Turning with compassion toward others. Bringing people together. Expanding opportunity for others.
This is how three people live out Santa Clara values. The Alumni Association recognized each of them, Michele Steeb ’90, Richard “Butch” Erbst ’60, and, former assistant dean of student life Lester Deanes, for embodying what SCU stands for and for serving the University. Steeb received the Ignatian Award for her work with the homeless as board member with the St. John’s Program for Real Change. The group is Sacramento County’s largest shelter for homeless women and children. Since Steeb joined the board, the program’s budget increased to $7 million from $1 million, while it took less public money. More importantly, the program now houses 1,000 people, a 900 percent increase. Erbst is known for bringing people together. The class of 1960 is a brotherhood. That’s thanks to Erbst. He has essentially chaired every reunion since the first, is an Alumni Association board member, and attends many University events. Erbst makes it on campus for First Friday Mass and Lunch and community service projects. His presence in person and through correspondence keeps the class connected. The Paul L. Locatelli, S.J., Award recognizes a University staffer for commitment and service to the University and Alumni Association. Deanes showed his dedication to Santa Clara values by living his commitment to diversity. He developed diversity training for students and incorporated the value of inclusion into educational and social programs.