Kristen Del Biaggio Heffernan and Mike Heffernan ’80 epitomize the legacy of the Santa Clara community.  

Mike is a third-generation Bronco after his grandfather and father— his son carried the torch of the fourth generation in the Class of 2016. Kristen was born to the first two married RAs on campus while her father pursued his M.A. in counseling psychology. Her two sons are members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021.  

Bronco blood may run through the veins of this family, but Mike attributes his core values of caring for others to the education he received here.  

“I didn’t know what a Jesuit education meant to me until I came here. It woke me up.” Mike and Kristen’s commitment to ensuring that people of all backgrounds have access to a transformational education led them to endow the F. Michael Heffernan Scholarship.  

“We were lucky that we could pay for our children’s college, but so many families don’t have that opportunity. Education is where it all starts. If people aren’t educated and open their minds, it’s difficult for them to help themselves and help others.”   Fraser Burch ’20, a recipient of their scholarship fund, notes that receiving this award made all the difference to him and his family.   

“Thank you for easing the stress and the burden on me and my parents. It’s wonderful that they give kids the opportunity to go to Santa Clara.”  

Mike and Kristen hope that the recipients of their scholarship will use this opportunity to grow themselves, care for others, and change the world. Fraser is on track to fulfill that legacy.  

“The motivating factor for me to work hard is to give back, especially to Santa Clara University.” says Fraser. “That’s the Jesuit goal and mission.”