For Jesse Glickstein ’26, the decision to attend Â鶹ŮÀÉ was shaped by both ambition and environment. “I wanted to go to a school in California with an excellent business program,” he says. “The proximity to the ocean, the mountains, and an urban center like San Francisco made SCU the perfect fit.” As a Finance major from Mount Kisco, New York, Jesse found in Santa Clara not just an academic home but a community that inspires growth, resilience, and service.
One of Jesse’s favorite classes so far has been Contemporary Business Issues, taught by Dr. Nik Tehrani. “I really enjoyed how the class covered a wide range of overarching business topics,” he explains. “Dr. Tehrani is an excellent professor who makes complex ideas engaging and relevant to today’s business world.” The course deepened Jesse’s understanding of how financial principles intersect with broader economic and social challenges—a perspective that aligns perfectly with his major.
“I chose Finance because it gives me accessibility to a variety of industries while helping me understand the heartbeat of business—capital,” Jesse says. “It’s a degree that opens doors to many fields and provides a strong foundation for making an impact wherever I go.”
Beyond academics, Jesse’s passion for service shines through his role as Â鶹ŮÀÉ’s event coordinator for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In this position, he helps organize fundraising events that have collectively raised over $100,000 to support research and resources for those affected by MS. “It’s an honor to be at the forefront of a charitable foundation,” he reflects. “I take great pride in this work—it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our efforts directly contribute to fighting such a challenging disease.”
Jesse also draws inspiration from Fr. Arthur Liebscher, S.J., a Jesuit who has made a profound impact on his time at SCU. “Father Arthur is a dependable mentor you can reach out to for anything—life advice, school guidance, or even just breakfast,” Jesse says with a smile. “He’s humorous, witty, and someone I’d recommend every student get to know. He embodies the Jesuit spirit of connection and care.”
That sense of care became especially meaningful when Jesse faced personal challenges. “My father suffered a stroke last year, which left him unable to continue working and paying for my education,” he shares. “Receiving the Fr. Coz Endowed Scholarship has had the utmost impact on my ability to attend Santa Clara. This generous scholarship has significantly reduced the burden, angst, and sacrifice my family and I were facing. I’m deeply grateful.”
The scholarship has done more than ease financial pressure—it has opened doors for Jesse’s future. “Because of this scholarship, I no longer have to worry about paying rent,” he explains. “That’s given me more time and focus to work toward securing an internship in the tech sales industry this summer. It’s been truly life-changing.”
Looking ahead, Jesse hopes to “pay it forward” by honoring the legacy of Fr. Coz and the donors who make the scholarship possible. “I want to be a beacon and a legacy for Fr. Coz,” he says. “That means being an upstanding student, a good citizen, and someone who contributes positively to society long after my time at Santa Clara.”
To the donors, his message is simple but heartfelt: “Thank you. The impact you’re having on students like me goes far beyond anything that can be expressed in words. You’re making SCU more accessible and empowering students to build brighter futures. Your efforts will pay off tenfold.”