What makes this year so special?
What makes this year so special?
On April 27, 1881, a group of alumni gathered on campus to give something back to Santa Clara for “her maternal care and substantial benefits.” Our alumni association was born. Now, 125 years later, we celebrate the gifts we have received, the bonds of fellowship we have forged, and the gifts we have bestowed on Santa Clara in our gratitude.
During these years we have come together to rekindle friendships, and to share heartwarming memories of the history that we keep alive through the stories we tell.
My Santa Clara story
My story is like many others I have heard from the Santa Clara family. My grandfather lived in O’Connor Hall as a student, although he wasn’t able to graduate because he joined the Marines during World War II. His fallen classmates are commemorated in the foyer of the Mission Church. My grandfather went on to raise eight children, six of whom attended Santa Clara. Five of his grandchildren have become Broncos, as well—with many more on the way.
My parents met at Santa Clara and were married in 1972, the summer after they graduated. Three years later, my father graduated from Santa Clara’s School of Law. And last year, exactly 30 years after my father, I, too, earned my law degree from Santa Clara.
My years as an undergraduate, as a resident minister, as an active alumnus, and as a law student, have given so many wonderful memories. Like my father, I met my wife here. Sharon (Frazier) ’01, M.A. ’03, and I each have two degrees from SCU and we stay connected to the University through the Alumni Association.
All of us who have spent time on campus and walked through Santa Clara’s classrooms and gardens are part of a larger family. I have been privileged to be a member of that family, to share in many dinners and events, awards, and community service projects with Alumni for Others; and for the past year I have been privileged to serve as president of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
A vision of the Alumni Association
For 125 years we have gathered to share our gifts, to tell our stories, and to be symbols of our Ignatian values within our communities. Building community is our gift—as great citizens, men and women of faith, and men and women for others.
Very truly yours,
Joseph M. Goethals ’99, J.D. ’05