Tributes to Fr. Coz
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I played four years with the SCUTS from 1979 to 1983, and Fr. Coz was more than just a spiritual leader and official team photographer. He was our father in every respect. We traveled to play Spreak break in England, Ireland, East Coast, and the Bahamas. He was with us every step of the way, whether on the plane or not. SCU Alumni's inCircle, under my profile are some great black and white pictures taken by Fr. Coz with his famed camera. Check them and the SCUTS Group out at www.scu.edu/incircle, SCU Alumni's Online Community. P. Gregory "Greg" Frey, '83 God bless Father Coz with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. I played rugby from 1966-1969 under his encouragement for our club of 'organized mayhem', as we used to call rugby. Surely goodness and mercey will follow him all the days of his life. Great to hear about the work you're doing on the scholarship! It's a beautiful tribute to Fr. Coz and SCU! He is such a special person who truly embodies the spirit of everything good at SCU. It's hard to verbalize to people sometimes the effect [of] going to Santa Clara - the impact of interactions with faculty and staff, our beloved priests, the camaraderie amongst the students on campus, football games, intramurals, no school on Wednesdays, the Hut, beautiful Sunday night Masses, even studying late into the night at the library. I think honoring someone like Fr. Coz tells that story so well - it gives words to that time, giving it a face and a whole person who completely personifies the heart of a wonderful, loving, and nurturing campus. My parents both went to Santa Clara and knew Fr. Coz well! They loved him too and told me when I got to school that I'd have to look him up! When I transferred to SCU my sophomore year, I went to my first football game and someone pointed out Fr. Coz. I ran down to tell him who I was - Bill and Chris Brennan's daughter. He was so funny! He said he couldn't believe how much I looked like my mom and took my picture. He gave me that picture later at a Sig Ep party and I still have it with all my SCU stuff! It's funny to look at it now, all fresh-faced and ready to make my mark on the world! He captured me at that moment in my life. There are a lot of wrinkles on that face now. T've made a different mark on the world than I have envisioned 20+ years ago - but when I look at that picture a million memories come back to me and that is probably Fr. Coz's greatest Gift to me and so many other students who were lucky enough to be captured by his lens! I'm looking forward to seeing you at our reunion! Carrie Brennan Wilhite, '88 I heard about the scholarship to be endowed in Father Coz' name, and I definitely want to be a part of this effort. I had the pleasure to live in McLaughlin Hall for 2 years and Father Coz was definitely respected and honored by all of us. In fact, he took an interesting picture of me when the guys on 3rd floor McLaughlin celebrated the occasion of my being naturalized as a US Citizen. I had the pleasure of seeing Father Coz in 2006 for my class reunion, and his memory is as sharp as ever as we reminisced over the old times. Yunchi Hsaio, '86, '02 Father Coz was always good to me with soccer 1977-1981 and also with the econ classes. Later on, he was also involved with my step sisters (Bannan girls) and their marriages. He's a great guy and we all have many found memories especially since he took many keepsake photos. The school now could use a few priests like him. Donating to his scholarship is just one way to say thank you for his years of service to SCU and all the other schools Jeff Carroll Father Coz has captured my entire Rugby life at SCU in pictures. He recently provided me with two photos that my kids simply do not believe are me. What great memories he has captured for Tracey and me of our cherished time at SCU. I can think of no other person that should be recognized more than Father Coz. “Allouette” Dave Fiore (1979) & Tracey ‘82 I took Fr. Coz's Econ class and of course he was our Chaplain / Benefactor / Spiritual Counselor / Biggest Fan for our Rugby team. It couldn't go to a more deserving Jesuit. Bernie Clougherty '71 & family I worked for him leading a tour to Cambodia etc in 1969......it changed my view of the world. Charlie Schmuck ‘69 Thanks for making this happen. Padre is and always will be a true and great friend to so many of us Broncos. Fr. Coz has always exemplified the Jesuit motto: Men for Others, but he's also a warm and funny companion and teacher. Believe it or not, I still remember some of the Econ lessons he taught us... Bretton Woods, Keynesian Economics, Irish Answers, etc. Cheers Padre. Tom ('91) and Kathleen Bannan I could not afford to attend the East Coast tour which I think was 1985. We ended up playing at Rutgers', American University, MIT etc...Well, Logsdon ’86 knew I could not pay for the airfare and he told Coz, who summoned me to his office. When I arrived, we talked a bit and then he slid over three one hundred dollar bills and said, maybe this will help pay for your flight. It did. I went. We had a great time and literally left our footprint on the big apple et al. Somehow, I paid Padre back a few months later. At the end of the day, he was very influential on our team and our surrounding friends. Father Coz was the Priest who built a bridge between the faculty and students. Disarming with both his camera and his smile, Father would simply move into the scene, enjoy the crowd, and make