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Donor Stories

The Stevens and Coach Jerry Smith

Building a Future: The Stevens' Trailblazing Philanthropy 

For Mary ‘84 and Mark Stevens, the notion of “giving back” can take many forms.

Solar Panels

A Bright Future: Jeff and Tina Bird's Legacy of Innovation

Santa Clara University’s trajectory continues to rise, thanks to the visionary commitment of Bronco parents Jeff and Tina Bird, staunch supporters of STEM education and the environment. 

Philanthropist, Stephen Finn

Championing Change: Stephen A. Finn's Impactful Philanthropy at Santa Clara University

From the epicenter of Silicon Valley, Stephen A. Finn believes in the importance of seizing opportunities whenever they arise. 

John and Susan Sobrato

Reflecting on Transformation: Gratitude for John A. '60, and Susan Sobrato

More than 6 years ago, John A. '60 and Susan Sobrato presented Santa Clara University with an historically transformative gift of $100 million, the largest in its century-plus history. 

Thane Kreiner and Steven Lovejoy

Thane Kreiner and Steven Lovejoy ’78 Announce $3.7 Million Estate Gift to Santa Clara

Providing flexibility for maintaining and innovating two impact programs at SCU.

Holly Kelly and Andy Lipsky

Empowering Neurodiversity at SCU

Parents Holly Kelly and Andy Lipsky Empower Neurodiversity at SCU Through the Office of Accessible Education 

David and Erin

Meet David ’01, ’05 J.D. and Erin ’01 Thompson, Santa Clara Fund Donors

Dedicated alums David and Erin are passionate about being Broncos, the Santa Clara Fund, and wanting to be the change they want to see.

Michele appears with her two daughters, Briana and Kayla

Meet Michele Barnett Gaskill, Santa Clara Fund Donor

Alumna, Consultant, Community Volunteer, and Mom, Michele Barnett Gaskill '02, lives her life in the Jesuit spirit.

Jacqueline Whitham

SCU Receives Its Largest Gift Ever for Collaborative Research

The Whitham Family Collaborative Research Awards Fund is being created through a $3.8 million gift from Santa Clara alumna Jacqueline Whitham ’21 and the Whitham Family Foundation of Colorado.

Dan ’70 and Sue White ’69

Meet Dan and Sue, Santa Clara Fund Donors

Math majors Dan ’70 and Sue White ’69 met in a theology class at SCU. Now retired, they returned to their passion for math—this time as volunteer teachers in local communities.

Michelle Etter

Meet Michelle Etter, Santa Clara Fund Donor 

Michelle knows firsthand how the memories she created as a Bronco influence her today, and this is one of the reasons why she supports current Broncos through the Santa Clara Fund. 

Liz Sullinger ’80

Continuing a Tradition of Philanthropy

For Liz Sullinger ’80, giving back is a way of life. From door-to-door collections in her youth to supporting education around the world as an adult, she is carrying on a tradition she learned from her mother.

Annamarie Marsh Louie

Helping Future Teachers Transform Lives

Financial aid kept Annamarie Marsh Louie '91 BA, '98 MA at Santa Clara University when her family faced hard times her freshman year. Years later, she is fortunate to pay it forward for students pursuing teaching, just like her.

Dianne Bonino

Helping Students for a Better Future

The time and treasure Dianne Bonino ’76 has invested to promote the University’s mission and support our students is a testament to her faith in Jesuit education.

Sheri Sobrato Brisson

Leading Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Sheri Sobrato Brisson M.A. ’94, and Eric Brisson have funded the largest endowed chair in the history of SCU.

Brendon Bula

Brendon Bula ’09 is on a mission to pay it forward

Supporting students so someday they can expand the potential for many others.

John A. ’60 and Susan Sobrato

$100M Gift Establishes Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation

John A. ’60 and Susan Sobrato’s gift creates the single most transformational project in University history.

Karla De La Torre

Finding a Home

Karla De La Torre ’09, J.D. ’14 gives back to her community of Santa Clara Law School undocumented students.

John Farnsworth

Setting the Next Generation Up for Success and Sustainability

For retired faculty member, John Farnsworth, including the University in his estate plan was the perfect way to extend his devotion to sustainability and climate neutrality at SCU.

Greenie and Donald Van Buren

Engineering the Future

When Greenie Van Buren '71, '78 M.S. left Hong Kong to attend SCU, she was welcomed and equipped with the skills to succeed in engineering. Now retired, she and her husband, Donald ’70, give back to help other engineering students.

Larry Ankuda

A Way to Say Thank You

Larry Ankuda MBA ’75 and his family wanted to do something not just for the University, but for a student.

Solar Panels

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Half of Jeff and Tina Bird's $10 million investment supports new solar panel initiative; energy cost savings will be reinvested into campus sustainability plan.