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P A R T N E R S I N I N N O V A T I O N / CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
Cultivating Leaders and Champions
Filling a Need
Jerry and Joan Rocco are devoted donors to UCSB Athletics
Jerry Rocco is an alumnus of UC Santa Barbara in more ways
“The emotional and financial support that Joan and Jerry Rocco
than one.
provide our men’s basketball program makes a tremendous impact,” said coach Bob Williams. “The phenomenal experience
A 1959 graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in social
our student-athletes receive here at UC Santa Barbara is directly
sciences, he also spent three years as a UCSB staff member in the
linked to their philanthropic investment in our campus. Our
early 1960s, before finding his way to a permanent and successful
student-athletes have enjoyed getting to know Joan and Jerry
career in real estate.
over the years and we are so thankful to count them part of our Gaucho Family.”
Rocco stayed in Santa Barbara — he and wife Joan reside in Montecito — since his Gaucho days, and has kept connected to UCSB throughout. The campus, and Intercollegiate Athletics in particular, has benefited in spades. First on his own, later and now with Joan, Rocco has been giving to UCSB athletics since 1977. A former basketball player, the majority of the Roccos’ philanthropy through the years has benefited the basketball program, including a major gift in 2012 to help renovate the Thunderdome. In fiscal year 2015, the couple also made a donation to the baseball team. “It’s called following your passion — Jerry loves sports,” teased Joan, a retired longtime real estate agent and former teacher who, along with her parents before her and her three kids after, is a graduate of UCLA. “The way we approach it is, you see where there’s a need and do what you can to keep things going. We both felt strongly about that and have the same goals with philanthropy.” “When we first started talking about leaving money we thought, ‘Why not leave it now?’” explained Jerry. “Then we can actually see where it’s going, and how it’s making a difference. We thought that was a good idea. And we’ve been very fortunate to be able to make larger gifts.” The university has been fortunate to be among the institutions on the receiving end of the Roccos’ continued generosity.
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THE ANNUAL REPORT OF PRIVATE GIVING