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Santa Clara University
Please join us as we recognize and honor the life-long work of Jim Reites, S.J., a beloved professor, leader, mentor, and friend within the Santa Clara University community. Fr. Reites passed away in the spring of 2016, but his impact on SCU will continue to live on through the projects funded by this award and endowment. Throughout his life, Fr. Reites encouraged students to be men and women for others, and accompanied hundreds of students as they traveled to underserved communities throughout the world. He was a cornerstone of the Solar Decathlon/Tiny House projects, Engineering School, and Xavier RLC Mexico immersion program. He was a builder, and the buildings he’s helped construct over the years stretch from Silicon Valley to Sub-Saharan Africa. What is special about all the building projects Fr. Reites took on is that they represent hope for a better future, whether for a single family hoping to have their first house, or an entire generation hoping to curtail global warming. Projects funded by this award and endowment will continue to support these types of efforts so that future students will continue to be inspired by Fr. Reites' endless energy to make a difference in our world.
The value of the Fr. Jim Rietes "Building Hope" Endowment has now exceeded $135,000. In the past academic year, the payout from this endowed fund helped to support research work of students from the bioengineering, biology, mechanical engineering, and public health departments in developing a HELP Hand, a Human-centered Electric Prosthetic device, to be produced in India. This research and development work represents a joint partnership with Jaipur Foot Foundation, a non-profit organization providing free prostheses in India, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Thank you for your generous support!