34 Student Life
So. Brandon Balmelli patiently waits for pizza to be served by a Zag Dining staff member during dinner. (Bottom) Sr. Paul Dellino has a conversation with Father Michael Maher, S.J. during a quiet afternoon at the COG. Photo by Andrew Fioretto
Photo by Connor Johnson
The 2012-2013 school year marked the final year for the “COG.” Built in 1954, then Sr. Dick Noble and Fr. John Martin penned the term “Circulus Omnium Gonzaga-orum,” meaning roughly, “a meeting place of all Gonzagans.” It was abbreviated to “COG” and served as the student union building and dining center before Crosby Student Center was opened. Today, the building houses the main dining facility, Zag Dining by Sodexo offices, Sub Connection, Spike’s, which offers grilled fast-food options, and the Zag Shop. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is served daily with students utilizing meal plans to access the buffet-style meals. Popular options include omelets, the oatmeal bar, made-to-order sandwiches, and chocolate chip COG cookies. In 2012, the COG cookies were named among the 32 “Best Campus Eats” by the The Food Network.