Campus briefs

Alumnus and former trustee dies of complications from Parkinson's disease

Former trustee of Santa Clara and president of IBM Jack D. Kuehler died last month.

His wife, Carmen Kuehler, told the New York Times the cause of death was Parkinson's disease. Kuehler was 76.

Kuehler received a Bachelor of Science in 1954 in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in electrical engineering in 1986, both from Santa Clara.

The university received a $1 million donation from Kuehler and his wife in 2005.

The money was used to fund a new undergraduate research program in the School of Engineering.

During his time at IBM, the computer company became a leader in mainframe computers, and Kuehler played an important role in shaping its approach.

Kuehler is survived by five children and 12 grandchildren, as well as his wife.

Engh begins term as university President

Michael Engh, S.J., has started his tenure as the 28th president in the history of Santa Clara.

He began his term the first of the year and said he will be asking questions and listening to the campus community during his first year.

"I don't want to come in here saying 'I've already got the answers,'" he said. Instead, he said he wants to find the right questions.

Engh has replaced Paul Locatelli, S.J., who has accepted the position of university chancellor.

Previously, Engh was a history professor and dean of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts at Loyola Marymount. Engh said he was excited to start his term at Santa Clara.

"There are a lot of wonderful people here," he said. "So that was very energizing."

Locatelli left after 20 years at Santa Clara to become the Secretary of Higher Education for the Society of Jesus.

His new position will require more time in Rome as well as more international travel.

From staff reports. E-mail news@thesantaclara.com.