Santa Clara University Unveils new Bronco Statue Symbolizing New Era at SCU
Marika E. Krause
Santa Clara, Calif. Oct. 20, 2014-- A new symbol of Santa Clara University spirit and pride made possible by SCU alumni now greets the Bronco community on the west side of campus. The newly dedicated bronze Bronco stands more than 10 feet off the ground and is a reminder of SCU’s renewed focus on Bronco pride, and building and supporting a national reputation for academic and athletic excellence.
“This is a new day at Santa Clara,” says Jim Lyons, vice president of University Relations. “Santa Clara is known as an institution that academically hits on all cylinders. Our students do wonderful things around the world, but now it’s time for Santa Clara athletics to take its place on a national level. This statue represents that spirit.” 
The statue stands between Graham Residence Hall and the Benson Memorial Center and is already a popular attraction for students. Alum and Regent Jack Previte ’70 conceived and spearheaded the project after being impressed by another statue created by artist David Spellerberg, owner of Great American Bronze Works, Inc. Along with Previte, fellow donors Cyril G. Barbaccia, Joseph McCarthy ’71, and Gary Filizetti ’67, and the Bronco Bench Foundation made the statue possible.
“This statue represents the spirit and the grace and the power that we want Santa Clara University alumni and students to possess,” says Previte. “We hope it inspires all SCU students, present and past, to become the best they can be, and to have fun and attend as many athletic events as possible. We want to revive the past spirit of Santa Clara and have the student body become one.”
Santa Clara University’s strategic goals include growing in reputation and national visibility. Building Bronco pride and supporting key athletics initiatives will play a big role. Athletics Director Dan Coonan says college sports are not just focused on winning, but also on unifying the campus community and creating a powerful identity around student-athletes.
“Our student-athletes are on a mission. They’re driven, passionate, focused, and committed. These are traits they share with fellow SCU students and we’re proud that athletics can serve as a rallying cry for all Broncos,” says Coonan.
Students thanked donors at the dedication ceremony Oct. 8, where the Bronco community also received free Santa Clara Broncos shirts. SCU Student Body President Anaisy Tolentino ’15 called on fellow students to consider it a reminder of their personal promise to live up to SCU ideals.
“By definition, a Bronco is a rebellious horse and as a student body, we emulate the same fiery passion and desire to do great things,” said Tolentino. “Every time we call on our University vision of creating a more humane, just, and sustainable world, we recognize that this goal can only be accomplished when we, as students, commit ourselves to being daring, innovative, and compassionate citizens. What we learn in the classrooms, on the fields, on the courts, only gives us the power and, more importantly, the responsibility to challenge one another and be Broncos for a better tomorrow.”
Media Contact: Marika E. Krause 408-829-4836 mekrause@scu.edu