Engh-auguration

By Katie Powers and Mary Georgevich

When Bishop Patrick McGrath took the podium at the inauguration last week, his excitement about the 28th president of Santa Clara, Michael Engh, S.J., was evident.

"He is here. He cannot escape," The Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose said. "He is ours. The die is cast."

McGrath was just one of many from the Santa Clara community who spoke to welcome Engh in his official inauguration. The celebration, consisting of multiple events held last Thursday and Friday, celebrated Engh's achievements, the Santa Clara Jesuit tradition and the future of Santa Clara under Engh's direction.

In his inaugural address, Engh, spoke poetically about what he feels Santa Clara's goal should be: leadership in environmental justice.

"Santa Clara is uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution to achieving a more just and sustainable future," Engh said. "I propose that we seriously consider becoming a major center for the discussion of environmental justice and for examining the ethical dimensions for how we treat the physical world."

Professor Brigitte Charaus, who is teaching a class on environmental history this quarter, said she appreciated Engh's call to action for the university to become a leader in environmental justice.

Engh also spoke about the university's commitment to ethical consideration and social justice.

"We welcome everyone who shares our concerns for moral reckoning and for attention to the neediness in our world," he said. "In our ethical reflection we consider the needs of our world. We see with increasing clarity the fragility of our planet, the depletion of the soil, the destruction of the forests, the pollution of air and water."

Engh's proposal the Santa Clara focus on environmental ethics included an optimism about the university's ability to become a leader in this area. "I believe that we can lead in the development and promotion of practices and businesses and technologies that will ensure a viable and just future for all," he said.

The official inauguration ceremony began at 10 a.m on Friday. All classes before 1 p.m. were cancelled so students and faculty could attend the ceremony.

There were delegates from about 120 other universities there to honor Engh, and the overall attendance was between 1,750 and 2,000, according to James Purcell, vice president for University Relations.

Guests ranged from faculty robed in colorful cap and gown to facilities workers to student athletic teams dressed in their sports attire.

The inauguration was a two-day event, beginning with Mass in the Mission Church on Thursday evening, followed by a reception in Mission Gardens and a President's club dinner that evening in the Malley Fitness and Recreation Center.

The total budget for the inauguration, including the large dinner on Thursday night, was around $250,000, according to Purcell. Engh, who took part in some of the planning, wanted a modest celebration, Purcell said. "Some inaugurations go on for weeks," he said.

Speakers at the ceremonies celebrated Santa Clara's history and Jesuit tradition as well as the problems Engh will face as president. Many addressed Engh's dedication to the poor and his compassion and focus on social justice.

On behalf of the faculty, psychology professor Kieran Sullivan focused on Engh's open approach to the faculty. "We have been impressed by how genuinely interested you are in faculty disciplines. You really want to listen," she said.

She called Engh warm, personable and thoughtful. She joked, "some faculty are not so happy about you being a Dodgers fan."

The inauguration event on Friday began in the Leavey Center with an academic procession.

Provost Lucia Gilbert introduced the ceremony, explaining that the 30 flags behind the stage and podium represented the 30 countries where there are Jesuit universities. Student representatives from each academic department carried banners representing the 28 Jesuit schools in the United States.

Sullivan was one of many greeters who spoke on behalf of different communities, welcoming Engh to the school.

Purcell said, "It is traditional at university inaugurations that various constituencies are represented among greeters."

Many of the speakers praised Santa Clara for the types of leaders it produces and the effect the university has had on the surrounding community.

When McGrath spoke, he said he admired the type of students that Santa Clara fosters.

"The world needs leaders of competence, conscience and compassion," McGrath said.

Associated Students President Rachel Manfre, speaking on behalf of the students, said, "He truly models compassion."

His student-focused approach will only add to the prestige of the university, Manfre said.

Patricia Mahan, mayor of Santa Clara and law school alumna, remarked on the history of the area. "In 1776, Juan De Anza scouted area near here, along the Guadalupe River. On Jan. 12, 1777, the first Mass was said at that site," she said.

Mahan said the university's historical links have helped create a synergy between the campus and city hall. "We have grown together in size and scope," she said. "The city is better for having the university, and the university is better for being here."

Nora Jamison-Danko, an administrative associate from the Office of Student Life, welcomed Engh on behalf of the staff.

Her speech focused on the importance of the staff to the university. Without them this inauguration couldn't have happened, she said.

According to Jamison-Danko, the staff has given 8,952 years of service to Santa Clara.

Marta Alvarez, a facilities worker and staff member, said she was happy to attend the inauguration and reception.

"We worked here for so many years, and this is the first time we've been invited to a ceremony like this," she said in Spanish.

Alvarez said she had talked to Engh before. "He's a nice person, so we all decided to come," she said.

Representing the local business community, Carl Guardino, CEO for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said Silicon Valley has much to learn from the university. "CEOs love to learn but hate to be taught," he said. "Of course the DOW at 7,000 points has helped us all with humility," he quipped.

Alicia Gallegos, alumna and principal of Downtown College Prep, gave her address in English and Spanish, crediting the Santa Clara Community Action Program and English professor Jill Gould for their collaboration in working with DCP. She said she hoped Engh will make "Santa Clara's mission of establishing a more just and humane world authentic."

Board of Trustees member and professor Robert Finocchio and A.C. Markkula, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, were part of the missioning and investiture of the president. During this portion of the ceremony, Engh received a chain and medallion as symbols of his presidential office.

Students, faculty and staff were invited to the ceremony and reception in the Malley Fitness and Recreation Center, where punch, champagne, sandwiches and hors d'oeuvres were served.

Facilities worker Clara Guerrero said, "I feel it's very nice; it's the first time I've experienced something like this."

Many attendees appreciated Engh's environmental mission.

Senior Meghan Mooney said Engh's address "wasn't the typical lip service of why working for the environment is really important. He addressed it and put the mission on it."

Patricia Guzman represented the environmental studies department. "It was really important. And as a student I enjoyed being here and taking steps in the process," she said.

Mooney called Engh's speech inspiring, saying, "He could totally have talked about the economy or something really stark."

Some attendees respected the rarity of an event like this.

Junior Katie Kershaw said, "It's not going to happen again while we're in college."

Freshman Bobak Esfandiari was inspired by Engh's genuine interest in students, particularly while walking around at Global Village. "I met him at the United Middle East table," he said.

He said he thought the inauguration was fantastic. "I really liked the choir and orchestra."

A line awaited Engh as he stood on stage, welcoming the attendees with handshakes, short conversations and a chance to get a picture with him on his big day.

Contact Katie Powers and Mary Georgevich at (408) 554-4546 or news@thesantaclara.com.