Memories of Father Locatelli

My Memries of Father Locatelli

jdmichel@pacbell.net (Diana Fuentes-Michel) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:56:00 PST

My sincere sympathies to Fr. Locatelli's family and the Jesuit Community on his passing. I had the opportunity to work with Fr. Locatelli as undersecretary and assistant secretary for higher education under Governor Davis. I always enjoyed my talks with Father. He was always supportive and provided excellent advice about any challenge I was facing. As a Jesuit graduate (LMU), we shared many of the same values and interest. I will miss Fr. Locatelli's warm smile of encouragement and our talks. Peace. I look to seeing you in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Memories

samdave@earthlink.net ( Sandy Shankman Prouty) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:55:00 PST

I only went to Santa Clara my senior year ('76) and, as I was a business major, had accounting each quarter. Because of my short time there, I only remember two teachers, one of them Fr. Locatelli. He stands out so clearly in my mind; such a great sense of humor, compassion and ability to relate to students immediately and with warmth. He was the reason I was going to major in accounting (I didn't, as I decided to follow my passion of dance). It's interesting that I received the SCU magazine, as I never have before. For me, it is fitting that it arrived today. Tomorrow is the eve of Yom Kippur, a holy day for my religion. During the memorial service, I will pay my respects to this wonderful man and give thanks that I, in my short time at SCU, had the privilege of being his student so often. Sandy Shankman Prouty

Happy Birthday

llocatelli@sbcglobal.net (Lydia Locatelli) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:52:00 PST

Here it is your birthday and we will celebrate without you. We, your family, will have dinner together tonight and celebrate your life. There will be tears and there will be laughs and remembrances. Our pain of losing you is still so fresh. I know it willl soften over time but for now, our hearts ache. We know you still watch over us. You have proven that already. You are still in charge of things. Thanks for loving us and always being there for us. We miss you.

Ahh... Paul, Why did you have to leave us? Why did you have to die?

tisnottoolatetoseekanewerworld@gmail.com (John) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Ahh...Paul! Why did you have to leave us? Why did you have to die? Hearing the sad news today has put me in mind of the aching Irish melancholy felt all over Ireland after the murder by Cromwell's agents of the beloved Irish Chieftain, Owen Roe O'Neill: "Sagest in the council was he, kindest in the Hall: Sure we never won a battle - 'twas Owen won them all. Soft as woman's was your voice, O'Neill, bright was your eye. Oh! why did you leave us, Owen? Why did you die Your troubles are all over, you're at rest with God on high: But we're slaves, and we're orphans, Owen! - why did you die? We're sheep without a shepherd, when the snow shuts out the sky - Oh! why did you leave us, Owen? Why did you die?" Rest in peace my good and gentle priest and thank you for oh so much!

Convenience Store Cashier

mdelong@gmail.com (Marc) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:59:00 PST

I remember how personable Fr. Locatelli was. Every so often he would man the register on certain evenings, at the convenience store in downstairs Benson. I think it was called "Down Under." Back then I was easily intimidated meeting someone of his authority in such a casual environment. Yet he was surprisingly approachable... Years later I saw him again at a conference, and again he was inspiring as a mentor and yet very easy to talk to as a peer. He even remembered me. I feel blessed to have met him, and thankful for all he did to shape the school that shaped my life. The world is a better place for the leadership he gave to all associated with the Santa Clara community. In a planet full of people, one person is merely a drop of water into the vast sea, yet Fr. Locatelli's drop of water made a measurable difference in elevating the quality of the world's "oceans." He will be missed, but can never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the lives of all those who go after him.

Paul Locatelli, S.J.

jeff@therecordfamily.com (Jeffery A. Record) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:58:00 PST

Dear Father Locatelli,

I know you will hear me, and I need you to know how gratetful I am for the time you took to help me each and every instance I would knock at your door. Me, just an odd and obscure alumni of Santa Clara University from what are now the "olden days." I was never turned away. You were there to help me in advising me through the admissions process of my son into Santa Clara, even when you knew that ultimately he would choose another school. You were there for me when my Swig Hall room mate, and a former employee of the university was so terribly ill to inquire about his progress, and to comfort the ones keeping vigil for him. It is true all that they say about you Father Paul, that you touched so many lives, even in the most gentle and most subtle ways of reaching out, you never ignored any of us. None of us were too low for you to speak to, or to be bothered by. It is with a great heart felt loss that I say good bye to you, as there is no finer example of what a Santa Clara educator could be, no better representative of the Society of Jesus, of the Catholic faith, of a human being, of a man, and yes, perhaps most importantly of all, a friend to a man like me whom you would never even know. God rest your soul Father Locatelli. Your good work here is done, and our Lord has called you home to heaven. You are missed.

