While George House ’50 had an extensive career in education as principal of James Lick and Santa Teresa high schools he was also an accomplished athlete and sportsman. At Santa Clara University, he played four years of football and was on the 1950 winning Orange Bowl team. He also served two years in the Navy […]

Robert Garibaldi ’64 hit big early in his baseball career when he won the 1962 College World Series most outstanding player award. Bob is the only player from Santa Clara University to ever win that award and he also set a strikeout and innings-pitched record in the series. He signed with the San Francisco Giants […]

Born in Bozeman, Montana, Joan Smith ’71 came to the Bay Area from a land of big skies and wild terrain. She attended Santa Clara University before receiving her RN from UCSF. Joan died Aug. 28, 2021, and is survived by her husband Bruce.

Following in his grandfather’s footsteps Perry Olsen ’71 became a freemason. He served as master of Pajaro Lodge and later joined the Order of the Eastern Star as worthy patron of the Santa Cruz Redwoods Chapter. Perry also had a passion for music, backpacking, and sailing. He fell in love with the Grateful Dead in […]

Michael Priest J.D. ’66 had a singular sense of humor and a gift for telling stories, some of which were even true. He had a long and varied career, including serving in the U.S. Army, practicing law, and working in business, culminating in a position as CEO of Bay Area Credit. Above all, Michael loved […]

Veteran and Bay Area native Robert Kemper ’50 died June 20, 2023. After graduating from Santa Clara, he entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He served in the 155th Field Artillery in Korea in 1952 and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service by leaving shelter in the bunker while under enemy […]

“Nothing gets done at SCU without Joan’s approval,” colleagues would say of Joan Murphy ’42. After raising six children, Joan went back to work at Santa Clara, where she first served as secretary to Walter Schmidt, S.J., and later the executive secretary to three University presidents: Thomas Terry, S.J., William Rewak, S.J., and Paul Locatelli […]

From his early years, Donald Blauvelt M.A. ’83 knew he wanted to give his life to teaching. Donald found his calling among the Brothers of Holy Cross and worked as an educator across the U.S. He had a prestigious career serving at St. Edward’s University as the executive director of the Holy Cross Institute, the […]

Joseph Poco ’44 flew his Lancair 2-seater overhead to numerous airshows. Joe lived a rich and full life, serving as an active member of St. Michael’s and St. Charles Borromeo parishes and in the Flying Electrons model airplane Club. He earned the rank of Major in the military and had a successful dental practice in […]

While attending classes at night for a law degree, Kathy Priest J.D. ’98  Kathy held a full time job. She found work in  ARM, BOPS Inc., /n Software and most recently served as Chief Legal Officer of CData. Outside of work, Kathy was an avid golfer, playing five rounds of golf on her honeymoon in […]

Before earning his law degree from Santa Clara, Mark Grech J.D. ’94 had already earned a Master’s in Piano Performance through his exceptional musical abilities. Mark’s passion for music was evident in every note he played, and it shone in his love of Bach and Ragtime music. His art wasn’t limited to sound; Mark’s ability […]

An exceptional role model of hard work, honor, and integrity, Ryan McKeon ’60 had a career in education, working as both an educator and administrator. In retirement, he enjoyed sailing, snorkeling, and whale watching. He was also active in the community through volunteering and coaching. Ryan officiated high school football and basketball for 40 years […]

Throughout 40 years of practicing cardiology in the Salinas Valley, William Kennedy ’54 touched the lives of patients and colleagues alike. He was engaged with the medical community, serving on many executive committees and the Board of Directors for the Salinas Valley Memorial Foundation. Bill was elected to the Hospital’s Board of Directors. In retirement, Bill […]

William “Bill” Jewell ’66 had a long career in electrical and mechanical manufacturing before becoming an ordained minister. He officiated many marriages and religious services, and when he wasn’t bringing people together in matrimony, he served with the Red Cross to reunite families in tragedies. As a volunteer with the Red Cross, he helped lead […]

Political turmoil forced Maria Debasa ’80 to leave Cuba; she found a new home on the sunny beaches of Miami, FL. There, she taught Spanish and made a family. Maria was a devoted mother to her three children and a beloved grandmother to five. All will remember her love for reading, travel, beaches, and how […]

After graduating, Gordon Tassi ’60 served a decade in the US Army, including a tour in Vietnam. Afterward, he worked as an instructor and football coach, a crime prevention officer, and an emergency response planner as a member of the National Response Team. In retirement, Gordon volunteered with his church, the Vietnam Veterans Association, and […]

A stint with radio at KSCU sparked a lifelong passion for music in Carlos Díaz ’86, who opened up his record shop, Knight Sounds, where he was known for his attentiveness and work ethic. For more than 40 years, Carlos stayed true to the art of DJing and vinyl, coining the phrase “Real Vinyl Doesn’t […]

Using his aeronautical engineering know-how, Robert Carter MS ’68 helped build the B70 bomber and F108 jet aircraft in California and later worked on the first Liquid Hydrogen Rocket Engine. Bob also put his hand to woodwork, where his artistic passion flourished. He learned to carve carousel animals and created many large-scale carousel animals and […]

The Society of Christian Ethics awarded Lisa Sowle Cahill ’70 its 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for her work shaping the field of Christian ethics within the academy, church, and civil society over the past four decades. After graduating from Santa Clara, Cahill became a noted theology professor at Boston College. She is the author of […]

In five decades of service to the city of Santa Clara, Donald Von Raesfeld Sr. ’48 left a legacy. As city manager in the early 1960s, Don was instrumental in developing the city’s municipal electric utility. To this day, the lower utility rates enjoyed by Santa Clara residents are the result. He was humbled and […]