Charles Silver ’26 was announced as the valedictorian for the Class of 2026 at the senior toast in the Mission Gardens on Friday, May 29, 2026. **(Dylan Ryu/The Santa Clara)**

Santa Clara University’s annual senior toast was held in the Mission Gardens on Friday afternoon, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026.

At the ceremony, the University’s Vice Provost of student life Jeanne Rosenberger announced that Leavey School of Business student Charles Silver ’26 had been selected as the class’s esteemed valedictorian.

Silver, a management major completing his bachelor of science in commerce, was recognized as a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and the Leavey Scholars Program. He was also acknowledged for his leadership in outdoor club Into The Wild, and his contributions to the Santa Clara community as an Ignatian Fellow.

Rosenberger also announced the recipients of the prestigious St. Clare and Nobili medals, which are bestowed to seniors “judged outstanding in academic achievement, personal character, school activities and overall contribution to the University.”

The St. Clare Medal went to Claire Krebs ’26. A double major in neuroscience and philosophy with a minor in biology, Krebs was recognized for her impact on the Santa Clara University community through her many academic and extracurricular involvements.

In addition to serving as senator, senate chair and most recently president of the University’s Associated Student Government, Krebs was honored as a Hackworth Fellow, a student leader for the Santa Clara Community Action Program and as the Safe Walk SCU coordinator. Krebs is also an honors student and a Johnson Scholar.

The Nobili Medal was awarded to Jalen Paige ’26, an honors student and Johnson Scholar majoring in computer science.

Paige was recognized for his many roles on campus; he serves as co-chair of the Black Student Union, as a board member of the Association for Computing Machinery, and as an analyst for the Santa Clara Investment Fund. Through his work with the Black Student Union, Paige helped further initiatives such as the Black Bronco Network, a group dedicated to supporting and connecting Black Santa Clara University students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The winners of University awards recognized at the senior toast pose for a photograph on Friday, May 29, 2026. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

University President Julie Sullivan addressed the crowd of seniors at the toast, urging students to take moments to reflect on their journey at the University, spend time with their friends, and thank all those who have helped them along the way.

“You’re prepared for personal fulfillment, and you’re prepared for making this a better world,” Sullivan said. “You are what the world needs.”