Donor Spotlight: Signum Fidei Society

The impact of donors is evident throughout Saint Mary’s College. A walk around campus highlights this generosity—you will see the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center named by the Kalmanovitz Charitable Foundation, Syufy Performing Arts Hall and dormitories, Garaventa Hall, and Claeys Hall North and South. Foundations, alumni, and friends of the College who have given generously over the years named all of these buildings. To recognize all of those who share our vision and have helped shape our bold future, Saint Mary’s is reinstating its lifetime giving societies.

The De La Salle Society recognizes individuals, family foundations, corporations and foundations whose donors have made lifetime, cumulative gifts of $100,000 - $999,999. The Signum Fidei Society recognizes donors whose lifetime, cumulative giving totals $1 million or more.

The Claeys Family: Generations of Gaels

The Claeys family is one of many who have longstanding ties to Saint Mary’s who have shown their appreciation for the College through their philanthropy and volunteerism over the years. Linus Claeys was born in 1909 and graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1932, as did his brother Reder S. Claeys. The family tradition continued with Richard G. Claeys ’63, Mark F. Murray ’67, and Carla C. Rodriquez ’93.

Linus was a retired Rodeo cattle rancher who was successful in farming, ranching, and real estate endeavors. He expressed his appreciation for his Saint Mary’s education by donating across numerous areas of the College. Hundreds of students have lived in Claeys Hall North and South over the years, named after Linus. We have attended events, presentations, and meetings in Claeys Lounge in the Soda Center.

Linus Claeys also contributed to the football program and the Brother Albert Rahill Athletic Complex. He established the Linus F. Claeys Endowed Scholarship Fund for student financial aid. Dozens of students have benefited from this scholarship that enabled them to attend Saint Mary’s College. This year’s scholarship recipients are Nicole Potepa ’17 and Andreas Omvik ’19. “I cannot express how grateful I am for the Linus F. Claeys Endowed Scholarship,” Omvik said. “Without this scholarship I would not be at Saint Mary’s today. After my four years here, I plan to gain cultural perspective through travel and start a company of my own so I too can one day give to those in need.”

Ruth Claeys, Linus' widow, has continued her dedication to Saint Mary’s in the 30 years since his passing. She served on the Board of Regents beginning in 1989 and the Board of Trustees from 1992–1995. Her son, Marc Giammona ’82, and daughter-in-law, Mary Giammona '82, are also alumni of the College. Ruth has continued to donate to several other scholarship funds as well as the Chapel restoration. Now in her 90s, Ruth can still be seen cheering on the Gaels at all the home basketball games. “I am very thankful that Linus introduced me to Saint Mary's,” she says. “I enjoy seeing all the students, faculty, and the beautiful campus. Everyone is so friendly and I know so many because of the size of the community. I continue to enjoy attending the basketball games and feel lucky to have been associated with Saint Mary's for this long.”

Image

Saint Mary’s salutes the Claeys family and all of the families and foundations who have given so generously to the College. President James A. Donahue said, “We greatly appreciate the significant contributions our donors have made to Saint Mary’s College, its students, faculty, and programs. These transformational investments have provided enormous support for generations of students. This remarkable generosity has helped advance the College’s mission and helped shape our future. Saint Mary’s is pleased to recognize donors in the Signum Fidei Society and De La Salle Society."

Make a difference in the life of a Gael. Give to Saint Mary’s.

Story design updated January 30, 2024 for the new Saint Mary's website