For Santa Clara University alumna Kathryn Kale ’86, driving up Palm Drive toward the Mission Church feels a lot like coming home. Kale is the newly appointed executive director of alumni relations and the Alumni Association. Kale played for the women’s soccer team during her years at SCU. A four-year starter, she became the Broncos’ first-ever women’s soccer academic all-American. In the years since leaving Santa Clara, Kale earned an MBA from San Jose State University and spent more than 14 years in the computer and Internet industry working on business development, partner management, marketing, and public relations. Since 2000, Kale has been with the San Jose CyberRays, a women’s professional soccer team, and has played a major role in establishing the team’s business plan, organizational structure, launch, marketing, and sponsorship efforts. Kale will begin her new position with Santa Clara on August 25.
Q & A with Kathryn Kale
What does coming back to school feel like?
It’s a great feeling to know that I am not just visiting! I’m looking forward to being part of the campus community in an ongoing and meaningful way. The drive down Palm Drive, the Mission, and the beauty of the campus always bring me a real sense of peace-I never get tired of the view. I am so glad to have this opportunity to make a positive impact on a place I love.
In your opinion, what is unique about Santa Clara and our alumni?
SCU alumni are special because they care so much-they are so passionate about the University. Because Santa Clara strives to educate the whole person, alums gravitate back here because they can find fulfillment in so many ways.
What direction do you want the Alumni Association to take under your leadership?
The Alumni Association already has a strong foundation and my goal is to build on those strengths and forge even stronger connections with our 65,000 graduate and undergraduate alumni. Our main goal should be to hear from the people the Alumni Office serves about how we can continue to meet their needs. In essence, we need to find out what our customers want, figure out a way to deliver it, and measure to see if we’re doing a good job.
Do you feel the University has changed over the years?
Change is part of everything. The valley has changed, the University has grown, and the student population is going to evolve in the years to come. The one thing all alumni share is that we are all Broncos and we have a passion for the University that creates a common bond. A bond you feel no matter where you go. If you meet someone from Santa Clara, you have an instant connection. The future of Santa Clara lies in being able to connect its best products-its alumni-with the community, the students, and the faculty; connecting the past and the present is a great way to ensure the future.
What message would you like to send Santa Clara alumni?
We are a family whose bonds were forged at Santa Clara. By working together, we can continue to make this University a special and unique place for generations past, present, and future.