With deepest respect,

Jeffery A. Record B.A.,

Philosophy, Santa Clara University 1976

Thank You, Paul

francpa@fran-fisher.com (Fran Fisher) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:57:00 PST

As I sat at Paul's funeral, I wondered if anyone present had not been touched in some personal way by Fr Paul Locatelli. My story..when I was in the MBA program, one of my accounting professors suggested that I might want to drop out of the program because it was very doubtful that anyone would hire me in the accounting profession as a women of 35. I dropped out of the program. The next day I felt lost...all of my goals were gone. The follwing day I called Paul and explained that I had made a terrible mistake. He listened and kindly said 'don't worry about a thing, just plan to go back to classes tomorrow". Paul was able to see beyond rules and formalities...he had me back in the program the following day. I graduated with an MBA, got my CPA certificate and still have a CPA practice today at age 67. Thank you, Paul!!

LETTERS

maryetbader@yahoo.com (Mary Terry Bader) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:03:00 PST

The first letter that I wrote you was to congratulate you on becoming the President of Santa Clara University. Through the years I have written you many letter telling you how great I felt that the University was doing because of your outstanding leadership. After the new Avenue was put in my daughter, an alum, said to me Mom it really looks like a Major Univeristy now. You and I have always known that. To be an acqaintance of yours and a letter writing friend had been a pleasure for me. You were a kind, compassionate man who took time with everyone - students, faculty, donors, ordinary people. You brought this university into the future with your brilliant leadership. Thank you. You will be missed.

Memories

rossdakin@gmail.com (Ross Dakin) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:02:00 PST

My favorite memory of Fr. Locatelli was when we crossed paths walking back toward the Jesuit residence (by Henry's) from Malley one night. He didn't know who I was, but we casually chatted for 5-10 minutes. Eventually we got on the topic of relationships and he asked me, "So when are you going to get married?" I replie...d, "Hey, when are YOU going to get married?" We both laughed, and he said he was too far past that. Second favorite memory: discovering Italian food recipes on his official SCU "Office of the President" website. Way to keep things in perspective! Rest peacefully. You are deeply missed.

With and Love

RQuintanarS@yahoo.com (Rosalinda Quintanar) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:00:00 PST

I will forever be grateful to Father Locatelli. Many years ago, I admired his courage and vision when he protested the political situation in El Salvador. It was not the popular position, but Father Locatelli was a man of integrity. He was such a role model for me. Later, my son entered Santa Clara University, he was again a great role model and a mentor. Even though Father Locatelli was so busy, he always took time to respond to my letters and inquiries. He was so loving - God Bless him! Dios lo Bendiga a este hombre tan magnifico. Father Locatelli is greater than life.

Leadership Lessons

jnadler@scu.edu (Judy Nadler) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:38:00 PST

In addition to working with Father Locatelli at Santa Clara University, I had the privilege of serving with him on the board of directors of the American Leadership Forum (ALF). When he served as the chair of the board, he was practical as well as visionary, a strong but very inclusive leader. Several years later I was selected to serve in the same position, during a time of much change in the organization --we were in the wake of the dot-com crash while launching a major fundraising campaign. I drew upon Father Locatelli's leadership lessons and his commitment to the greater community. I was reminded of the importance of relationships, and the need for patience. Father Locatelli will be remembered as an extraordinary university president, but his good work and positive influence went far beyond our adobe walls.

Remembering Fr. Locatelli

mgcolby@sbcglobal.net (Marygrace Colby) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:18:00 PST

In 1963, the University hired me to "direct and instruct young women in recreational and athletic pursuits, as they did for men, but tastefully, of course." With limited facilities and a $100 budget, I entered a thirty-two year adventure at Santa Clara. When I arrived, there were only three women faculty and administative staff and women students had been on campus just a few years. I was fortunate to be there in the beginning of building what has become one of the top women's intercollegiate athletic programs in NCAA, Division I. It is hard to believe, that in 1962, Paul Locatelli had just started his journey to becoming a priest, a teacher, a Dean, Academic Vice President and eventually the President of Santa Clara. When he became president, we all knew he was an avid runner and those of us in the Athletic Department knew he really wanted athletics to succeed. He decisions may have caused controversy, but athletic programs would not be where they are today without his real concern for student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the courts and fields. A Tradition of Excellence in Athletics (A Pat Malley quote), still exists today because of Father Locatelli's influence. Also, without this special influence, new athletic facilities would not exist. I became an alumnus of Santa Clara, when I received a Masters degree in Educational Administration, in 1991. Fr. Locatelli made a special effort to congratuate me. I have had the special pleasure of tasting his cooking. Since I retired in 1995, I have continued to follow not only athletics, but the entire University. On my visits, Father Locatelli was often present at special athletic events, that meant so much to all of us who were involved, whether staff or students. He always took a special interest in our individual lives. As I was on campus the week he passed away, I was able to visit the new Paul Locatelli Student Activity Center and pay my respects to him for making my years at Santa Clara the experience of a lifetime. We have all lost someone we will remember the rest of our lives. Marygrace Colby, Director of Women's Athletics/Director of Athletic Department Academics and Eligibility, 1963-1995

