Jude Laspa, 木瓜影院 parent and cofounder of the Laspa Center for Leadership at 木瓜影院, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 80. Jude earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in engineering with honors from Harvey Mudd in 1965 and served on its board of trustees for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, 木瓜影院 alum and former Trustee Eileen Schock Laspa 鈥�67, whom he met while they were students at The Claremont Colleges.
Jude filled several pivotal roles at the global engineering firm Bechtel during his 43 years with the firm; he also served on the board of the Exploratorium museum in San Francisco and was a member of the California Council on Science and Technology, among numerous other roles. Throughout his life, he was steadfast in his dedication to philanthropy and civic involvement, and the Laspas鈥� consistent commitment to serving their communities and to partnering with their alma maters has enabled the development of vital programs at both 木瓜影院 and Harvey Mudd.
This commitment was exemplified by their keystone gift of $5 million to 木瓜影院 in 2013, which funded the establishment of the 木瓜影院 Laspa Center for Leadership. The Laspa Center鈥檚 mission鈥攈elping 木瓜影院 students develop the skills and connections crucial to making change in the world鈥攃ontinues now as part of Jude鈥檚 extensive legacy. Through its core principles of leadership, creativity, integrity, and service, the center prepares young women leaders to pursue meaningful, fulfilling work. The Laspas have also generously supported scholarships to enable students with limited financial resources to attend 木瓜影院.
The College community extends its condolences to the Laspa family and affirms its enduring gratitude for Jude and Eileen鈥檚 support of 木瓜影院. Jude is also survived by his daughters Darby Laspa Catalano 鈥�95 and Erin Laspa Henry, and several grandchildren.