Student Profiles

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - James Andre ’25

James "Jimmy" Andre ’25 knows exactly why he chose to come to SCU: "SCU is a top-tier academic institution - particularly in the area of business, which I am focusing on - and it is a place rooted in the Jesuit tradition and Catholic faith.”

Growing up in Pleasanton, CA, Jimmy’s connection to SCU runs deep. His father and both of his father’s siblings attended the university. "My first SCU memory is from my early childhood when the whole family would go to campus to picnic and relax in the mission gardens. My siblings, cousins, and I would toss a frisbee or football around and sometimes we would climb to the top floor of St. Joseph’s Hall to look out the window down onto the gardens," he recalls.

Jimmy’s favorite class at SCU has been FNCE 135: Applied Investment Management. "I worked in a team throughout the quarter to manage a fund in an investment competition. I enjoyed getting experience trading real-world securities and applying the concepts I have learned in all my previous business classes," he shares. This hands-on experience has solidified his passion for finance and his desire to pursue a career in Silicon Valley.

Choosing finance as his major was a natural decision for Jimmy, driven by his strong interest in financial markets and economics. His involvement in Club Baseball has also been a significant part of his SCU journey. "Last year, I helped found the club along with three other students, and we had a strong first year. This has been an extremely meaningful experience because it has given me the opportunity to build something that will continue long after I graduate. We’re trying to build a culture of brotherhood and a program that will be competitive for regional and national titles every year," he says.

Looking ahead, Jimmy aims to pursue a successful career in finance, applying the analytical skills and knowledge he has gained at SCU to make impactful financial decisions for businesses. "SCU has helped put me in a position to achieve this goal through not only the classes but also the relationships I have formed with my professors and fellow students. I have learned Jesuit values that I hope to bring to my career, improving and helping businesses grow while lifting people up along the way," he shares.

While Jimmy has not formed personal relationships with the Jesuits on campus, he appreciates their homilies at the weekly 8:00 PM student masses, particularly those by Father Jack Treacy and Father Robert Scholla. The impact of receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has been profound for Jimmy and his family. "As one of four children, the Fr. Coz Scholarship has greatly helped my family and myself to be able to afford to attend Santa Clara," he notes.

Jimmy hopes to "pay it forward" by giving back to the Father Coz Scholarship after he graduates, keeping the legacy of Father Coz alive and helping as many students as possible. To the donors who support the scholarship, Jimmy expresses his heartfelt gratitude. "Your contributions have transformed my SCU experience and have helped me pursue my academic goals and career aspirations.”

Biography

Joseph "Joe" Andre ’26 chose Santa Clara University because of his deep family ties to the institution. "I have had a ton of family members attend Santa Clara, including my parents, so I was always on the campus as a kid and always knew that this is where I wanted to go," he says. His family connection to SCU includes his parents, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles, creating a strong legacy at the university.

Hailing from Pleasanton, CA, Joe's earliest memories of SCU are filled with attending baseball and basketball games with his parents and loving the campus atmosphere. These experiences solidified his desire to become a Bronco himself.

Joe’s favorite class at SCU so far has been Financial Management. "Finance is my major, and this was the first finance class that I had taken here, so this subject in particular really interests me," he explains. His fascination with finance began in high school when he got involved with stocks. Realizing that his childhood dream of becoming a professional baseball player wasn't panning out, he decided to pursue a career in finance.

At Santa Clara, Joe's favorite extracurricular activity has been Club Baseball. "I not only get to continue playing the sport that I love, but I also have had the opportunity to make so many friends and be a part of a really enjoyable group of guys," he shares. This experience has been significant for him, allowing him to stay connected to his passion for baseball while building lasting friendships.

Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has had a substantial impact on Joe's ability to attend Santa Clara. "The Father Coz Scholarship has meant so much for me and my family. I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of this special community and am incredibly grateful for the generosity that will allow me to receive a fantastic education at Santa Clara University,” he says. "The education that I have received at SCU is helping me to be able to secure a good job in the future and provide for my future family.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Chris Batuello ’25

Christopher Batuello '25 says he chose Santa Clara University for “its rigorous academics and the opportunity to play lacrosse for a prestigious university.” Hailing from Colorado, Christopher has found SCU to be an ideal environment for both academic and athletic growth.

Choosing to major in economics was a strategic decision for Christopher. "I chose to be an economics major because of the versatility of the degree. Economics applies to many career fields, so I won’t be stuck working a career that I do not enjoy and have the flexibility to pursue many paths," he shares. 

