Engh relates to students

By Genna Tan

When senior Beth Tellman saw the university's new president eating a burrito in Market Square in Benson Memorial Center, she was surprised, she said.

At a lunch hosted by Associated Students, Santa Clara's newest president met and chatted with students who came up to him. Michael Engh, S.J., who is the 28th president of Santa Clara, took office at the beginning of the winter quarter.

"'»¿At first we couldn't find him because we thought he'd be tabling near Mission Bakery or there would be some big fanfare," said Tellman. "But then we saw him just sitting at a table eating a burrito."

Tellman, program coordinator for the Labor Action Committee under the Santa Clara Community Action Program, said she talked to Engh about how universitywide budget cuts would affect low-wage workers on campus.

"He asked me a lot of questions about SCCAP and projects we've done," said Tellman. "He seems very responsive and excited and dedicated to including people on the margins of our Santa Clara community.'»¿"

Rachel Manfre, AS student body president, said the lunch was an opportunity for students to meet Engh in a more informal setting.

"'»¿For a lot of students, it was nice to put a face to a name," said Manfre. "I think students thought it was really cool that he was taking the time to get to know the students."

About 20 to 30 people came up to talk to Engh at the lunch, said Manfre.

"I've had a good time and people have been very, very welcoming," said Engh. "They've made me feel at home much faster than I thought I would. It's pretty amazing how easy it is to get settled in here and become part of the Santa Clara family."

Engh, who succeeded Paul Locatelli, S.J., appointed Locatelli as university chancellor in January of this year.

He said Locatelli is well-known in the area, and the university would like to keep the connections he has made.

"We want to keep the personal relationships he has with people in the government and in business alive by having him continue to interact with those people," Engh said.

Engh said Locatelli will also help represent Santa Clara to the public because he has been so active in the surrounding communities.

"We need that kind of civic presence that Santa Clara is out and involved in the community," Engh said.

According to Engh, Locatelli will be the university's first chancellor in 20 years. The last chancellor was William Rewak, S.J., whom Locatelli succeeded as university president.

Locatelli has been appointed secretary for higher education for the Society of Jesus.

According to Engh, Locatelli will spend a quarter of his time at Santa Clara. The rest of his time will be spent focusing on his new position.

'»¿"He'll be well positioned to help connect us with other Jesuit schools around the world, so we're looking forward to those kinds of connections that he can help us develop," said Engh.

Engh said he has been trying to attend different student events and activities on campus.

"I hosted the student body government for dinner, and they hosted me for lunch. I went to the reception for Noelle Lopez honoring her for her Rhodes scholarship. I went to the student concert for Martin Luther King Day," he said. "I've been trying to go to different student events and activities, or have lunch with students when I can."

Engh also attended a meeting organized by the Office of Student Life.

"He came and spoke and answered questions. I think he's trying to meet people, and more importantly, understand who they are and what they do for the campus," said Jeanne Rosenberger, vice provost for student life.

Engh, who was the dean of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts at Loyola Marymount before his appointment as president of Santa Clara, decided to watch Santa Clara play the Lions last Thursday.

"I like to watch basketball, but they're also playing Loyola Marymount," he said. "So I have to see how they're going to do tonight so I can cheer for the Broncos."

Engh said he will be back for lunch at Market Square again.

'»¿"You'll see me back at Benson, probably some time next week," said Engh. "If I can get over there at least once a week, I'll be very happy to do that and to connect with students."

Contact Genna Tan at (408) 554-4546 or gbtan@scu.edu.