June will mark the end of an era when Jerry Kerr ’61, executive director of the Santa Clara University Alumni Association, retires after 31 years of service.
“Jerry’s dedication and success at building relationships between the University and its alumni are legendary,” said President Paul Locatelli, S.J. “Jerry’s legacy of commitment and service to our alumni and the University is a tremendous gift to the Santa Clara family. His departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Even though he has chosen to retire, I have asked Jerry to continue his good work in bringing the alumni closer to the University.”
During his three decades as executive director, the membership of the Santa Clara University Alumni Association grew to 60,000 alumni, including 1,400 volunteer leaders in 53 chapters that sponsor more than 240 events a year.
Kerr spearheaded several Alumni Association initiatives, including the Alumni Student Recruitment Program, the alumni networking system, and the University parents’ program.
He also initiated the Ignatian Awards, which recognize alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service to others, and established the Alumni Family Scholarship Program that provides more than 100 scholarships every year to undergraduates who are related to alumni.
“Jerry knew all the alumni like they were family,” said Bob Watanabe ’70, M.S. ’87, president of the Santa Clara University alumni board. “He cared about them, listened to what they had to say, and was instrumental in making alumni feel they were a part of the large Santa Clara family.”
Kerr’s five sons, John ’86, Matthew ’88, Brian ’89, Michael ’92, and Gregg ’95 are all Santa Clara University graduates, and his wife, Jean, is an honorary member of the class of 1995.