Building a Future: The Stevens' Trailblazing Philanthropy
For Mary ‘84 and Mark Stevens, the notion of “giving back” can take many forms. Their philanthropy has touched nearly every corner of campus, from world-class facilities like the Stevens Soccer Training Center and Stevens Stadium that herald the next era of Bronco Athletics greatness, to providing a warm and welcoming “hub” for campus life in the Locatelli Student Center. Their gifts have been integral to the success of the strategic planning process that led to Santa Clara’s campus transformation and the development of the new Schott Athletic Excellence Center (AEC).
The Stevens’ impact on campus throughout the campaign cannot be overstated. The time and investment they have committed to Santa Clara Athletics has led to a rise in national prominence and a championship-winning soccer program. The Stevens Academic Center in the AEC provides dedicated space, including study rooms and computer setups for our student-athletes to support their ability to excel in the classroom and stay on track academically. While the new AEC and Soccer Training Center look to the future, it also recognizes and honors the importance and history of sports played on that field—including many years of NCAA football and women’s and men’s soccer.
In addition to their philanthropy, Mary and Mark have served SCU in countless ways. Mary has been a Santa Clara’s Board of Trustees member since 2012. However, her service to SCU began much earlier–while playing on the women’s soccer team, she became an active participant in former President Fr. Paul Locatelli’s “President’s Athletic Commission.”
The Stevens’ financial contributions to Santa Clara during its first-ever billion-dollar fundraising campaign-–in addition to their decades of service—are a wonderful illustration of the Ignatian principle of “being men and women for others.” We are deeply grateful for their loyalty and generosity.