Leonard Cappa
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Majors and Minor: Political Science, Italian Studies majors; International Business minor
Fun Fact: I’m fluent in English, Italian, and French and love cars!
Bio: Ciao! Ciao! Bonjour! Hello! My name is Leonard Cappa, and I’m a third-year at Santa Clara University, double majoring in Political Science and Italian Studies with a minor in International Business. I was born in France to Italian parents and grew up between France, Italy, New York, and the Bay Area, which gave me a multicultural perspective and a deep love for languages. I’m happy I could take an Italian major at SCU to deepen my understanding of the Italian language and culture and to connect more closely with my roots. This path has also allowed me to engage with the Italian community in San Francisco and complete a summer internship at INNOVIT – the Italian Innovation and Culture Hub. In the future, I aspire to build a career at the intersection of international law and business. Outside the classroom, I enjoy working out, exploring new places, and spending time with friends. I look forward to helping you all discover the beauty of languages at SCU. Forza Broncos!
Jake Caprini
Hometown: Burlingame, California
Major and Minor: Communication major; Italian Studies minor
Fun Fact: I love to watch movies and read in my free time.
Bio: Ciao! Hello! My name is Jake Caprini, and I’m a third year majoring in Communication and minoring in Italian Studies. I’ve lived in the Bay Area my whole life and was raised by my mom and dad who are first and second-generation Italian-Americans. I took Italian in middle school and high school then decided I wanted to further advance my speaking in Italian at SCU. Beyond being a MODLL Student Ambassador, I’m also a Peer Educator for Italian, a LEAD Scholar, and a C.I.A.O. (Cultural Italian-American Club) member. Forza CIAO! Forza Broncos!
Evelyn Casey
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Major: Accounting
Fun Fact: I have a koi pond in my backyard!
Bio: 你好! My name is Evelyn Casey and I’m currently a sophomore accounting major. I want to minor in International Business or Retail Studies! Honestly, I originally chose to go to college at SCU to come to California and learn how to surf. I still haven’t learned how to surf, but have loved my time here, and the weather of course! All the students, teachers, and staff are so friendly and welcoming at SCU! I was initially interested in learning Mandarin Chinese in high school so I took the class for all four years. I am happy to now begin to continue in my studies since I still find the language and culture so interesting. It definitely works a different part of my brain than other classes! Other activities I’m involved in on campus include being a club field hockey team member, secretary of CHAARG, and I help with alumni events through my job at the Event Planning Office at SCU. I would love to someday visit Singapore and I hope to eventually own my own clothing boutique!
Bruno Der
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Major: Finance
Fun Fact: I love watching soccer and I have two cats.
Bio: Hallo! My name is Bruno Der and I’m a first year finance student. I spent the first half of my life living in New York before moving to California. I decided on SCU because I wanted to stay in California and I love the weather. I’ve spoken German nearly my whole life and I travel there every summer to see my family. I went to German school as a kid and took it for three years in high school, and I am now pursuing it further at SCU. Outside of school I enjoy listening to music, playing sports, and spending time with friends. After graduating I hope to travel even more throughout Europe exploring different cultures. Go Broncos!
Sophia Elizalde-Rendon
Hometown: Orange County, California
Majors and Minor: Neuroscience major; Biology, Chinese minors
Fun Facts:I love all sports and do calisthenics as a hobby.
Bio: 你好大家！Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Elizalde-Rendon, graduating year 2028. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience on a pre-med track. I recently became EMT certified and am pursuing a career in emergency medicine. I am also involved on campus as the Neuro Club vice president. My passion for learning Chinese began in middle school, and that love for the language and culture motivated me to pursue a minor in Mandarin Chinese. In my free time, I play many pick-up sports and enjoy writing poetry. I hope to carry my love for language abroad and into my career. I am so excited to support you all in your language learning journey!
Isabela Erfort
Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois
Majors: Undeclared Business, French and Francophone Studies double major
Fun Fact: I love animals of all kinds! At home, I have four cats, six frogs, and a tarantula!
Bio: Bonjour! Hello everyone! I am double majoring in business and French (class of 2026). I came to SCU with the hopes of minoring in French, but once I started taking classes here, it quickly became a double major! In addition to being a student ambassador, I am involved in French Club and Surf Club, and I have worked as an Orientation Leader and as a student assistant in the Communication Department! In my free time, I love reading, listening to music, and playing video games. After graduation, I hope to set aside some time to travel and learn more about different cultures across the world!
Celeste Mancilla
Hometown: San José, California
Major and Minors: Political Science, Spanish Studies double major; Urban Education, Latin American Studies minors
Fun Fact: I am a Christmas Eve baby!.
Bio: Hola todos! Hi everyone! My name is Celeste Marina Mancilla, and I’m a third-year student double majoring in Political Science and Spanish. I’m also pursuing minors in Urban Education and Latin American Studies. I came to SCU with just one major, but after discovering the incredible language courses offered, I decided to add a second major. I recently returned from a semester abroad in Salamanca, Spain, where I had the opportunity to challenge my Spanish-speaking skills and take all my classes in Spanish. Growing up in the Bay Area exposed me to a diverse cultural environment, which sparked my passion for learning more about how language and community intersect. At SCU, I am a student assistant at Kids On Campus, a LEAD Scholar and board member for both Craft Club and Latiné Student Union. I enjoy watching movies, cooking, volunteering, and going on walks with friends. I am excited to learn and become more involved in the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. ¡Gracias!
Simone Schneekloth
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Major and Minor: Public Health Science major; Biology, Spanish Studies minors
Bio: Hola! My name is Simone Schneekloth, and I am a first year majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. I chose Santa Clara University because of its focus on educating the whole person and really feeling a sense of community. I was also attracted to the great pre-health academics and the new Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation. It is also gorgeous! Besides being a Student Ambassador, I am also in CHAARG, Biology Club, VAW Global, and Ski Club. I have achieved a Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, and with my Spanish fluency, I would like to continue to use it in my future plans in pre-health. Go Broncos!
Eddie Standifer
Hometown: Santa Clara, California
Major and Minors: English major; Computer Science & Engineering, Japanese Studies minors
Fun Facts: All the schools I have attended are within a mile radius of each other!
Bio: Привет, hola, こんにちは, and hello! My name is Eddie Standifer, and I am a third-year majoring in English with minors in Computer Science & Engineering and Japanese Studies. I’m from Santa Clara and love being so close to friends, family, and community! Growing up in a multilingual Russian-English household, I have always found value in other languages and the ways they open up the mind to new ideas and modes of thinking. Here on campus, I do digital humanities-focused research in the Imaginarium lab, looking at the intersection between language, literature, and digital technologies. Outside of class, I love taking photos, fishing, playing video games, and going on road trips.
Paul Tapia
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Major and Minor: Economics major; Spanish Studies, Political Science minors
Fun Fact: I enjoy hiking, skiing, and road trips.
Bio: ¡Hola! My name is Paul, and I’m in the class of 2026. Outside of school and work, I love exploring new places and traveling. Pursuing a Spanish minor at SCU has opened many doors and provided me with opportunities that have truly shaped my college experience. For example, I interned at a migrant legal and social services agency, where I used Spanish daily to help newcomers adjust to their new home. I also pursued my passion for travel and cultural learning by studying abroad in Spain. I look forward to continuing to improve my Spanish and using it to help others, while also exploring and learning more about different cultures.