Joan Lipscomb M.A. ’65 lived a life guided by faith and a deep commitment to others. She began her journey as a devoted sister of the Holy Cross, teaching in Catholic schools for 15 years before following a new path to the business world. In San Francisco, while working at a real estate firm, Joan […]
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REALITY CHECKUsing VR to battle workplace adversity

Whether coaching youth teams in San Jose and Austin, cheering from the sidelines, or simply offering one of his famous hugs, Angel Diaz ’99 poured his whole heart into uplifting those around him. His story with Alma Rosa Parra ’01 began as a friendship sparked by shared family ties and daily greetings that blossomed into […]
Read more..Nicknamed “the sweetest man,” George Coppinger MBA ’69 was known for his kind and gentle spirit. While earning his MBA, he met his other half, Cynthia Coppinger M.A. ’72, a partnership that would grow into 59 beautiful years of marriage. George dedicated 39 years of his career to National Semiconductor, where he served as director […]
Read more..At 17, Douglas Reutzel MBA ’66 joined the Wyoming Army National Guard and served in Korea from 1950 to 1952 with the 300th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Later on, he became a dedicated CFO for several major companies and later a college instructor and SBA volunteer. Doug also gave back through reading programs, grant writing, […]
Read more..James Passadori ’77 spent childhood swimming with his brothers and vacationing in Santa Cruz. After graduating from SCU, Jim returned to Atwater to join the family business, dedicating over 40 years before retiring. Jim and Debi married in 1978 and built a loving, laughter-filled home with their children, Ryan and Diana Passadori ’03, J.D ’06. […]
Read more..Melissa Magner ’20 has been recognized with the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Award (IRDA) in the new adult category for her newest book, Of the Sun and Sea. Her novel is a fantasy adventure that doubles as a powerful metaphor for grief and mental health. The IRDAs spotlight standout independent books and help connect them with […]
Read more..Sally Menti ’24 has signed a multi-year contract extension with Seattle Reign FC, keeping the midfielder with the professional women’s soccer team through the 2027 season. Menti helped lead the Broncos to the 2020 NCAA Championship and earned multiple All-West Coast Conference honors during her collegiate career. Internationally, Menti was called into training camp with […]
Read more..While attending the San Francisco Giants’ World Series victory parade in 2010, Mike Ford ’11 was struck by the unity sports could create. That spark led him into sports marketing, with roles at Senda Athletics, the San Francisco 49ers, Stanford Athletics, and the San Jose Sharks, all while earning a master’s in sports management from […]
Read more..Sowmya Ayyar ’00 recently released her debut book, my India, with the Indology publisher Motilal Banarsidass. The collection of 64 poems is a lyrical exploration of India’s people, places, eras, philosophies, cultures, and music. It blends ancestral memory with personal reflection. Through verse, Ayyar paints a vivid portrait of India as both a physical place […]
Read more..Frank Yip J.D. ’74 has been in the sports representation industry since his graduation. Frank was the first Chinese American to be certified as an agent by the NFL Players Association. During his career, he has advised players, coaches, and NFL upper management in regards to contracts, investments for retirement, and income tax planning. Since […]
Read more..A devoted educator, Patrick La Place ’86 held roles as dean of students and dean of instruction at various colleges and always made time to return to the classroom as a teach. Patrick’s soul came alive through music. He was a gifted performer, a passionate student of rock and jazz history, and a radio DJ. […]
Read more..Known as “Pop-e” to his grandchildren, Stephen Allario ’67 brought warmth, strength, and humor to every role—father, grandfather, coach, and friend. After graduation, Steve went on to serve his country as a Navy officer and Vietnam veteran aboard the USS Holmes County. Upon returning to civilian life, Steve ran the family business, Sunnyvale Hardware & […]
Read more..Annie Karich ’26 has signed with Boston Legacy FC as the club’s first-ever player ahead of its inaugural 2026 season with the National Women’s Soccer League. After making 36 appearances over two seasons with FC Freiburg in Germany, Karich now brings her talent and experience to Boston for an exciting new chapter. During her collegiate […]
Read more..Ricardo Lopez ’73 married his high school sweetheart, Vera Dagnino, in 1971, and they shared 53 years of marriage. Ricardo spent over 30 years providing compassionate care through his private practice and later as medical director at Gardner Health Center in San Jose. He was an avid guitar player and a lifelong fan of the […]
Read more..In Monte Sereno near Los Gatos, Robert Dench MBA ’65 and his wife, Mickey, created a warm, joyful home where they raised three daughters. Robert proudly served as a Naval pilot, flying A-4 Skyhawks, F-2H Banshees, and A-7 Corsairs, until 1970. After earning his MBA, his career flourished through his work as an engineer, entrepreneur, […]
Read more..Dylan Joyce MBA ’25 has been named a First Team Academic All-American, becoming Santa Clara University’s first recipient of the honor in 18 years and the first from the baseball program in 37 years. This prestigious national recognition caps a standout collegiate career marked by both academic and athletic excellence. Joyce previously earned Third Team […]
Read more..Jason LeValley M.A. ’93, a lifelong music enthusiast raised in Phoenix, has spent years immersed in California and Tucson’s creative scenes. He founded an award-winning independent radio station and, in 2021, launched Psychedelic Scene, an online publication celebrating psychedelic music, art, and culture. Serving as both editor and regular contributor, Jason channels his deep love […]
Read more..As the eldest of four daughters to a career naval officer, Mary Griffin ’63 filled her early years with travel and discovery. At Santa Clara, she found her voice in both the classroom and on stage, a passion she carried into her career as a dedicated teacher in Washington, D.C. After earning her master’s degree […]
Read more..Gary Malvini ’64, MBA ’66 shared 59 years with his wife, Marilou. Nothing brought Gary more joy than being a devoted father to his sons, Michael and Stephen, and a proud grandfather to his four grandchildren. Gary died in June 2025.
Read more..Jerry McFadden M.A. ’73 had a long and impactful career as a middle school English teacher. While teaching at Herman Intermediate School in San Jose, Jerry prepared thousands of students for success in high school and beyond, overseeing the school’s gifted and talented program and earning the district’s Teacher of the Year Award in 2000. […]
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