Santa Clara University

Staff Senate Statement of Purpose

The Staff Senate shall exist to contribute to the success of Santa Clara University, to the growth and welfare of its staff employees, and to the promotion of a positive and supportive work environment. As a constituent organization, along with the Faculty Senate and Associated Students, the Staff Senate shall operate as a recognized part of the University governance system to provide a forum for open communication and ongoing dialogue among staff and between staff and administration. The Staff Senate shall be a consultative and deliberative body with authority to make recommendations on all matters which have a significant bearing on the working environment of the staff. The Staff Senate, through its elected representatives, will serve as the official nominating body for staff appointments to administrative committees, and for other task forces and search committees as requested.

For more information visit the Staff Senate Website at: http://www.scu.edu/governance/staffsenate/

Volunteer Opportunities for Staff

Linen Drive:   We are sponsoring a linen drive May 31 - June 3. We will also be collaborating with Housing to collect linens from students who donate them during "Student Move Out Week" which runs the following week.  

We are collecting:

• New or gently used Sheets (any size) and pillowcases
• New or gently used comforters, covers or blankets (any size)
• Also needed are twin pillows and mattress pads but they can ONLY accept these two items in NEW condition for hygienic reasons
• New or gently used wash cloths and towels
• New or gently used kitchen clothes and towels
• New (not used) travel sized OR regular sized personal items (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.) 

If you would like to donate, collection bins are located in three different locations for ease of dropping off your contributions:  1)  Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; Loyola Hall (south entrance)  2) Benson East lobby  or 3) Alumni Relations, Donohoe Alumni House.   In Benson and Loyola look for the "green bins".  Alumni's bin is red and the students at the welcome desk will be able to take your donation.

We are collecting for three organizations:  HomeSafe (women and children's shelter); Inn Vision (umbrella organization serving a number of satellite shelters in the Bay Area and Sacred Heart center.  All shelters cannot accept some of the items but one of the three can use each of the items on the list.

For questions relating to the above event please email Marquita Coe mcoe@scu.edu

Staff Profile

The Santa Clara University community if full of special people with unique and outstanding qualities that help make SCU a great place to work. If you know of anyone that should be highlighted for the next issue, please send your nominations to Susan Babbel, chair of the Staff Senate Communications Committee (Sbabbel@scu.edu).

Name: Daryn Baker

Title:Lab Manager, Biology Department

Phone / Email:408-554-4678 / dpbaker@scu.edu

Length of SCU Employment: 10 years

Born & Lived: Born in Santa Clara and raised in West San Jose, I grew up here in the South Bay until 1999. I moved to Japan for a couple of years and currently live in Santa Clara, which makes my commute to work a pleasant, short one. 

Education: Attended/Graduated: Country Lane Elementary, Rogers Middle School, Prospect High School, and De Anza College. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology at San Jose State University (1999).

Early Life: I have one brother who lives in Redwood City and my parents still live in West San Jose at the same house I was raised in.  My brother bought an Atari Computer in the late 70s so at an early age, I discovered that I liked playing with computers. While attending S.J.S.U., I worked at Comp U.S.A., where I enjoyed working as a computer technician.

Family: Married with no children.  We are proud owners of Mr. Cooper and Serenity, two foster kitties (one was our own foster, the other was somebody else's foster) which ended up being part of our family. We are huge cat lovers!  I met my wife in Japan and while living there I developed a deep respect and love of the culture, history, and people.  When able to vacation there, we enjoy spending time with family and friends. 

Favorite Books/Series: Entire Harry Potter series, J.R.R. Tolkien collection, and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

In My Spare Time: I research modern Japanese history, including military aspects and both Japanese government and Japanese Red Cross awarded medals. I am specifically interested in research on medals of the Japanese Red Cross and hope to one day write a detailed book on the subject.  I am the current treasurer of the Golden State 2^nd Amendment Council, a local San Jose (Santa Clara County) grassroots organization, with a California-oriented focus on Second Amendment rights.

Personal Philosophy:I like to be challenged.  I think work challenges are good things that engage employees to do their best.  I think it is fun to come to work every day and love the personal connection between the faculty, staff, and students with whom I work.  I definitely see the SCU Biology Department growing and going places in the future.

Greetings,

The purpose of the Staff Senate Newsletter is to inform SCU staff of current events and issues. In this issue one can find information regarding:

*Volunteer Opportunities for Staff

*A Profile of an Outstanding Staff member at SCU

*Purpose of the Staff Senate

Thank You Santa Clara!

The Easter Celebration at HomeSafe was great fun for everyone. The mothers and children left the party with smiles on their faces and a balloon and Easter treat box or bag in their hands. The event would not have been successful without the help of the many volunteers who donated their time and monetary gifts. Thank you for your participation!