Santa Clara University Board of Trustees Chairman Robert J. Finocchio, Jr. Ends Successful Six-Year Run
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 5, 2015 — Robert J. Finocchio, Jr., a veteran Silicon Valley executive, investor, and director of numerous technology companies, will complete his term June 5 as chair of Santa Clara University’s Board of Trustees, where he has served for the past six years. He will remain a trustee on the 46-member board that steers strategies and priorities for the 164-year-old private University.
Finocchio ‘73, was formerly president, CEO and chairman of Informix. Prior to that he spent nine years at 3Com in various roles including president of 3Com Systems, as well as 10 years at ROLM Corp.
"Santa Clara University has benefited tremendously from the leadership of Bob Finocchio,” said Santa Clara University President Michael Engh, S.J. “He skillfully assisted in navigating the University through the 2008 financial crisis, led the launch of the comprehensive campaign, and provided wise counsel on American Jesuit higher education to Father General Adolfo Nicolas, S.J. At this historic juncture for the University, we thank Bob for steering Santa Clara toward a secure and promising future."
During his two three-year terms as chairman, Finocchio has helped fortify the university’s economic, academic, and strategic positioning, including:
*The development, approval and launch of the University’s multi-year strategic plan, Santa Clara 2020, which set a bold vision for the University with a transformational comprehensive campaign.
*Sound financial management, balanced budgets, and a strong financial position including growth of the University’s endowment from $528 million to its current $876 million.
*Continued growth and beautification of the campus, including completion of the Patricia A. and Stephen C. Schott Admission and Enrollment Services Building; University Villas residence halls, and the transformation of Palm Drive into a pedestrian walkway featuring the Abby Sobrato Mall.
*Groundbreaking on new buildings including the Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building and renovations to Stevens Stadium and Buck Shaw Field.
*Strong leadership in the recruitment of a new provost, chancellor, and vice presidents for enrollment management, finance and administration, and university relations.
*Trustee development and formation. More than half of the current trustees joined during his tenure, creating a more diverse board with increased representation of women, faith leaders, young professionals, experienced Silicon Valley executives, and others.
*Continued improvement in the caliber of students and faculty and in the University’s rankings, as well as the quality of the Santa Clara experience and the impact of Santa Clara on the world
“Serving as chair of Santa Clara’s Board of Trustees has been a tremendous honor and an exciting challenge,” said Finocchio. “I am confident that the new strategic plan has positioned Santa Clara University to achieve new levels of national and international prominence, while remaining true to the Jesuit values the world needs greatly right now."
Finocchio serves on the boards of Broadcom, Echelon, Nuance Communications, JustAnswer, Silver Peak, and Vistage International. He previously has served on the boards of 17 other companies, including Altera, Pinnacle and Sun Microsystems.
He became the chairman of Santa Clara University’s board in 2009, after having served nine years on the board and four years on the Board of Regents. He is a dean’s executive professor of management and holds a B.S. (magna cum laude) in economics from Santa Clara University and an MBA (Baker Scholar, with high distinction) from Harvard Business School.
A new chair will be announced shortly.
About Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located 40 miles south of San Francisco in California’s Silicon Valley, offers its more than 9,000 students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, and engineering; master’s degrees in business, education, counseling psychology, pastoral ministry, and theology; and law degrees and engineering Ph.D.s. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master’s universities, California’s oldest operating higher-education institution demonstrates faith-inspired values of ethics and social justice. For more information, see www.scu.edu.
Media Contact
Deborah Lohse | SCU Media Relations | dlohse@scu.edu | 408-554-5121