Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California. Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California,[1] and has remained in its original location. The university's campus surrounds the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asis, which traces its founding to 1776.
In 1985, in part to avoid confusion with the University of Southern California (USC), the University of Santa Clara, as it had been known since 1912, changed its name to Santa Clara University.
Notable alumni include California Governor Jerry Brown and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. Former NBA star Steve Nash played basketball at Santa Clara.