Tales – Information & Occasions

As new Broncos settle into their new campus digs, a bunch of college and Residence Life workers is transferring in alongside them, offering mentorship, religious steerage, remedy, and different help—simply down their halls.

That sort of proximity is by design.

First- and second-year college students are required to dwell on campus, and practically all of them land in one in all Santa Clara’s eight Residential Learning Communities (RLCs)—themed neighborhoods like Cura, Loyola, and Modern Perspectives that set up residence life round a shared curiosity, from religion and social justice to sustainability and the humanities. Students rank their most popular themes earlier than move-in, and sometimes spend the 12 months taking courses, attending programming, and constructing friendships with individuals down the corridor who care about the identical issues they do.

But irrespective of which RLC college students reside in, each is staffed to embody the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis, or caring for the entire individual—thoughts, physique, and spirit. Beyond the same old Resident Directors and Community Facilitators (what different colleges name RAs), Santa Clara gives further wrap-around care to assist college students discover their dwelling in Santa Clara.

Faculty Directors anchor the tutorial aspect of work-life stability, connecting classroom studying and mentorship to each day life within the RLCs. A therapist-in-residence places licensed psychological well being help simply an elevator trip away. A spirituality facilitator, usually a graduate scholar, helps residents work by way of questions of id, objective, and values.

Read on to satisfy just a few of those devoted Residence Life crew members.

Justin Filaggi

Therapist-in-Residence, Nobili Hall

From: Philadelphia, PA

What do you love to do outdoors of labor?

I like to be outdoors. Hiking, tenting, dancing, taking part in sports activities: soccer, disc golf, and all board sports activities actually, from skateboarding to snowboarding. I’m additionally a author—that was my first diploma, and I make tie-dye artwork. Lastly, I do yoga and meditate each day.

What’s a enjoyable reality about you that most individuals wouldn’t guess?

I performed membership soccer in faculty, and I made the All-Star Tournament Team on the National Club Soccer Championships, which was a giant, cool factor for me. 

Ask me about:

My wellness observe.

What’s thrilling in regards to the alternative to be residing among the many college students you’ll be working with? 

For me, I see people as numerous and dynamic, so residing right here is an effective alternative to satisfy college students the place they’re at, whereas permitting them to see a aspect of me—perhaps skateboarding or meditating on the garden—that exhibits that I’m not only a therapist.

You lived in Finn Hall final 12 months—what excites you about transferring into Nobili Hall?

Nobili has this popularity as a quieter dorm, perhaps from being proper by the Mission Church. I feel that sort of contemplative area is one thing I’m trying ahead to. 

What’s one factor on this room that you simply couldn’t dwell with out? 

I actually get pleasure from that white Peugeot bike over there. That’s my go-to bike that will get me round. I feel biking has so many advantages in your bodily well being, and it helps you lower your expenses and save the atmosphere.

What’s your recommendation for the incoming first-years? 

Take wholesome dangers by way of new experiences—like assembly new individuals, or being as current as potential on this very busy world.

Hamed Akbari

Faculty Director, Dunne Hall

From: Mashhad, Iran

What’s a enjoyable reality about you that most individuals wouldn’t guess? 

I’ve a twin background, with each an MD and a PhD. I bought my MD in Tehran, and my PhD in AI robotic surgical procedure in Tokyo. I’ve been to many different cities too—Atlanta, Philadelphia—however Tokyo is my favourite metropolis. 

Where are your favourite spots on campus? 

If I need to take a stroll, I actually just like the Mission Gardens. If I need to sit and luxuriate in myself, I am going to the balcony in SCDI. 

If I’ve free time, I am going to the Malley Center fitness center and use the elliptical: one hour, 1000 energy, 4 instances per week. Although I’m undecided that I will this quarter, as a result of I train courses each day.

What excites you about residing in Dunne? 

Here in Dunne’s Modern Perspectives RLC, I’ve heard that college students are extra desperate to get pleasure from their lives and have work-life stability.

What’s one factor that you simply couldn’t dwell with out?

My college students.

Really? What about one thing on this room?

My espresso machine! It’s like my medication.

What would you like first-years to know?

Need to vent about courses? Having issues with math or chem? Worried in regards to the future, discovering jobs, or choosing a serious? I’m all the time right here for you—when you really feel homesick or want somebody who cares about you. I’m right here for you. 

Nick Snyder ’25, MA ’28

Spirituality Facilitator, Swig Hall

From: Corte Madera, CA

What’s a enjoyable reality about you that most individuals wouldn’t guess?

I’m fluent in Spanish and studied Latin American cultures in my undergrad Bronco years.

What do you love to do for enjoyable if you’re not in grad college courses or on the clock?

I like taking part in and writing music, taking walks round Santa Clara’s stunning campus, and exploring nice meals spots within the space. 

What excites you about returning to the dorms—this time as a workers member?

I’m excited to be current for everybody and meet my college students the place they’re. Living in Swig Hall will probably be uniquely enjoyable due to its power and site on campus.

What’s one factor in your life that you simply couldn’t dwell with out?

My two cats, Sailor and Bandit. I adopted them this 12 months, and I couldn’t think about life with out them. 

Talk to me about: 

Food recs within the space! My faves are Taqueria El Noa Noa and Shwarmaji.

What’s your recommendation for the incoming first-years? 

Introduce your self to everybody in your flooring and get out of your consolation zone.