Santa Clara University unveiled an ambitious plan to fund scholarships, foster innovation and entrepreneurship for the benefit of humanity, and train the next generation of ethical leaders at the 53rd annual Golden Circle Theatre Party.
President Michael Engh, S.J.announced the plan to raise a $1 billion to position SCU to lead in the 21st century.
“By swinging wide the Mission doors, we share Santa Clara with the world—and invite other to us join us,” he told the audience at the Golden Circle, an evening of music and dinner hosted by SCU’s Board of Fellows—and is also the University’s longest-running fundraiser.
The evening included a performance by James Taylor, who bantered about his friendship with songwriter Carole King and told the audience they “had a friend in Santa Clara.” The student choir serenaded guests, and professors and students told the audience about their unique Santa Clara experiences.
“Santa Clara has provided me with the tools to lead, and to change the world,” said first-generation college student Angie Scott ’20.
Thane Kreiner, who directs SCU’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, and engineering student James Wang ’19 shared experiences of the social entrepreneurship program, which works around the world to improve lives.
“Where else do we have the opportunity to accompany amazing young leaders like James as they fashion a more just, humane, and sustainable world?” Kreiner said.
The fundraising campaign already has raised almost $600 million over the past four years—the leadership phase—before becoming public. The funds will help fund scholarships, innovation in undergraduate education, and more.
“Who could combine the cornerstones of Silicon Valley, innovation and entrepreneurship, with the Jesuit values of service to humanity to help alleviate poverty and fight climate change?” asked campaign co-chair and trustee Jeff Miller ’73. “Only Santa Clara.”
Learn more about the campaign at https://campaign.scu.edu/