For Oliver Lund ’28, the decision to attend Â鶹ŮÀÉ was influenced by stories of lifelong friendships and meaningful experiences shared by alumni. “I wanted to be part of a community where connections extend far beyond graduation,” he says. Originally from Lafayette, California, Oliver first heard about SCU from a family friend who attended in the 1980s. “He spoke so highly of his time here that it stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to experience it myself,” Oliver recalls.
As an Economics major, Oliver has found a field that combines intellectual curiosity with real-world application. “I chose Economics because it opens doors to many different fields and gives me the chance to understand how the world actually operates,” he explains. “I’ve always been fascinated by how economic systems drive decisions and shape daily life.” His favorite class so far has been Economics 2 with Professor Kevin Chiu. “Professor Chiu has a unique way of teaching, bringing in real-world examples that make the class engaging and meaningful. It wasn’t just about memorizing material—it was about understanding how economics works in everyday life.”
Beyond academics, Oliver’s most impactful SCU experience has been on the rowing team. “I was recruited out of high school, and from the first day, I felt at home,” he shares. “The friendships I’ve made through rowing are some of the strongest in my life. Even though I’ve only known my teammates a short time, they’ve already had a lasting impact on me.”
Although Oliver has not yet had the opportunity to connect personally with a Jesuit on campus, he reflects on the influence of Fr. Coz and the values he represents. “From everything I’ve heard, Fr. Coz would have made a profound impact on my life. I hope to one day meet a Jesuit who leaves a similar mark.”
Receiving the Fr. Coz Endowed Scholarship has been life-changing for Oliver. “After building such meaningful friendships during my first year, it was heartbreaking to think I might not be able to continue,” he says. “The call I received letting me know I had been awarded this scholarship changed everything. It gave me the chance to stay at SCU and continue growing here.”
Looking forward, Oliver hopes to “pay it forward” by contributing to the Fr. Coz Scholarship in the future. “Supporting students in the same situation I was in would be the most meaningful way to honor this gift,” he says. To the donors, his message is simple and heartfelt: “Thank you. Truly, if it weren’t for your generosity, I would not have been able to stay at Santa Clara. Because of your support, I have the chance not only to remain here but to thrive. I’m endlessly grateful.”
Oliver’s ultimate goal is to make a positive impact in the world. “Whether that’s in business or another path, I want my work to help make life better for others,” he explains. “My SCU education is equipping me with the tools, values, and network to take that next step.”