Broncos at the Heart
For 100 years, the building now known as the Bannan Alumni House has stood as a centerpiece of the Santa Clara campus landscape. And for the last 50 years, it’s been the home of the Santa Clara University Alumni Association.
But the building itself has never been the heart of the story.
You are.
Our alumni. Our students. Our staff. Our Bronco family.
From a House to a Home
When the Alumni Association moved into the former Donohoe Infirmary in 1975, no one knew how the building would transform. Over time, it became more than an office suite or event space—it’s infused with warmth, humor, tradition, and a feeling of belonging.
That spirit wasn’t accidental. It was built one day, one event, one joyful gathering at a time.
The full-time Alumni Association staff—19 Broncos (and honorary Broncos!) strong—have more than two centuries of combined experience serving Santa Clara University. Our graduation years span from 1969 to 2023, forming a living timeline of Bronco history.
We’re here to shepherd institutional memories, cherished campus traditions, and relationships that stretch across generations.
And to eat a lot of snacks—team Dorito tastings, anyone?
The Students Who Keep the House Humming
Alongside our full-time staff, student workers breathe daily life into Bannan. They help plan events, support communications, greet guests, set up the backyard for celebrations, and keep the place running smoothly.
All of them leave fingerprints on our building and our team, and we couldn’t serve our alumni family without their invaluable assistance.
A Building Full of Stories
Every corner of the Bannan Alumni House holds stories.
Some are whispered campus legends, like the rumor that a ghost or two still lingers in the halls, perhaps keeping watch over the building’s earliest days.
Others are more tangible: our beloved Mageik (the dog whose life with explorer Bernard R. Hubbard, S.J., took him into the mouth of an active volcano via airplane), the “Luck of the Buck” horseshoe, and the photos lining the walls.
And then there are the everyday stories—the kind that don’t make plaques or news articles, but still matter.
Stories of late-night Grand Reunion prep.
Of alumni dropping in unexpectedly to say ‘hello.’
Of graduates returning with spouses, children, and grandchildren, eager to point out the places where they made memories.
From staff photos on the front steps to heartfelt alumni reunions in the living room, Bannan Alumni House has been the backdrop for countless moments of joy, connection, and rediscovery.
The Heart of the Bronco Family
Buildings age. Carpets get replaced. Offices are rearranged.
But the feeling you get when you step inside Bannan—a warm Bronco welcome—remains the same.
That feeling is the result of 50 years of alumni, students, and staff choosing to make this building special. Choosing to gather. Choosing to come back. Choosing to stay connected, no matter how far away life has carried them.
You, our alumni community, are our family.
And because of you, Bannan isn’t just where the Alumni Association works—it’s where the Bronco spirit lives.
Another 100 Years
As we celebrate these dual milestones—100 years of our building and 50 years of the Alumni Association calling it home—we look toward the future with gratitude and excitement.
There are more Grand Reunions to host.
More alumni stories to collect.
More Broncos to welcome home.
We’re so excited to kick off the next 100 years with you, our Santa Clara alumni family, and to keep celebrating the place where our story continues to unfold.