Pause for Coz Profile - James Andre ’25
James "Jimmy" Andre ’25 knows exactly why he chose to come to SCU: "SCU is a top-tier academic institution - particularly in the area of business, which I am focusing on - and it is a place rooted in the Jesuit tradition and Catholic faith.”
Growing up in Pleasanton, CA, Jimmy’s connection to SCU runs deep. His father and both of his father’s siblings attended the university. "My first SCU memory is from my early childhood when the whole family would go to campus to picnic and relax in the mission gardens. My siblings, cousins, and I would toss a frisbee or football around and sometimes we would climb to the top floor of St. Joseph’s Hall to look out the window down onto the gardens," he recalls.
Jimmy’s favorite class at SCU has been FNCE 135: Applied Investment Management. "I worked in a team throughout the quarter to manage a fund in an investment competition. I enjoyed getting experience trading real-world securities and applying the concepts I have learned in all my previous business classes," he shares. This hands-on experience has solidified his passion for finance and his desire to pursue a career in Silicon Valley.
Choosing finance as his major was a natural decision for Jimmy, driven by his strong interest in financial markets and economics. His involvement in Club Baseball has also been a significant part of his SCU journey. "Last year, I helped found the club along with three other students, and we had a strong first year. This has been an extremely meaningful experience because it has given me the opportunity to build something that will continue long after I graduate. We’re trying to build a culture of brotherhood and a program that will be competitive for regional and national titles every year," he says.
Looking ahead, Jimmy aims to pursue a successful career in finance, applying the analytical skills and knowledge he has gained at SCU to make impactful financial decisions for businesses. "SCU has helped put me in a position to achieve this goal through not only the classes but also the relationships I have formed with my professors and fellow students. I have learned Jesuit values that I hope to bring to my career, improving and helping businesses grow while lifting people up along the way," he shares.
While Jimmy has not formed personal relationships with the Jesuits on campus, he appreciates their homilies at the weekly 8:00 PM student masses, particularly those by Father Jack Treacy and Father Robert Scholla. The impact of receiving the Father Coz Scholarship has been profound for Jimmy and his family. "As one of four children, the Fr. Coz Scholarship has greatly helped my family and myself to be able to afford to attend Santa Clara," he notes.
Jimmy hopes to "pay it forward" by giving back to the Father Coz Scholarship after he graduates, keeping the legacy of Father Coz alive and helping as many students as possible. To the donors who support the scholarship, Jimmy expresses his heartfelt gratitude. "Your contributions have transformed my SCU experience and have helped me pursue my academic goals and career aspirations.”