Philosopher, theologian, engineer, mentor
From building one of the first personal computers on campus to helping students design and construct three Solar Decathlon houses and SCU’s first Tiny House, Fr. Reites was a tireless tinkerer. And he influenced generations of Santa Clara alumni to appreciate technology and its impact on people. Nobody embraced Engineering with a Mission more than Fr. Reites.
Religious Studies professor Philip Boo Riley remembers Jim Reites, S.J., MST ’71 as a colleague, family member, and friend.
They wanted to do something significant. And with help from the late Jim Reites, S.J., MST ’71, Jacob Leatherberry ’16 and Nicolas Metais ’16 have lit the night for 133 villagers in Africa.
Past Stories
Some might think there's nothing a 75-year-old Jesuit priest can teach a bunch of college kids when it comes to technology. They haven't met Jim Reites, S.J., MST ’71.
Here is how to build a house, with hands and hope. The chance to help has brought Jim Reites, S.J., MST ’71 and more than 1,000 students and alumni on trips to Mexico.
They wanted to show that green living is not a compromise. So, for the International Solar Decathlon, Team California built a house of light and wonder.