SCU grads depart for real world
More than 1,250 undergraduates celebrate their degrees from ‘a hard place to leave’
SANTA CLARA — There must be 5,000 dollar bills plastered to the ceiling of a bar called The Hut, pinned up over the years by proud Santa Clara University graduates. And shortly after sunrise Saturday morning, it was the class of 2016’s turn to add a few more bucks.
The student hangout opened at 6 a.m. for its annual “Dads and Grads” event, quickly drawing a packed house of celebrants on their way to the undergraduate commencement ceremony just across Alviso Street in the college’s soccer stadium.
Brooke Latham, 22, and her father, Chuck, were among those toasting the big day.
In the past four years, Brooke has learned Arabic, majored in political science and is heading off to Guatemala to work with a group of socially conscious entrepreneurs on such projects as improving water quality in the poor Central American country.
Santa Clara University encourages a culture of service to society and its most disadvantaged members.
Brooke’s dad was celebrating her achievements — and what may be a new lease on life for him.
“I got a raise today,” he quipped with a big smile, referring to no longer having to pay her tuition. The Parker, Colorado, resident plans to use the extra funds to build his wine collection.
More than 1,250 undergraduates clad in the traditional black cap and gown — and bright red sashes — got their degrees Saturday. The crowd filled the soccer field and about half of the bleachers.
Among the grads was Beverly Olivo, a senior administrative assistant at the university’s business school.
She graduated from De Anza community college years ago with an associate degree, then worked and took care of her two kids.
The classes at SCU were free because she works there, but Olivo took only one class per quarter, finally earning a bachelor’s in religious studies.
“It took me nine years,” she said. “I’m 57, and I feel ridiculous.”
Another class of ’16 graduate, Maggie Asher, isn’t sure what she wants to do now that college is over. But the communications and English major isn’t worried.
“I live with 11 other girls’’ near campus, said the 22year-old Asher. “It’s our little family and they’re always sending me job ads.’’
Sergio Sicre, also 22, is excited to finally be able to pursue his lifelong dream.
“I’m going to start my own restaurant,” probably serving Mexican food, he said confidently.
“I’ve worked in nine different restaurants and done a lot of cooking already,” he said. First, however, he will spend the summer in Los Angeles caring for his older brother who has colon cancer.
The commencement speech was delivered by Carolyn Y. Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Charities, an international humanitarian agency.
She urged the graduating students to learn their ABCs: attentiveness to people; bravery, including the courage to apologize when they’re wrong; and compassion.
She advised them to really listen to people instead of simultaneously looking at their phones and other electronic devices.
“The person next to us is the holiest object,” she said, “and encounters are sacred.”
Volleyball team member Dani Rottman, 21, originally from Santa Barbara, said she is looking forward to her upcoming internship at a sports and recreation company that provides services to Google employees.
Still, graduating from the pristine green oasis with palm trees and shady paths is bittersweet.
“It’s a hard place to leave,” Rottman said.
“The person next to us is the holiest object, and encounters are sacred.” — Carolyn Y. Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Charities