Your Home at Santa Clara University
Improving communication and fostering engagement with parents and families is a key priority for the Division of Student Life. We want to offer support and cultivate partnerships within our extensive Bronco community. We are dedicated to fostering active engagement from parents and families through various channels, including communication platforms, networking opportunities, events, and philanthropic initiatives.
Acknowledging the important role parents and families have in student success, we deeply value your collaboration as your student navigates their college journey. Your participation is invaluable, and we remain dedicated to assisting you every step of the way. Please reach out if there is any way we can provide support.
Director of Family Communication and Engagement
Steven Ponce, M.A.
I joined Santa Clara University in October 2023 and have enjoyed every moment working with the parents, guardians, and family members of our students. I have the privilege of communicating regularly with our family community - keeping you informed about what’s happening on campus, sharing the many resources available to your students, and helping you stay connected so you can best support them.
I know a little bit about most things at SCU, so if you’re ever unsure where to turn, you can always reach out to me or my team, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
My role goes beyond communication. I partner with colleagues across campus to create opportunities for families to engage with Santa Clara. From collaborating with the Center for Student Involvement on Family Weekend, New Student and Transfer Orientations, and Welcome Weekend, to hosting webinars with campus partners, my goal is to provide meaningful ways for you to stay involved and connected.
Parents, guardians, and family members are a critical part of the student experience, and I look forward to partnering with you to help make your student’s journey at Santa Clara a successful and memorable one.
Parent & Family Support Office - Student Assistant
Victoria Liu, Class of 2028
I am a current Sophomore at Santa Clara University from Morgan Hill, CA, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre Arts. I have been very involved in the Santa Clara University community during the two years that I have been a student. This past summer, I worked as a 2025 Student Orientation Leader, where I learned very valuable lessons about leadership and organization. I also volunteered at the SCU Summer Send-Off events in Seattle, Pleasanton, and Hillsborough. This year, alongside my work as a Student Assistant in the Parent and Family Communication & Engagement team, I am also the Community Engagement Student Assistant for the Alumni Office.
In my free time, I have performed in four productions with the Theatre and Dance department and continue to act in various productions at SCU and beyond. My favorite credit so far was performing as Samantha Brown in the 2025 spring musical production of The Mad Ones in my first year at Santa Clara University. In addition to the performing arts, I am also the Assistant Editor and Social Media & Communications Manager of the undergraduate literary magazine, The Owl. I am thrilled to be working with the Parent and Family Communication & Engagement team this year!
Parent & Family Support Office - Student Assistant
Noah Karnowski, Class of 2028
Hello! My name is Noah Karnowski, and I’m excited to serve as a student assistant for Parent and Family Communications here at Santa Clara University.
I’m a sophomore from Orange County, Southern California, studying Economics with a focus on data analysis at the Leavey School of Business. Through my roles as Vice President of the Economic Student Association, and my involvement with the Associated Student Government and Queer and Qualified, I stay actively engaged in campus life and aware of the student experience from multiple perspectives.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy running and baking (especially cookies), and I stay informed on current events to spark thoughtful conversations. I also participate in Ethics Bowl, where we address real-world social issues from a philosophical perspective.
Feel free to reach out anytime—I look forward to getting to know you and helping your family stay connected to all that’s happening at SCU!