Santa Clara University

Karen Hall

Coordinator of New Student Programs

Prior to her time at Santa Clara, Karen Hall worked at Baylor University in Waco, TX for three years, holding a variety of different positions in the Division of Student Life.  Karen received her Master's in Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California in 2007.  She received also Bachelor's in Education from Baylor University in 2005. 

Karen was raised in the Kansas City metro area and is a passionate supporter of college basketball!  She loves to travel, spend time outdoors, and do anything creative. 

Karen loves working at Santa Clara because of the strong commitment to social justice and the Jesuit ideals of holistic education.  She is particularly interested in creating meaningful opportunities for students and their family members to successfully transition to college.
 

Anna Karlsen

2011 Central Staff

Hometown: Edmonds, WA
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2013
Major(s): Mathematics

What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
I loved my Critical Thinking and Writing course during my freshman year. The topic was education and identity, and it really allowed me to bring my own experience into the classroom.

What is your favorite activity to participate in at SCU?
Sushi Wednesday. It makes my day and spices up my weekly eating habits.

What advice would you give to the incoming SCU students?
Take full advantage of your freshman year--explore the area surrounding campus, drop in for on-campus events, go to the club fair and sign up for things you never would have in high school. Also wear your sunscreen, the sun will sneak up on you.

Why are you proud to be a Bronco?
Santa Clara has challenged me academically and personally. Because I'm presented with so many opportunities, my biggest stress is balancing everything SCU has to offer! School, work, and extracurriculars here have made me grateful for the community I've found on campus.

Bianca Gonzales

2011 Central Staff

Hometown: Gilroy, CA
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2013
Major: Economics

What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
I have a feeling that my Comm 20 class will end up being my favorite class at SCU even though I have only been in the class for a week. It is has been one of the most interactive and instantly applicable classes from which I know I will grow and change from. With an energetic environment, it is a class that will push me to overcome my nerves and improve upon my skill sets better preparing me for the present and the future.

What is your favorite activity to participate in at SCU?
My favorite activity is going to sport events with friends. It is fun being around the energy and spirit of supporting our teams. Going to club events and sporting events have been great ways I've enjoyed taking a break from my routine.

What advice would you give to the incoming SCU students?
Be prepared and organized from the beginning. This helps the new transition into the demands of college easier and more enjoyable with room for academics and extracurricular. Also, know your goals and do not overwhelm yourself immediately with too much. Get involved and pursue your interests without spreading yourself too thin. You don't want to be disappointed in the end or feel you could've done better in areas that are most important to you.

Why are you proud to be a Bronco?
I am proud to be a Bronco because of the Santa Clara community. There is a support felt by Santa Clara that encourages success and engagement on and off campus. I feel at Santa Clara that I am influenced to be the best that I can be and am encouraged to still enjoy the fun and interaction that Santa Clara provides for its students to learn from outside of the classroom.

Patrick Sutorius

2011 Central Staff

Hometown: Shaker Heights, OH
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2013
Major: Accounting

What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
My favorite class at SCU so far has been Ancient and Medieval Philosophy with Brian Buckley.  It was a very interesting class and what we learned was mostly new to me. The class really made me think hard and made me reflect a lot on how the concepts and ideas we read about related to my life.  I would walk out of that class most days feeling very humbled.  It was my most challenging class by far but the satisfaction of understanding it and doing well was definitely worth it.

What is your favorite activity to participate in at SCU?
I love playing basketball at Malley or swimming in the pool.  I enjoy playing sports and you always see one of your friends there too.  And either activity is a workout so exercising is more fun than work.

What advice would you give to the incoming SCU students?
I would tell the incoming freshmen to take advantage of the opportunities Santa Clara offers.  Get involved.  You meet the coolest people and there is always something that will spark your interest here, whether it is on campus or off campus.  Outside of class is where you really figure out who you are and what you like to do, so get out there and do what sounds fun or interesting to you.

Why are you proud to be a Bronco?
I felt welcome here and felt like I belonged here the first day of school.  Everything about SCU is awesome and alive.  The campus is nice, the people are the best you’ll ever meet, and there is always something going on or something to do in your free time.  There are many opportunities or great ways to get involved here.

Ryan Wells

2011 Senior Orientation Leader

Hometown: Grass Valley, Ca
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2012
Major: Political Science
Minor: History

What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
My favorite class at SCU was The History of the Second World War. My professor was very energetic, funny, knowledgeable, and made me want to go to class every day. I loved the discussions and they made me think critically about my own knowledge of the subject.

What is your favorite activity to participate in at SCU?
My favorite activity at SCU is being a member of the SCU Emergency Medical Services team.  It is a student run organization that provides medical assistance to students during the hours that the health center is closed.  It is a great way to serve the community, plus I really enjoy hanging out with my fellow squad members!

What advice would you give to the incoming SCU students?
The most important piece of advice I can give to the class of 2015 is to try new things. Do not be afraid to have new experiences or to join a new club on campus. It can be very beneficial to step outside of your comfort zone.

Why are you proud to be a Bronco?
I am so proud to be a Bronco!  SCU is everything that I could have wanted in a college experience. It has great classes, great people, and, most importantly, great opportunities.

Stephanie Lucas

2011 Senior Orientation Leader

Hometown: Bellevue, WA
Anticipated graduation year: 2013
Major(s): Communication
Minor(s): French
 

What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
My favorite class has been Political Philosophy with Peter Minowitz. I found it extremely interesting to explore a class that was not required for my major. The course was primarily comprised of class discussions about classic readings from philosophers like Socrates. The teacher was incredibly enthusiastic and passionate, which made the class even more engaging.

What is your favorite activity to participate in at SCU?
The beautiful weather at SCU is definitely something I like to take advantage of as much as possible. Laying outside on the lawns with friends or soaking up some sun on the benches outside the library while doing homework are some of my favorite things to do on a gorgeous day.

What advice would you give to the incoming SCU students?
Put yourself out there and gradually push the boundaries of your comfort zone. There are countless opportunities at SCU, many of which you will discover as you try new things and explore new interests. Take advantage of all that Santa Clara has to offer! You’ll come away with fun experiences, great friends, and some wonderful memories.

Why are you proud to be a Bronco?
There aren’t enough words to describe why I am so proud to be a Bronco! I absolutely love the Santa Clara community. The fantastic academics and countless extracurricular opportunities have helped me grow exponentially. The people and atmosphere, however, are what make SCU truly special. I have had such incredible experiences that I wouldn’t trade for the world! I have met so many amazing people here, and the welcoming environment has made SCU feel like a new home.