10 Things SCU Does Best
By: Sammie Yamashita
Tags: Higher Education, College, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Technology

By: Sammie Yamashita

Over the last four years I have been lucky enough to experience many of the amazing things that SCU has to offer. Here’s my list of the top 10 things that made me fall in love with Santa Clara. From the awesome professors to the squirrels, there’s always something around the corner to make you smile!

Cutting edge technology (hello, driverless cars!)

Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, SCU is only a few miles away from some of the largest and most advanced tech companies in the world. This is a great opportunity for students who are seeking internships and jobs in the ever growing tech industry.

Autonomous vehicles on campus, thanks to Auro Robotics!

2. Programs

In addition to a top-notch education, Santa Clara offers a wide variety of major, minor, and extracurricular programs for students to be a part of, including but not limited to the Retail Management Institute, Into the Wild, Ruff Riders, SCCAP, and so many more.

RMI students at the 2016 Fall Quarter RSSA Dinner with guest speaker Natalie Pokvitis from Facebook’s Global Business Marketing department. She presented on marketing and social media as it applies to Gen Z and Millennials. It was such an interesting and entertaining time hearing her speak about her job and the future of social media and marketing!

3. The campus (and the squirrels)

Santa Clara is undoubtedly known for its gorgeous campus with its mission style buildings, green grass, and, of course, the Santa Clara Mission.

4. The professors and faculty

Almost everyone I’ve talked to throughout my four years at SCU has had a favorite professor in the past. It’s no secret that many SCU professors have accomplished impressive achievements from writing hundreds of award winning books to being pioneers in their field.

Dean Ortega of the School of Engineering, Alfonso Ortega, oversees a project.

5. The food

We are so lucky to have Benson and the Cellar close by to provide us with good food when we are near campus (and live on campus). Also, the South Bay area has hundreds of amazing restaurants to try. There are so many delicious places within just a few miles of SCU.

Farm Stand at @theforgegarden provides SCU community with organic and local produce. Yum!

6. The surrounding area/The Bay Area

There’s a lot to do here in the Bay Area on days when you don’t have class. San Francisco is just a train ride away, and you can even drive down to Santa Cruz in less than an hour if you’re lucky and there’s no traffic. There are also a lot of hikes in the area to explore!

https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/san-francisco/san-francisco-bay-area-hikes-with-beautiful-views

@gibbymorales ‘20 and her friends on a hike at Alum Rock Park, just a quick drive from campus!

7. The people

It isn’t uncommon to meet your lifelong best friends at SCU. One of my favorite things about going to SCU is the size — there are familiar faces everywhere I go — it’s hard to walk anywhere on campus without saying hi to an old or new friend.

8. The rich history

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest University in the state. There are historical landmarks and figures scattered across campus, adding to SCU’s beauty.

This picture was taken when the university changed its name from Santa Clara College to The University of Santa Clara in 1912!

9. Jesuit and educational values

A Jesuit education is a well-rounded education. Education is more than book learning here at SCU. Students get to learn hands on about the world here due to the emphasis of our Jesuit values.

10) You can choose to be who you want.

https://vimeo.com/211692216