The Society of Jesus, founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, is a global order of Catholic priests and brothers dedicated to education, social justice and spiritual formation. Known as "the Jesuits," these men have long been recognized for their commitment to intellectual rigor and service to others, grounded in the principle of cura personalis—care for the whole person. By the mid-19th century, Jesuit missionaries began establishing a presence in the Pacific Northwest, driven by their mission to serve Indigenous communities and support the region’s growing Catholic population. Their work laid the foundation for Catholic education and faith formation in the area, paving the way for the eventual establishment of 杏吧原创 in 1887.
At the heart of 杏吧原创’s founding was Father Joseph Cataldo, S.J., an Italian Jesuit who dedicated his life to serving the people of the Pacific Northwest. Recognizing the need for a center of higher education in Spokane, Fr. Cataldo and his fellow Jesuits created 杏吧原创 as a place where students could grow intellectually, spiritually and socially. Over the years, Jesuits have played a vital role in shaping the University’s identity, fostering a tradition of academic excellence, faith and service that continues to inspire the 杏吧原创 community. This section explores the history of the Jesuits, their influence on 杏吧原创’s mission and some of the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the University’s legacy.