Despite his major, Christopher's favorite class at SCU has been Philosophy of Race, which he took as a freshman. "It was fairly difficult. It taught me how to work hard, think analytically, and how to persevere when I am confronted with an overwhelming workload," he recalls. This class has had a lasting impact on his approach to academics and problem-solving.

His academic pursuits are complemented by his passion for lacrosse, which has been a cornerstone of his SCU experience. "As a member of the lacrosse team, I get to compete with other teams all around the country and play with some of my closest friends," he notes.

Looking ahead, Christopher aims to make a significant impact on others, leveraging the tools and education he has received at SCU. "No matter what I do after graduation, I hope to have a significant impact on others the way Fr. Coz did. Attending SCU has equipped me with the tools necessary to do just that," he asserts.

Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has been a significant relief for Christopher and his family. "The Fr. Coz scholarship is a great privilege to my family and I that has helped ease the financial burden of attending college," he acknowledges. 

To the donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, Christopher extends his heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you for your generous donations. It really goes a long way for many of us students to be able to receive any kind of aid to attend school," he expresses.

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Nina Damjanac '25

Nina Damjanac ’25 chose Santa Clara University for its esteemed Jesuit education and the strong values and community that SCU embodies. "Getting a Jesuit education was important to me and my family, especially at a school as good as the Leavey School of Business," she explains. Hailing from San Jose, CA, Nina found SCU to be a place where she could grow academically and personally.

Though Nina doesn't have a direct family connection to SCU, her mother always envisioned her attending Santa Clara for its values of giving back and fostering community. "For as long as I remember, my mom wanted me to have access to the best education with the values of giving back and community instilled in me," she shares.

As a finance major, Nina's passion for math and numbers drew her to the Leavey School of Business. However, Nina’s favorite class at SCU has been her Theology of Marriage class. "We had so many interesting discussions with our professor and watched really interesting movies that we then analyzed and discussed from a theological perspective," she recalls. This class provided a unique blend of academic and personal exploration that Nina found deeply engaging.

Nina’s involvement in the Women’s Water Polo team has been a cornerstone of her SCU experience. "My teammates are some of my best friends, and I have loved getting to meet so many people every year. The connections I have made with my teammates will always stay with me," she says. These relationships have extended beyond the pool, as she shares a house with seven teammates who have become like family. "When I go home to my college house it is never empty, and you are never alone. We all come home wanting to hang out together and sit around and talk even if we just spent hours with each other at practices or in class," Nina adds.

Looking ahead, Nina aims to pursue a career in finance or accounting. "Being a student-athlete at the Leavey School of Business has helped me figure that out and equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills in time management and organization that I will keep with me in my career," she explains. She is confident that her SCU education, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in Finance, will set a strong foundation for her future.

Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has significantly impacted Nina’s ability to continue her education at SCU. "Receiving this scholarship has made a huge impact for me and my family and it has made it possible for me to finish my last year at SCU," she notes. Nina hopes to pay it forward by being an active part of and contributing to the SCU community, spreading joy, and sharing what it means to be a Bronco.

To the donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, Nina expresses her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much for giving back to the Santa Clara community and students like me, and making it possible for me to continue my education at such a wonderful school that I now call home.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Sergio Diaz '26

Sergio Diaz ’26 chose Santa Clara University primarily to follow in his mother's footsteps. "I wanted to attend the same university as my mom, as she told me about her experience," he says. He was also impressed by the School of Engineering during his first visit and received the best financial aid package from SCU, making it an easy choice.

Growing up in San Jose, CA, Sergio has long been familiar with the SCU atmosphere. His mother graduated from SCU in 2005, and the family would visit the campus occasionally. These visits instilled in him a sense of connection and familiarity with the university.

Sergio’s favorite class at SCU so far has been COEN 12, which focuses on data structures. "This was my favorite class because while it was challenging, it was the kind of challenge that pushed me to learn more about the C language," he explains. He appreciated the opportunity to apply the concepts he learned to actual programming techniques, which he found crucial for his development.

Majoring in Computer Science & Engineering, Sergio discovered his passion for programming early on. "When I first started programming, I found it interesting to build things that were useful to me or helped me understand obscure topics," he says. Weighing his options, he realized that a career in software engineering would not only fulfill his desire to program but also be lucrative.

One of the most impactful extracurricular activities for Sergio has been rugby. "Rugby has been a game changer in my SCU experience," he shares. The sport has introduced him to a brotherhood, connecting him with great people, from current students to amazing alumni. The rugby program has provided structure, pushing him to improve his fitness and health.

