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Board of Fellows

For over 55 years, the SCU Board of Fellows has been raising funds for the University through the Annual Golden Circle Theatre Party. The success of Santa Clara’s largest (and only black-tie) fundraiser has always been centered on making some friends while raising some money.

These devoted individuals made it their mission to raise funds for the school to continue the tradition of excellence at Santa Clara University. With this tradition in mind, they hosted the first ever Golden Circle Theatre Party in 1967. The Hollywood-style gala, complete with big name entertainers, was focused on increasing the University’s endowment. Today, the tradition continues, making the Golden Circle Theatre Party one of the most spectacular and successful fundraisers in the Santa Clara Valley.

Over the years, the Santa Clara University Board of Fellows has grown from 35 to 175 members and has raised close to $30 million for the University. The Board is a diverse group of men and women united in their common goal to increase the community’s awareness and understanding of Santa Clara University while continuing to raise funds for the University endowment. Board members are just as proud of carrying on Fr. Schmidt’s challenge to be "friend-raisers!"

   

A Message from the Chair

 

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 56th year of the Board of Fellows! We start this new "Golden Circle year" with optimism, gratitude, and relief. While we adjusted to the new normal of zoom conferences, social distancing, and masks, we are hopefully ready to return to the old normal of in-person gatherings, trips, and, of course, the Annual Golden Circle Theatre Party.

I am honored to be chairing such a special group of individuals. Your dedication and support are reflected in the $2.4 million dollars we raised this past year. It is humbling to hear that our commitment to the Heritage Fund helped 239 students during the 2021-2022 academic year.

The Board of Fellows will soon be entering our final year of a 5-year challenge to raise $5 million for student scholarships and to the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation. I am confident that we will meet our goal of 100% participation before its completion in 2022.

I look forward to this next year as we work together supporting the students of Santa Clara University and planning for the 56th Annual Golden Circle Theatre Party, scheduled for January 29, 2022.

Warm regards,

Larry Biggam

Chair, Board of Fellows 2021-2022