Fr. Locatelli reached out to me and helped me pay for my SCU education...

smlopez@scu.edu (Sergio Lopez) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:49:00 PST

Fr. Locatelli represents everything that is good about a Santa Clara education – an education that I would not have completed had it not been for his boundless generosity. If my memory does not fail me, I was a junior at SCU around 1990. During that time, the University was making a concerted effort to become a more welcoming place for minorities, way ahead of many other similar institutions. Fr. Locatelli had extended an invitation to the entire SCU family to participate in an open forum. Faculty, staff and students congregated in the Mayer Theatre, and everyone who wanted to speak had a chance to do so through an open mic. All topics were fair game. I remember speaking with passion because I was crying, naming some shortcomings and all that I loved about Santa Clara. My family was going through some financial turmoil and, in a way, I was saying good bye to my dear SCU because we could no longer afford my schooling here. In the bigger context of my speech, this was but an unintended, short and passing phrase. Little did I know that Fr. Locatelli had honed in on it, and so next day I received a call to my dorm room from the President himself. He said he wanted to see me. A bit worried that I had offended anyone during my moments of passion the previous day, I hurried to his office, taming my morning hair as I crossed the campus. He received me with a hug, and from the moment I stepped into his office, his attention was focused on me 100%. He wanted me to elaborate on some of the things I had mentioned, and I did that to the best of my ability. It was a short, but meaningful visit. On my way out, Father Locatelli smiled and said to me, almost as an afterthought, “Sergio, stop by the financial office and tell them you’re coming next semester and next year. Tell them to call me if they have any questions.” And with that, I became another fortunate recipient of a Santa Clara education, one that has blessed me in countless ways. Today, more than ever, I remember his smile, a smile that melted me and strengthened me at the same time, a smile that called me to a higher purpose. Today, as a Santa Clara University employee, I am proud to be a Santa Claran through and through. I am proud of my Jesuit education and my call to service. Thank you, Dear Fr. Locatelli, for the very personal legacy you left me. May you rest in the presence of our Lord. Lovingly, Sergio Lopez Communications Specialist Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL

RYANHUBRIS@GMAIL.COM (RYAN HOANG HUBRIS 1992) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:59:00 PST

So many wonderful things have been said and shared about you already... I just want to say that you have truly touched and changed my life. Thanks for making a difference in my life! You will be missed.

Accounting/ROTC Supporter

eldon.regua@us.army.mil (Eldon Regua) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:58:00 PST

Father Locatelli was a great supporter of ROTC in 1975 when he first came to SCU. He would come out on Wednesdays(day off back then) and watch us ROTC Cadets perform our Army duties to include marching in the parking lot. As a cost accounting professor, he helped out us slower students to ensure we met the mark. An all around great guy, he will surely be missed. Thank you for reading.. Major General Eldon P. Regua US Army Reserve Class of 1977

Father Locatelli

dfowler2828@msm.com (Paddie Fowler) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:43:00 PST

I had the privilege of working with Fr. Locatelli at SCU in the '80s and can honestly say that he was the best part of my five years there. What a gift he was to us all.