Father Mariani has had a significant impact on Sergio’s time at SCU, particularly through his support of the rugby team. "Fr. Mariani has been a beam of light for SCU rugby," Sergio says. "No matter the conditions, we can count on Fr. Mariani to show up for us, offering his energy in supporting us."

Looking to the future, Sergio hopes to land a position at a tech company as a software engineer, either right before or soon after graduation. "My long-term goals include supporting my parents' retirement and helping out with my family’s finances," he shares. SCU’s strong alumni network gives him confidence in achieving these goals.

Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has profoundly affected Sergio’s ability to attend Santa Clara. "The Fr. Coz scholarship has allowed me to transition from being a commuter to now living very close to campus," he explains. This change has positively impacted his academics, making him more available for office hours, study sessions with friends, and other meetings for his classes.

Sergio expresses profound gratitude to the donors of the Father Coz Scholarship. "There really are no words to express my gratitude for being a recipient of this scholarship. Thank you for your generosity; it truly means the world to me and has enhanced my SCU experience substantially.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Sydney Maccabe '26

Sydney Maccabe '26 chose Santa Clara University “because of its Political Science program and because I was being recruited by SCU’s Division 1 Water Polo Team," she explains. Hailing from Tustin, California, Sydney has embraced SCU as a place to thrive both academically and athletically.

Sydney's connection to SCU runs through her extended family, with many cousins attending and her cousin, Thalia Doherty, serving on the Board of Regents. "I grew up hearing stories about how she got married at the Santa Clara Mission to her husband that she met at SCU," Sydney shares, reflecting on the family ties to the university.

Sydney’s favorite class at SCU has been her Constitutional Law class with Professor Peretti. "The discussions were always engaging, and Professor Peretti made the subject matter come alive," she recalls. Pursuing a major in Political Science with an emphasis in Law was a natural choice for Sydney, given her longstanding interest in politics and her dream of attending law school. 

Sydney’s academic journey is complemented by her role on the Division 1 Women’s Water Polo team. "Being able to play the sport I love while getting an incredible education has been amazing. Not many athletes get the chance to play a Division I sport," she notes, highlighting the unique balance she enjoys at SCU.

Looking ahead, Sydney aims to attend law school and pursue a career in law. "The classes I have taken within my Political Science major have done a tremendous job helping prepare me for [law school]. The values that SCU holds as well remind me that I am more than capable of achieving these dreams," she asserts. She is confident that her SCU education will pave the way for a successful future in the legal field.

Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has been a significant blessing for Sydney and her family. "This scholarship has greatly relieved some pressure on my family to pay for not only my college tuition but also my brother’s, who is entering college this upcoming year," she acknowledges. The scholarship has made a tangible difference in her educational journey.

Sydney is committed to paying it forward by giving back to the SCU community and mentoring future students. "I hope to one day be successful enough in my field to be able to give back to SCU and mentor other students who follow a similar path," she says.

To the donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, Sydney extends her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much for giving back to the Santa Clara community and students like me, and making it possible for me to continue my education at such a wonderful school that I now call home.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Thomas McKay '26

Thomas McKay '26 chose Santa Clara University for its outstanding rowing team, which has been a cornerstone of his college experience. Originally from Sydney, Australia, but residing in New Jersey, Thomas found SCU to be the perfect place to pursue his academic and athletic interests.

As a finance major, Thomas was drawn to the versatility and applicability of the degree. "I chose finance because I am interested in business and know that this degree can be applied to many different career paths," he explains. Thomas’s favorite class at SCU has been Managerial Accounting, taught by Professor Danny Wallace. "The professor, Danny Wallace, is so engaging and really takes his time to make sure that students understand the material," Thomas shares. 

Thomas’s favorite extracurricular activity at Santa Clara is Men’s Rowing: "Having such amazing teammates, now my closest friends, keeps me inspired every day," he says. The camaraderie and support within the team have been instrumental in his personal and athletic growth.

Looking ahead, Thomas plans to venture into the business world. "SCU has helped me make many connections at so many companies as well as the skills necessary to succeed at them," he says.

Thomas wishes to thank the generous donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, saying “Thank you. Your generosity has made a significant difference in my life, allowing me to pursue my education and dreams at Santa Clara University.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Madison Wu ’26

Madison "Maddie" Wu ’26 chose Santa Clara University because she was captivated by the campus environment and the overall atmosphere of the school. "It may sound cliché, but the moment I set foot on campus, I knew SCU was where I wanted to be," she says. Maddie's decision was also influenced by the opportunity to join the Women's Golf Team - she was impressed by the program and eager to continue her golf career at SCU.

