Sil Garaventa is one of the College's most cherished
donors. The Soccer field at the front of campus bears his name, and he
and his wife Mary also make generous annual gifts to Saint Mary's.
"Mary, the children, and I care deeply about Saint
Mary's, said Garaventa. "Two of our daughters --- Linda and Louisa
--- went to the College and enjoyed the experience very much. Louisa met
her husband, Walt Binswanger, there. Several of the grandchildren have attended
Saint Mary's athletic camps and some were baptized in the
Chapel. "Saint Mary's keeps alive the Catholic principles and
traditions which my family holds so dear. The Brothers are most special
people. They stay true to their mission and help bring to a world sorely
in need of more caring people.
"The College has successfully reached out to the
local community and has been a good neighbor. Saint Mary's is a
wonderful resource for all.
"I am proud to support an institution with such a
strong foundation --- one which helps develop the leaders of
society."
A Contra Costa resident for several decades, he is the
owner of Garaventa Enterprises, with interests in real estate, trucking,
surveying, waste management and recycling. His company has donated
hundreds of recycling bins to non-profit organizations. He has helped
the College with his business expertise in addition to financial
support. He was honored in 1992 as the Easter Seal Man of the Year.
Garaventa has served on the Saint Mary's Board of Regents since 1988.
_____
_____. "Meeting the Challenge."
1992 - 1993 President's Annual Report.
Saint Mary's College of California - excerpts. (1993),
p. 13.
