$1Million Gift Brings Catholic Studies Program Closer to Goal

Charles R. Schwab, founder and chairman of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., has pledged $1 million to support Catholic studies at UCSB. His leadership gift, and those of other donors, have established the Virgil Cordano Endowment in Catholic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies.

The endowment honors Father Virgil, a Franciscan friar and pastor of the St. Barbara Parish at the Santa Barbara Mission who has devoted his life to promoting greater understanding of all religions and increased dialogue among them.

"This important gift will strengthen and enhance interdisciplinary teaching, research, and public programming in Catholic studies at UCSB's distinguished Religious Studies Department," said Chancellor Henry T. Yang. "Charles Schwab's generous tribute to Father Virgil, who is revered for his commitment to building bridges among religions, will undoubtedly motivate others to follow his example."

To date, $1.7 million has been pledged for the Catholic studies endowment. A total of $5 million is being sought for an endowed chair and programmatic support.

Schwab made the recent gift in memory of his parents, Bettie A. Schwab and Robert H. Schwab, and to honor Cordano, a close family friend. "This endowment is a fitting tribute to Father Virgil that celebrates his presence, spirit, and energetic commitment to the pursuit of knowledge about all religions," said Schwab.

Cordano said he was touched that the endowment has been named in his honor and expressed enthusiasm for the new Catholic studies program. "The program's aim will be to foster exploration of the historical, cultural, and sociological backgrounds of Catholicism in order to promote mutual understanding among people of different beliefs and cultures," said the friar, who has a doctorate in sacred scripture.