Hailing from Dublin, CA, Maddie’s favorite class so far has been Basic Ceramics. "I really loved the class because it was a period where I got to relax and work on fun projects," Maddie shares. She appreciates the creative atmosphere her teacher, Rachel Ashman, fostered. "Art has always been something I enjoy, so having this class allowed me to dabble in my passion for it."

Majoring in Marketing with a minor in Retail Studies, Maddie feels fortunate to have discovered her passion for marketing at a young age. During high school, she served as an Instagram Ambassador, gaining invaluable insights into the marketing industry. "I enjoyed delving into what makes something trendy or how to encourage people to use specific app features," she recalls. This experience sparked her love for the marketing world, particularly in Social Media Marketing, which she aspires to pursue further.

Being a member of the Women’s Golf Team has been a defining experience for Maddie, shaped by her teammates and the thrill of competition. "My teammates have become my closest friends, enriching my college journey with countless memorable moments," she says. She cherishes the experience of competing against her sister's school, Cal Poly, and the high-quality tournament hosted by SCU, known as SVS.

Maddie is also actively involved in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity on campus. "The opportunities to grow from this fraternity have been immense," she explains. "I have held leadership positions, inspired younger students, and learned from those in the fraternity. It's been a rewarding and impactful experience."

Looking to the future, Maddie hopes to secure a job in the marketing industry, focusing on Social Media Marketing or Fashion Marketing. "SCU has played a crucial role in preparing me for this path by providing a solid foundation in marketing principles, hands-on experience through internships, and valuable networking opportunities," she explains.

Receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has significantly impacted Maddie's ability to attend SCU. "This honorable scholarship has allowed me to pursue my educational goals with greater focus and determination," she says. The financial support has alleviated the burden of student debt, enabling her to fully immerse herself in her studies and extracurricular activities. It also motivates her to give back to the community and strive for success both academically and personally.

Reflecting on the impact of Father Coz, Maddie recalls being inspired by stories from some of Fr. Coz’s students and mentees during a dinner ceremony. "Hearing the stories and impacts of Father Coz really inspired me to be a better person," she says. Maddie hopes to continue telling these stories and embodying the positive impact Father Coz had on others.

To the donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, Maddie expresses heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much for your support and generosity. This scholarship means a lot to me and my family, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity," she says. The scholarship not only eases the financial burden of pursuing her education but also inspires her to work diligently toward her goals.

Biography

Pause for Coz  Profile - Gabrielle Canola-Leach

"Apart from the excellent academic and career opportunities that SCU provides, I chose to come here because, when I was being recruited to be on the rowing team, I met the most amazing and well-rounded people," says Gabrielle Canola-Leach ’25, an Environmental Studies major from Seattle, Washington. Gabrielle describes her new athletic experience at SCU as life-changing, elaborating, “In my freshman year of college I rowed at another university with an unhealthy environment. The team here has reignited my love for the sport. Rowing makes me feel like a valued member of the SCU community.”

Gabrielle's choice of major is driven by her upbringing, where she spent summers on her father's fishing boat in Alaska. This experience cultivated her deep appreciation for the natural world. She goes on to explain further: "Throughout the years I've noticed that the effects of climate change are affecting my family's livelihood, which is why I chose to major in Environmental Studies to promote and protect the sustainable harvest of natural resources."

“Throughout my classes here at SCU, I have learned technical skills that help me work towards my dream,” Gabrielle says as she looks ahead towards the future. Gabrielle strives to secure a job in fisheries and work with Indigenous communities to protect the health of salmon populations for future generations. 

Aside from Environmental Studies, Gabrielle recalls that her favorite class at SCU was her Intro to Watercolor class because it “helped me step out of my comfort zone and taught me new techniques that I couldn't teach myself."

Gabrielle acknowledges the significant impact of receiving the Fr. Coz scholarship, "I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Fr. Coz scholarship. Because of you, attending school at SCU is less stressful for my family. I appreciate every dollar and your investment in the SCU community. The Fr. Coz scholarship has helped relieve me and my family of the financial stress that most families face when it comes to paying for college. Thank you."

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - John King ’25 

Civil Engineering major and Pleasant Hill native John King ’25 chose SCU “because of its holistic approach to education,” he says, and while King feels “committed to learning the practices of Civil Engineering, I also want to take courses that allow me to shape the type of person I aspire to be.” Following in the footsteps of an aunt, uncle, and multiple cousins, it was King’s aunt who had the strongest influence on his ultimate choice of school. “When my Aunt went to Santa Clara, she was taught by Father Tassone, and they’re still in touch to this day.” 