My Last Conversation with Paul

jkoch@scu.edu (Jim Koch) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:42:00 PST

My Last Conversation with Paul Locatelli, S.J. My last conversation with Paul was on May 13 at a reception following the Center for Science, Technology, and Society Advisory Board. As Secretary for Jesuit Higher Education he was on the Board of the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools, an association with ninety-two member Jesuit universities around the world. The meetings this year were in the Philippines and I asked if he would be going to Manila. In his quiet voice he said, “No, I won’t be going this year.” In reflecting on his keynote at Fordham two years earlier I recalled how much he had inspired this group. Paul led by vision and example. In his leadership and love of Santa Clara he was tireless and personified for me the Hebrews 12: 1 verse. . . “let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” By coincidence I had been asked to speak at the Manila meetings and to host a round table discussion on the Jesuit network and social entrepreneurship, so I took the red eye from SFO to Manila on the evening following Paul’s Mission Gardens memorial. At these meetings there were several heartfelt references to Paul and the hopes that animated his work as Secretary of Jesuit Higher Education. In conjunction with the April meetings of Jesuit leaders that he organized in Mexico City a news release from the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities quoted Paul as saying, “Learning in a global context is the future, and as the only global network of higher education in the world, Jesuit higher education should seize this opportunity and at the same time, accept its responsibility for helping to fashion a more humane, just and sustainable world for all.” Paul’s spirit is alive across this campus and around the world. We are all truly blessed to have traveled with him and by his vision and example for the race that is before us.

Remembering Paul

dotcakes95@yahoo.com (Dorothy Giammona) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:40:00 PST

Fr. Paul graduated from the business school at Santa Clara in 1960 along with my husband Bill Giammona. I remember Paul from the class reunions. When our daughter Donna ('86) was a student at SCU he was vice-president; when our son David ('89) attended he became president. He had the vision for a greater Santa Clara University and we saw it happen. I remember his smile in every meeting. God bless him; we were blessed in knowing him

That wonderful Smile

bhenschke@me.com (Bernhard Henschke '58) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:39:00 PST

While my short saying got into the other Guest Book, I do want to say a few words about mine and my wife Gigi's wonderful relationship with Father Paul. While I can't claim a close relationship, we had the privilege to chat with him at Presidents Circle and other gatherings throughout the years. Our student days overlapped, but we did not meet then. My wife and I lived in , what I called, Fertility Village. I don't think Father Paul would have allowed sheet metal barracks on campus in later years. At one of the more recent meetings, he found my 1950 Bronco Jacket interesting with the bucking Bronco on the back (I had 4 years US Navy between Sophomore and Junior years). My treasure is that picture of Father Paul and myself plus his cardboard effigy. That wonderful smile! I believe one of the brothers has a copy. As so many of the eulogists indicated, he is now, no doubt, busy up there making the path to where he is easier for the rest of us. I have been telling my wife, whom I lost last year, to keep a sharp lookout for Father Paul. A great man in every possible way. Thank God!

A global visionary

frank.brennan@acu.edu.au (Fr Frank Brennan SJ) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:38:00 PST

I was about to celebrate an early morning mass with the Jesuit novices in Dili, East Timor when news came through of Paul’s death. How appropriate it was to be commemorating his life, his achievements and his very self there in one of the poorest countries in the world, with a group of young people being formed and educated in a faith that does justice. I received the news just a few feet away from the graves of two Jesuits massacred during the 1999 uprising in East Timor. Tonight I have discovered the funeral mass on the Internet and prayed belatedly with you all there in the mission gardens. Thanks to Michael McCarthy for the wonderful homily and to all who contributed to such a celebratory liturgy. No doubt much of the technology permitting such access was invented in Silicon Valley. I was privileged to use Paul’s room when there at Santa Clara for a couple of months – so generous was he in sharing all he had. In recent years, we met annually in Rome for the intellectual and tertiary apostolate meeting. Rome was a difficult appointment for him, given not only his love for Santa Clara but also his passion to be on the ground mixing daily with students, faculty and staff. A man of simple faith with a passion for justice, he was not much interested in the pomp, circumstance and clerical hierarchy of Rome. But he got on, practically doing the job at hand, never complaining even though by last October he was having to take breaks, lying on the floor during our meeting at the Jesuit Curia. The Mexico conference was the fulfillment of so much he dreamed of for Jesuit higher education, and yet it was just a beginning – a very bold beginning which could be ushered in only by one of Paul’s experience, passion, groundedness, romanticism and global vision. He was a wonderful Jesuit friend – a deft mentor, a warm encourager, and a no-nonsense director. Thanks to all of you at Santa Clara who were not only shaped by him; you gave him vision and purpose. I daresay you received many requests for service of the mission from him similar to the one I received just before the Mexico conference commenced: “Here is my request... in anticipation of your saying yes, thank you.” I daresay that is the way God asked him always, and to the end. Be assured that Paul is missed as a loving brother even down under here in Australia, and he will continue to inspire Jesuits and our apostolic partners throughout the world. May he rest in peace, and may we not rest until we too have spent our all in the pursuit of the vision of an educated, just world reflecting God’s love for a