The magazine has highlighted numerous alumni who have had successful business careers after graduating from Santa Clara. However, few students—particularly sophomores—have enjoyed the level of success that Tyler Dikman has achieved at such a young age. The business student’s story highlights the opportunities available in today’s Internet age and shows that, despite running a $3 million-a-year business, he values the learning opportunities he has at SCU.
Innovation is a trait among Santa Clara professors as well, befitting the campus’ location in the heart of Silicon Valley. This year’s teaching excellence and curriculum innovation awards are testament to that fact. The Brutocao Family Foundation’s choices for faculty teaching awards—Classics Professor John Heath and Political Science Professor William Stover—are shown to be worthy recipients, according to students who draw inspiration from instructors for whom creativity is a hallmark.
Controversial Catholic theologian Hans Kung visited campus in April to discuss the concept of a global ethic and to tout his message of social responsibility. Kung took time out of his schedule to discuss his goals with alumna Rita Beamish ’74, a former Associated Press writer. See A Global Ethic for a Q&A with Kung and a recap of the SCU human rights conference that attracted notables such as former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and former defense secretary Robert McNamara.
This issue also includes a story about the University Ambassadors, a dedicated group of volunteers that helps recruit students to Santa Clara, and a piece on an innovative engineering class in which students from El Salvador study alongside their SCU counterparts remotely via the Internet and satellite television.
Our cover story showcases the many alumni who have served as mayors. This feature is part of the Alumni Heritage Series, which demonstrates how the common educational heritage of SCU alumni has translated into a commitment to improving their world.
Finally, thanks to those loyal readers who responded to our annual call for contributions. Every dollar that you donate is used to make the magazine the best that it can be. If you would like to make a gift, you may send it to the magazine at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 95053-1500.
Sincerely,
Adam Breen signature
Adam Breen, Editor