Ready To Serve

Meet the new chair of the Santa Clara University Board of Trustees: John M. Sobrato ’83, chair of the Sobrato Organization—and someone with deep ties to Santa Clara. Speaking from personal experience, he says, “Certainly students who come here, they’re going to get a strong education and expertise in their area of study. But what really makes a Jesuit education distinctive is they also get a foundation in Jesuit principles in ethics, in justice, in service for others.” Dedication to SCU is a family affair for the Sobratos. His father, John A. Sobrato ’60, previously served as chair of the Board of Trustees—and John M. served on the board since 2011. He previously served on the Board of Regents and Board of Fellows. He met his late wife, Abby Sobrato ’83, here. Their sons are graduates—John Sobrato ’10 and Jeff Sobrato ’11. His wife, Timi, is also Jesuit-educated, with undergraduate and master’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University. As chair, he takes the helm from Paul Gentzkow, who completed his term in June. What’s in store for the year ahead? His first priority as chair is overseeing the selection process for SCU’s next president. With that task in mind, President Michael Engh, S.J., notes, “His passion for enhancing and advancing Santa Clara’s future is unmatched.”