Santa Clara University

I only went to Santa Clara my senior year ('76) and, as I was a business major, had accounting each quarter. Because of my short time there, I only remember two teachers, one of them Fr. Locatelli. He stands out so clearly in my mind; such a great sense of humor, compassion and ability to relate to students immediately and with warmth. He was the reason I was going to major in accounting (I didn't, as I decided to follow my passion of dance). It's interesting that I received the SCU magazine, as I never have before. For me, it is fitting that it arrived today. Tomorrow is the eve of Yom Kippur, a holy day for my religion. During the memorial service, I will pay my respects to this wonderful man and give thanks that I, in my short time at SCU, had the privilege of being his student so often. Sandy Shankman Prouty

Continue reading - Nov. 16, 2010 3:55 PM

Here it is your birthday and we will celebrate without you. We, your family, will have dinner together tonight and celebrate your life. There will be tears and there will be laughs and remembrances. Our pain of losing you is still so fresh. I know it willl soften over time but for now, our hearts ache. We know you still watch over us. You have proven that already. You are still in charge of things. Thanks for loving us and always being there for us. We miss you.

Continue reading - Nov. 16, 2010 3:52 PM

I remember how personable Fr. Locatelli was. Every so often he would man the register on certain evenings, at the convenience store in downstairs Benson. I think it was called "Down Under." Back then I was easily intimidated meeting someone of his authority in such a casual environment. Yet he was surprisingly approachable... Years later I saw him again at a conference, and again he was inspiring as a mentor and yet very easy to talk to as a peer. He even remembered me. I feel blessed to have met him, and thankful for all he did to shape the school that shaped my life. The world is a better place for the leadership he gave to all associated with the Santa Clara community. In a planet full of people, one person is merely a drop of water into the vast sea, yet Fr. Locatelli's drop of water made a measurable difference in elevating the quality of the world's "oceans." He will be missed, but can never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the lives of all those who go after him.

Continue reading - Sep. 13, 2010 11:59 PM

Dear Father Locatelli,

I know you will hear me, and I need you to know how gratetful I am for the time you took to help me each and every instance I would knock at your door. Me, just an odd and obscure alumni of Santa Clara University from what are now the "olden days." I was never turned away. You were there to help me in advising me through the admissions process of my son into Santa Clara, even when you knew that ultimately he would choose another school. You were there for me when my Swig Hall room mate, and a former employee of the university was so terribly ill to inquire about his progress, and to comfort the ones keeping vigil for him. It is true all that they say about you Father Paul, that you touched so many lives, even in the most gentle and most subtle ways of reaching out, you never ignored any of us. None of us were too low for you to speak to, or to be bothered by. It is with a great heart felt loss that I say good bye to you, as there is no finer example of what a Santa Clara educator could be, no better representative of the Society of Jesus, of the Catholic faith, of a human being, of a man, and yes, perhaps most importantly of all, a friend to a man like me whom you would never even know. God rest your soul Father Locatelli. Your good work here is done, and our Lord has called you home to heaven. You are missed.

With deepest respect,

Jeffery A. Record B.A.,

Philosophy, Santa Clara University 1976

Continue reading - Sep. 13, 2010 11:58 PM