everyone happy. I would return to Santa Clara tomorrow if they would let me, but somehow I think the standards have been raised way too high. J. Cronin (aka Stan) ‘86 It's pretty obvious how important Father Coz has been to many of us. I live in Seattle, so I don't make it down to the Bay Area much anymore, but one of the highlights of my 15 year reunion last year was getting a chance to see Padre again. Bill Crow Wow, this is great. Count me in. I will do what ever it takes and doing some matching with my businesses. I am also willing to help in any way I can. Fred Nurisso ‘88 What a great idea! Like you, I have many great memories with Fr. Coz. In addition he was a Greg Pruett class of ‘82 Thanks for taking the initiative and devoting your time and energy to this worthwhile cause. I was I hope to be able to make your get together in May. I will send you a separate e-mail with my Bob Zimmerman ‘88 This is a great way to honor Father. Thank you for organizing a tribute to man who deserves to Much respect, A.J. Riebli '91 I sold my first photograph professionally of a perfect SCU scrum and Fr. Coz is a very special man!! Michael Kohl -Subclass of '73. I'd be honored to contribute to the "Coz Scholarship". Fr. Coz was a very important part of my SCU I played water polo and I was a Sig Ep and anyone who knows Fr. Coz knows he was always at all the sporting events and fraternity parties making memories for all of us with his camera and being able to have some of those old photos were a priceless gift that I will cherish forever. Regards, Thanks for doing this. He really has done so much for so many!! Mike Cosenza I, like you, had a strong connection with Fr. Coz while at Santa Clara. He was the one consistent faculty supporter of our soccer team even when we were still club status. My roommates were rugby players and Fr. Coz was a regular at those matches as well. Chris Fahey-Class of '75 Great cause and thanks for spearheading this. Enjoy and if you remember, please pass on my good thoughts and prayers to Fr. Coz. Mike Kollas -Class of ‘86 This is terrific. I will also pass the email along to some other alumni that I think would be interested. The pledge can be in the name of my wife and me. Eileen, my wife, is a law school graduate from 1990 (I am 1989 undergrad). Thanks for making this happen - Padre is a big part of our memories at SCU. John Hansen ‘89 I received your message regarding the Father Coz scholarship. Father Coz is one of the greatest people I know... he has had a tremendous impact on my life. The scholarship is a great idea to recognize his positive impact on all of us. I, as well as the many people I know who had the fortune to know Father Coz, would be willing to help out financially. Also, as time permits, I would be willing to help you generate additional support. All the best, Brian Kelly ‘80 Great job for a great cause (or should I say Coz.) All the best, Julie & Jim Wentworth ‘90 Great initiative! Please count Jim Murphy (81) and family in… I will look into the matching grant alternative also. Jim Murphy ‘81 I was there when Fr. Coz arrived at Santa Clara. And, as an Econ major, I got to know him quite well, in and out of the classroom. He married me and my first wife. I always referred to him as 'The Most Efficient Coz". Please mention that to him when you see him again, and give him my best. I owe him big time for his concern, counsel, and consideration at Santa Clara, well outside his duties as a college professor. GO BRONCOS! BG(Ret) Ron Flynn, SCU '65 John and I will gladly give to the fund. Thank you! John ’89 & Judy (Bannan) Wentworth ‘91 I hope all is well, this is a great thing. Rich and Cristi Dunne Class of ‘87 I think what you are setting up is great. There is no other I can think of more deserving than Fr. Coz to have a scholarship to recognize his spirit and commitment to others. Let me know what I need to do. Joe Tutrone ‘88 If you speak to him, please give him our love. Best, Bucky Canales This is a wonderful idea. I'm a '75 graduate and I would be glad to get involved if you need help. Sincerely, Mike Nicoletti ‘75 Thank you for all your efforts in organizing this scholarship to honor our friend Fr. C. Go Broncos!!! Cheers, Eric L. Barrett, CLU, CLTC, RHU, LUTCF Class of 1987 This is a wonderful tribute to a person who has been close to my entire family for the last 30 years. Sincerely, Gary Gardner ‘78 & Therese Thilgen-Gardner ‘79 Great idea! Thanks for leading on this, I give much credit to you both. I have forwarded this to some who may not be on the thread, both SCUTS, Broncos, and non-SCU Friends of Coz. I have attached my contact information for your use or the delete key. Jim Beecher – SCU ’85, SCUTS I am happy to help honor and remember Fr. Coz. Fr. Coz has been and continues to be one of the bright lights of my life at SCU and beyond. He constantly wondered what Margaret Murphy ever saw in me to choose to marry me. A smile had by many! HE has been positive, fun, giving and a friend. AND when some made it tough on him he, did not get in the gutter with those- but showed what it is to have class & honesty. Thanks for leading this effort. Tim Dougherty '78 Thanks for tracking me down and including me on the list. And thanks for your efforts in creating this scholarship. Mark -Mark V. Isola, Esq. ‘88 Fr. Coz was a wonderful professor and I am disappointed that I won’t be back to SCU this weekend for my 15th reunion knowing that he will be there. Steve Tansey - Class of 1992 Put me down for e for my great friend...Fr. Coz.
