Engh gives first speech to university

By Katie Powers and Margo Consul

President Michael Engh, S.J., compared becoming president to getting on a surfboard and riding the waves, except he didn't know just how long they'd be. Good thing the opening choir didn't choose to sing "Wipe Out," he said.

Yet despite his jovial disposition, Engh addressed serious economic concerns in his first campus-wide public address.

"We face an unprecedented economic problem." Engh said. "We have much to protect, and that's a matter of great care."

About 300 people gathered in Mission Church Wednesday to hear the new president give the State of the University address.

Students who attended were concerned with how Engh would address financial aid in a time of economic downturn.

"I think the one question everyone had was how we were going to deal with the economy, and he addressed it very well," said sophomore Quentin Owen after the address. "But he also focused on what was good here on campus despite it, and I was really impressed. We feel we are in good hands."

Sophomore Diana Bustos said financial aid and minority students were her concerns. Junior Michael Hayes said he hoped Engh would address the rise in tuition and the economic downturn. "With the costs rising, it makes it harder to go to school," he said.

Engh said much of his time in the past couple of months has been focused on the economic situation, and that he wanted to keep students "as informed as possible," as to how the school is addressing the situation.

One-year special assistance awards were created at the beginning of the school year for students in emergency situations, he said. Up to 80 students who originally qualified for financial aid are receiving these funds, totaling about $438,000. This money has mainly come from donations. Of this, $100,000 came from an anonymous donor, and the Jesuits donated another $200,000. "We've determined we need $500,000 to $600,000 more," he said.

Engh spoke on the new budget, which was approved by the Board of Trustees. The budget includes $2 million in cuts. He said the budget would maintain a commitment to education, be balanced, avoid involuntary layoffs and have emergency funding for financial aid.

As part of these cuts, construction on campus will be put to a halt, Engh said, except for the new student building, which has funds already promised by a donor.

Engh said he has spent his time here observing and getting to know the community. He has attended activities, including the men's basketball game and the opera the "Marriage of Figaro."

He applauded Noelle Lopez for her Rhodes Scholarship, noting that she is the first Santa Clara woman ever to receive this prestigious award, and also praised the Solar Decathlon Team.

"I'm impressed by your values, accomplishments and desire for learning," he said of the students he has encountered thus far.

He mentioned the work of two students who wrote to him in protest of the university's investment in a company that practices mountaintop removal. After an environmental science intern researched the practice and found it to be unethical, Engh ended the investment, as it conflicts with the university's stance on ethical investments.

Student body president Rachel Manfre spoke before Engh. "This is a significant moment in history," she said.

Students are pleased with Engh as the choice for president, Manfre said. "You can see that Father Engh truly cares about the students in the Santa Clara community," she said.

She spoke about Associated Students' effort to improve off-campus relationships and the "Be Classy" campaign against anonymous blogging.

"I'm impressed by the spectrum of groups Father Engh has met with. Santa Clara is a complex community, and to have all those encounters, it is impressive," said Director of Campus Ministry Jack Treacy, S.J.

English professor Elizabeth Dunbar called Engh's delivery "wonderfully extraordinary, helpful and informative."

The address featured musical performances by the Chamber Singers, a choral ensemble. Provost Lucia Gilbert also spoke at the ceremony.

In his closing, Engh said, "I'm excited. I'm happy to be here."

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