Patty Rauch had a strong love for El Salvador. Patty and her husband Gary Neustadter sponsored children’s education for years through Programa Velasco. In 2014, Patty joined the organization’s Board of Directors and in 2017, she became the Board President. She mentored staff and rallied the board around fundraising and organizational development. Patty also taught at Santa Clara University’s (SCU) law school. She and other SCU friends and collaegues participated on Programa Velasco’s board.
Upon her passing and with the guidance of Juan Velasco (Professor, English), Cynthia Mertens (Professor Emerita, Law), Jim Rowan, and Gary Neustadter (Professor, Law), they established the Patty Rauch Scholarship to fund at least one child each year to access a pre-school education.
The fund is an endowment to support children’s early education scholarships. Patty continues to take care of others! We miss Patty and her wit, mentorship, and joy. Her deep-rooted commitments to social justice, supporting families, and ensuring wide access to education are examples for us to follow.