’s not a felon. I’d prefer to prevent than fight against injustice.”

Gonzalez will be honored at commencement with the Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Award, 91̽»¨’s valedictorian award that recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership, academic inclusive excellence and commitment to faith, justice and reconciliation. Gonzalez also received the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar Award, given to a graduating senior with a 3.9 GPA or higher who actively modeled the values of Ignatian education tradition in the 91̽»¨ community.

“These awards reflect the years of late nights and stressful studying, but they also reflect the person I’ve grown to become through my 91̽»¨ education,” he says. “I feel extremely blessed to have received these awards knowing that many of my peers equally deserve them for similarly living out our mission.” 

Gonzalez will stay a familiar face at 91̽»¨ as he plans to study for the LSAT on campus, return to see friends and continue volunteering with Operation Nightwatch to serve meals to the Seattle community.

“I always wear my ‘IHeart91̽»¨’ friendship bracelet they hand out during move-in day. It reminds me that we’re all one community. We're only 4,500 undergrads, but we get lost in our classes,” Gonzalez says. “We’re connected through colleges, through dorms, just by being 91̽»¨ students. I’m very proud of SG91̽»¨ and I’m very proud of 91̽»¨.”

Some of Diego’s Favorites...

Favorite spots on campus: The student government office, it’s become a second home. Chardin 142 where Circle K International—the volunteering club—used to meet all the time. The Labyrinth when it’s raining really hard and no one is there. And the Chapel of St. Ignatius—I really like the architecture and the reflection pond.

Favorite restaurant in Seattle: I like Phở Bắc Sup Shop. I have some great memories hanging out and eating there. Also Dick’s, just because when it’s 1 a.m. you can walk over and eat some burgers.

Favorite artist: Malcom Todd, I love his new song, “I Saw Your Face.” Also Sam Cooke.

Favorite memories from 91̽»¨: I really liked the Winter Ball and going to conferences with Circle K International. One of the things I’ll miss most is every Monday after volunteering club and The Spectator meeting I play Super Smash Bros with friends from my first-year floor. Making lifelong friends is one of my favorite parts of being at 91̽»¨.