Pat Sende ‘86 Thanks for the info on Fr. Coz. I am currently in Thailand and will be in Calif. on 20 June... I would like to join Paul F. Weston '64 Thanks for spearheading this, if it wasn't for Coz, I never would have been able to go to Europe while I was at Santa Clara. I forwarded the email to a few including my dad. Anonymous ‘88 Fr. Coz married Andy and I on October 26, 2002, and he married my brother and sister-in-law on July 29, 2000. He was my Advisor while I was at Santa Clara b/c my Dad did not want anyone else advising me. :) All the best, Michelle King Pincus '91 Great job! Thanks for organizing it. Please give Coz my best wishes! Rob Rebholtz Thank you for taking the lead in the Coz scholarship, it's a great plan and I am glad to hear of its grass roots success to date. I have forwarded to many of my classmates from the 1976-1980 era (I'm a '79 grad, MBA '82) and spoke with a few over the weekend; I know that you will be hearing from many of those folks in the coming weeks with donations. Internet is a great way to get the word out! My relationship to Fr. Coz is somewhat unique: he is a mid 1940s graduate of St. Joseph High School in Alameda and recruited at SJ when I graduated in 1975. I lived on 3rd floor McLaughlin Hall for two years with Coz as our floor moderator. During that time period, I also worked for Coz when he ran the SC Study Abroad program. Thanks again for advancing this Coz scholarship quest. Ken Giannotti ‘79 Fr. Coz not only married us 35 years ago but baptized our children as well. Jerry & Georgia Carter ‘73 I am in the Class of ’77 and Fr. Coz has been a great friend since the first time I met him in 1973. He, along with Fr. Carroll, are two of the best things that happened to me while at SCU. This is an unbelievably great way to let him know how much we truly love him and what he has meant to so many people over the years. Dave Ramey '77 Father Coz has captured my entire Rugby life at SCU in pictures. He recently provided me with two that my kids simply do not believe are me. What great memories he has captured for Tracey and me of our cherished time at SCU. I cannot say how much we can send a this time, but rest assured, I can think of no other person that should be recognized more than Father Coz. “Allouette” Dave Fiore (1979) & Tracey ‘82 I took Fr. Coz's Econ class and of course he was our Chaplain/Benefactor/Spiritual Counselor/Biggest Fan for our Rugby team. It Bernie Clougherty '71 & family I worked for him leading a tour to Cambodia etc in 1969......it changed my view of the world. Charlie Schmuck ‘69 Thanks for making this happen. Padre is and always will be a true and great friend to so many of us Broncos. Fr. Coz has always exemplified the Jesuit motto: Men for Others, but he's also a warm and funny companion and teacher. Believe it or not, I still remember some of the Econ lessons he taught us... Bretton Woods, Keynesian Economics, Irish Answers, etc. Cheers Padre. Tom ('91) and Kathleen Bannan I could not afford to attend the East Coast tour which I think was 1985. We ended up playing at Rutgers', American University, MIT etc...Well, Logsdon knew I could not pay for the airfare and he told Coz, who summoned me to his office. When I arrived, we talked a bit and then he slid over three one hundred dollar bills and said, maybe this will help pay for your flight. It did. I went. We had a great time and literally left our footprint on the big apple et al. Somehow, I paid Padre back a few months later. At the end of the day, he was very influential on our team and our surrounding friends. Father Coz was the Priest who built a bridge between the faculty and students. Disarming with both his camera and his smile, Father would simply move into the scene, enjoy the crowd, and J. Cronin (aka Stan) ‘86 It's pretty obvious how important Father Coz has been to many of us. I live in Seattle, so I don't make it down to the Bay Area much anymore, but one of the highlights of my 15 year reunion last year was getting a chance to see Padre again. Take Care, Bill Crow SigEp and Econ Major c/o 1991 We are so blessed to have Fr Coz in our life. Educated us, Sent us both to Rome for studies abroad (which led to our marriage), baptized all three of our children and we could not hold him in higher regard! Steve and Marie Anderson ‘84 Fr. Coz helped me get to Spain for my Junior year, among other things. Jim McFetridge, Class of 1982 Jamie and I both graduated in 1973 with degrees in Economics. Jamie and I spent a year in Thailand teaching at Assumption Business Administration College in Bangkok, Fr. Coz was solely responsible for this opportunity of a life time. We both look forward to attending this celebration on behalf of Fr. Coz and feel fortunate to have been a small part of his all his efforts at the University. He's a good man. Chuck Walker I hold a special affection for Fr. Coz; (none the least of which are memories of me and your older brother and Fr. Coz enjoying beers in Durham! Brad O’Brien Fr. Coz helped me get to Spain for my Junior year, among other things. Jim McFetridge, Class of 1982 Father Coz, I'm sorry I won't be available for this terrific celebration but will be thinking about you. Over my vast Jesuit career (high school at Seattle Prep and at SCU), I must say that you were the one priest who was the most influential and memorable. And, apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thank you for all you did for us as students (including keeping the rodents out of serious trouble - for the most part) and for your involvement in our lives. I still fondly remember you attending my family graduation party in Los Altos. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you at the next class of 66 reunion. Have a wonderful time at the party! Fondly, Zack |
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