2020 Alumni Awards

The Alumni Awards are given annually to publicly recognize individuals who have given distinguished service to the Alumni Association, the University, and their community.

2020 Alumni Awards
Is that a music festival? Nah. That’s the graduation picnic, managed by one of this year’s Alumni Awards honorees, Paul Neilan ’70. Image courtesy SCU.

Every year the Santa Clara University Alumni Association take a moment to celebrate those who exemplify SCU values of competence, conscience, and compassion.

This year, educator and author Tracy Langley ’97 earns recognition for her service to others with the Alumni Association’s Ignatian Award. This recognition goes to those who best live by St. Ignatius of Loyola’s instruction to serve: “Go forth—and set the world on fire.”

Vicki Pope ’77 works tirelessly for Santa Clara—serving on the Board of Fellows to raise money for scholarships and on the alumni board of directors. She also finds time to volunteer to read to kindergartners, support Filoli Gardens, and bake birthday cakes for foster kids. The Alumni Association is bestowing on her the Paul L. Locatelli, S.J. Award for service to the University.

Paul Neilan ’70, senior associate alumni director, has dedicated 53 years to his fellow Broncos—managing the graduation picnic, Alumni Family Scholarship, and more. Fittingly, the Alumni Association is awarding him with an honor named for Louis I. Bannan, S.J., its founder and one of Santa Clara’s most dedicated supporters.

A Bilingual Storyteller

Producer Griselda Ramirez ’08 shares her experience producing Rihanna’s NFL halftime show interview and how studying Spanish at SCU impacted her career.

How to Dress to Save the World

Innovation analyst Jyotsna Gopinath ’19 discusses small steps to addressing a big fashion problem.

Keeping Current

Alexis Loera ’21, M.S. ’21 signed a new three-year contract with the Kansas City Current getting her one step closer to the U.S. Women’s National Team.

What Goes Round

Dennis Awtrey ’70 recalls his career as a pro basketball player.