The Student in Student Aid

Alexis Takagi ’22, Ed.D. ’25 has been appointed to the primary agency administering financial aid programs to California students.

Representing the college students of California, Alexis Takagi ’22, Ed.D. ’25 has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom ’89 to the California Student Aid Commission to provide key insight on student financial needs and issues. 

Takagi is a first-generation college student and member of Santa Clara University’s LEAD Scholars Program, currently pursuing a doctorate in social justice leadership in higher education. Her extensive knowledge of California’s educational system has prepared her for her two-year term. The commission administers student financial aid programs for public and private universities across the state, with an overall goal to make higher education affordable.

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Worthy Service

Santa Clara professors helped set Melvin Gaines ’06 on his path of civil service. Today, he’s the highest ranking nonelected official in his hometown.

Starting Small

Sophie Asmar ’09 reflects on what sustainability means to her and her journey to find solutions that bring impactful change.

Triple Threat

Santa Clara’s first game-day announcer, Mo Lichaa ’26, is “grateful to be busy” as he balances being an announcer, DJ, and a full-time student.

Spiritual Soup

With a little bit of this, a dash of that, and a sprinkling of something else, humans are customizing their own spiritual traditions. But when does it become less about spirituality and more about shopping?