As a boy, John would ask his father to drive him to local train station so he could watch the railway cars go by. “At the time, I thought I wanted to drive the trains but, later, when I learned from a family friend that railway design was a part of civil engineering, I knew that I wanted to become a civil engineer.” 

In addition to serving as President of Santa Clara University’s Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), John enjoys expanding his knowledge across other academic areas, such as the “Philosophy of Law” course sequence where he learned about “the origins and foundations of proper moral conduct in society,” John says, “which allows me to look at current issues in society from a new perspective.”  

The Father Coz Scholarship has helped make John’s academic goals a reality. “It has meant so much to my family. I just want to say thank you for your generosity, it means so much to me that there are people who want to help me not only pursue my dreams but help make them a reality.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Ava Klash ’25 

For students and alumni, the SCU experience often comes down to community. And for Portland, Oregon native Ava Klash ’25, having Fr. Jack Treacy nearby was especially comforting as a first-year student. “Father Jack is a family friend, and part of why I chose to come to Santa Clara.,” she explains, “he brings me so much comfort, especially when I was new and didn’t know anybody. He’s a kind and genuine human being, not to mention that he’s incredibly funny.” 

Choosing to double-major in Communication and Philosophy, Ava chose Communication because she knew that she wanted to work with people “and learn how to be an adaptable communicator in any setting.” She then added a Philosophy major because she “genuinely enjoyed my philosophy classes, and many are part of my Pathway, which is Paradigm Shifts and the Nature of Human Knowing,” she explains. “My first Communication class was Interpersonal Communication, taught by Professor Sunwolf, which has been my favorite so far,” she says, “because I met people that I’m still friends with to this day, and it confirmed that I had chosen the right major.” 

In addition to her studies, Ava, who has been rowing for nearly a decade, is a member of SCU’s Women’s Rowing team. Athletics would also provide another outlet for finding community, as “the girls just took me in,” Ava explains, “and now they’re like my family; I would do anything for them just as I know they would do anything for me.” 

As Ava explores career options, she already knows that one of her passions lies in advocating for the rights of people suffering from Type 1 Diabetes, “as I have felt like there is a lot of miseducation surrounding this illness since I was diagnosed,” she says. 

As for receiving support from the Father Coz Scholarship, she recognizes and appreciates the support of those who made it possible. “Not only does the scholarship help fund my education, but receiving it also makes me feel like an important part of the community. I feel honored to be chosen to continue the Bronco legacy,” Ava notes.  “My SCU education has helped me realize that there are so many ways I can achieve my goals and I am more than capable of delivering the impact that I want to have on the world.”

Biography

Pause for Coz Profile - Joey Vollert ’25

Joey Vollert ’25 chose SCU “because of the great location, academic programs, and proximity to family.” And, like many Broncos, his family has enduring ties to Santa Clara, beginning with his paternal grandfather, and then extending to his father, and four of five of his aunts and uncles, who all attended SCU. And now, this third-generation Bronco is studying Engineering Physics to develop complex problem-solving skills and to explore his passion for physics. 

“Being a member of the physics department has been amazing, as our department is small and very tight knit,” Joey says. “My favorite class thus far is definitely Physics 103, which takes a numerical methods approach to solving common but complex physics problems, as opposed to solving them by hand,” he explains. “We use Matlab, a programming and computational software tool, to code these physics problems for the purpose of visualizing a solution, computing a numerical answer, and much more.” 

Yet, an additional advantage of college life is the opportunity for Joey to pursue another of his life-long passions: soccer. “It’s my favorite extracurricular activity, and getting to continue that journey here at SCU is such a blessing,” he says. “What’s meant the most to me is all the connections I have made with the guys, and how it gives me a valuable break from my classes.” 

For Joey and so many others, receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has helped make an SCU education possible. “When I first came to SCU, and even when I applied, I never thought I would actually be able to go here. But the Father Coz Scholarship kept my dream alive,” he says. “I hope to one day ‘pay it forward’ by giving back to SCU, and specifically to the Father Coz Scholarship. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support, and I would love to help another student down the road.” 

Joey also appreciates the opportunity to meet donors and fellow recipients at the Father Coz Scholarship dinner. “I love that this event is a part of the Father Coz Scholarship community, and hope that this tradition continues far into the future.” 

Joey wishes to thank the generous donors who support the Father Coz Scholarship, saying “I would not be able to attend SCU if it wasn’t for their generosity; SCU is putting me on a fantastic path to achieving my goals---I have learned so much already, both inside and outside of the classroom.”