The House That Broncos Built
Half a century ago, the Santa Clara University Alumni Association moved into the building we now know as Bannan Alumni House, and turned it into something new: a home for generations of Broncos. And, like all great homes, the Santa Clara family has shaped it in their image.
When the Alumni Association moved into the first floor of the former Donohoe Infirmary in 1975, bedpans were traded for banquets, ice packs for ice-cold drinks, and waiting rooms for welcome receptions. The former hospital ward became a place where Broncos gathered to celebrate and reconnect.
The move wasn’t guaranteed. Louis I. Bannan, S.J., assistant to the president for alumni affairs, championed the idea that alumni deserved a dedicated home on campus. He fought for it—and, in 1975, finally won.
Just three years later, thanks to the Donohoe Alumni House Renovation Committee and generous alumni contributions, the kitchen, conference room, and second floor were remodeled. With those changes, the building became not just an office, but a living, breathing center for alumni life.
“Luck of the Buck”
Shared Spaces
Much like you during your time on campus, the Alumni Association enjoyed a few roommates over the years—Finance, Marketing & Communications, and the Bronco Bench Foundation all called Donohoe home at one time or another.
No matter who else shared the building, alumni spirit remained its heart and soul.
Graduation picnics spilled into the backyard. Reunion meetings filled the conference room. Impromptu celebrations kept the building buzzing. For decades, Donohoe stood as a symbol of Bronco pride and connection.
William Gianera, S.J., SCU’s 22nd president
Looking to the Future
In 2009, University President Paul Locatelli, S.J. ’60 approved plans for the building to become a dedicated space for alumni.
Once again, Broncos rolled up their sleeves to support the Alumni Association. Devcon Construction, owned by Gary Filizetti ’67, led renovations, which included seismic retrofitting, ADA upgrades, and the creation of a welcoming living room for visitors.
A time capsule, buried behind the building on Oct. 15, 2010, ensured the alumni pride that shaped the project wouldn’t be forgotten.
When the dust settled, Santa Clara University alumni finally had a space that belonged solely to them—a rare gift among universities.
The time capsule plaque / The Time Capsule Burial Team
Lasting Legacy
On March 23, 2019, the Donohoe Alumni House was rechristened the Bannan Alumni House, honoring both the man who fought to give alumni a home and the more than 200 members of the Bannan family who have called Santa Clara University home throughout the years.
Step inside today, and you’ll find more than walls and windows. Every corner hides a piece of alumni history, including:
- Mageik, the sled dog who once braved Alaskan expeditions with Bernard Hubbard, S.J., now greets visitors in our lobby (courtesy of the de Saisset Museum).
- Carved red horses, a gift from baseball star Bill Mustanich ’43, gallop across our side tables.
- A hand-carved panel, donated by Fred Donati ’65, frames our elevator.
- A portrait of William Gianera, S.J.—beloved chaplain, SCU’s 22nd president, and the inspiration for the Gianera Society medal awarded to alumni of 50+ years—watches over visitors.
- “Bronco Spirit”—a sculpted horse’s head donated by Jim ’74 and Joan ’75 Daugherty and their family—honors the benefactors whose support powers the Alumni Family Scholarship Program.
- A massive wooden horseshoe, inscribed with “Luck of the Buck,” stands sentry in the foyer, thanks to an ASG group including former Alumni Association Board of Directors President Jenna (Saso) Rosati ’13. Thanks to a recent refresh from Yesenia Magdaleno-Solis ’20, this Bronco relic shines brighter than ever.
These aren’t just decorations—they’re cherished pieces of SCU spirit.
“Bronco Spirit” / Mageik, the unofficial Bannan Alumni House mascot / Chinatown carved horses
Whatever we truly love—our friends, our family, beauty, and goodness—it is all a gift of love from God. Cherish these gifts. Enjoy them. Return trust with trust. Return love with love ... and stay loose. He loves you the way He made you.
Cheers to 50 Years
In every corner of Bannan Alumni House, there’s a story of Broncos reconnecting, reminiscing, and reminding each other what it means to call Santa Clara home.
Some Broncos stop by every weekend, others make the trek once every fifty years. Whether you fall in either of those camps, or somewhere in between, Bannan is your home on campus—the welcome mat is out and the Bronco spirit is stocked (like the world’s longest-running happy hour).
Here’s to the next 50 years of alumni stories—ready to be written within these walls.
Mission Santa Clara plaque