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History & Traditions

Learn about the rich history and treasured traditions of Santa Clara University and its Alumni Association. 

University History

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara is California’s oldest-operating institution of higher education. Learn more about the rich history of the past and events of the present day University.

Alumni Association History

The Santa Clara University Alumni Association was established on April 27, 1881. Since then, the Alumni Association has been fostering lifelong relationships between alumni and the University.

Bannan Alumni House

Since 1975, the Bannan Alumni House has provided a home for past and present Broncos to renew friendships, relive fond memories, and become acquainted with new campus developments.

history and traditions page

SCU Fight Song & Alma Mater

Varsity fight for Santa Clara, banners of red and white on high! Remember the lyrics, view several renditions, and download the ring tone today.

      

  • Alumni Association Constitution v2
    Alumni Association's 140th Anniversary

    On April 27, 1881, a small group of students gathered to form the Santa Clara University Alumni Association and draft its constitution. Today the campus may look different and our alumni family has grown—to more than 106,000 alumni!

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50th Anniversary of Women

In 1961, it was announced women would be admitted into the Santa Clara University undergraduate program. The rest is history. In 2011, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of women at SCU.

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50th Anniversary of Women’s Athletics

In 2014 we celebrated the golden anniversary of SCU women’s athletics and honored all the athletes, coaches, and administrators who have contributed to the legacy.

The Redwood - Yearbook Santa Clara University

The Redwood

Visit the SCU library’s digital archive of The Redwood, the official yearbook of Santa Clara University, dating back to 1902.

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The Santa Clara

Visit the SCU library’s digital collection of The Santa Clara, the official weekly student-run newspaper, available from its founding in 1922.

the hut interior

Bronco Memories at The Hut

Whether it be pinning your dollar bill to the ceiling, celebrating your 21st birthday, or participating in “Dads & Grads," many of us have a story from The Hut (or 2…100) that shaped part of our Santa Clara experience.

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