Tradition, jubilance mark Engh's ceremonies

By Katie Powers

It was a ceremony steeped in tradition, medieval flare and warm humor.

The inauguration of Michael Engh, S.J., was a chance to take time to stop and reflect on the Jesuit tradition, and Engh was surrounded by friends, family and supporters during his historic two-day inauguration event.

Last Thursday's Mass began with the procession of about 70 Jesuits, dressed in white, into the Mission church. The Santa Clara Mission Choir stood to the left of the altar, and the Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose, Patrick McGrath, in the middle. Candles dimly lit the background.

Engh chose the readings for the Mass, which included 1 Corinthians 12:3-13 and John 14:23-29. The Mass said was the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which is often used for the start of an academic term, wrote Jack Treacy, S.J., in an e-mail.

John McGarry, S.J., the provincial of the California Province of the Society of Jesus, gave the homily.

"This is a rare opportunity," he said. "We can look back with pride on accomplishments." He called the inauguration a season of new life. "This is indeed a time of change and opportunity."

A frontier theme was repeated throughout the Mass -- perhaps a tribute to Engh's book, "Frontier Faiths: Church, Temple and Synagogue in Los Angeles," published in 1992, as well as his studies of the American West.

"We are here today because the Jesuits came to the frontier," McGarry said. "Where is the frontier at Santa Clara today? Where is the frontier, Mike? You don't need to answer that."

During the Eucharist, a chalice from the Mission era was used. Two other chalices from the Airey family -- Engh's mother's family -- and the Engh family.

"Way back when I was ordained a bishop, I was always told the Bishop should have the last say, but at a Jesuit celebration, that is impossible," McGrath quipped to laughter from the audience.

He then discussed the deep connection between the Silicon Valley and the Jesuit tradition and thanked the Jesuits for what has been done in this area.

The banter between the Bishop and the Jesuits continued when Engh said, "Your predecessor gave us a dilapidated mission. We've done the best we could with what we have." This comment brought laughter and applause from the audience.

Jim Purcell, vice president for University Relations, said he thought the Mass was fantastic. He said he enjoyed the "wonderful ad-libbed remarks" between the Bishop and Engh.

Faculty, staff, students and community members enjoyed food and drinks in Mission Gardens after the Mass.

Engh's parents, Marie and Donald, said they were happy to be present at the events and proud of their eldest son.

On the breezy Thursday evening, they shared childhood memories of Engh.

"He was a pretty good kid," his mother said, later joking, "He had one fault: He wanted to be a Franciscan."

Engh, the oldest of six children, grew up in Los Angeles and attended Loyola Maramount University. His parents, who still live in Los Angeles, agreed they loved it when he told them he wanted to become a priest.

His father, who looks very similar to Engh, said growing up Engh was "very quiet, but very thoughtful." He continued, "It's really nice to have him for a son. We're happy to see where's gotten."

His mother smiled and said, "We miss him. We love him, too."

Later that night at the President's Club dinner, Engh took the stage. He asked the audience to excuse him if he started "going into L.A.-speak and sounding like an Oscar-winner," as the crowd laughed.

Speaking with natural poise, Engh relayed the story of when he was asked to be president of Santa Clara. "My parents said, 'Good school, great school. Don't blow it.'"

The dinner was a chance to thank the benefactors of Santa Clara, said Purcell.

A student, Hector Vega, spoke about his experiences as a first-generation college student at the dinner.

He moved to San Jose from Mexico in 2001 and "money was scarce," he said. "I felt in high school I was just another student, but at Santa Clara, I feel special." He told the audience to know that their efforts carry on to help people.

Purcell said Vega is an example of the way donors' money can really make a difference for students.

The dinner attendees enjoyed a Bon Appetit catered three-course meal.

James Felt, S.J., said at the dinner that he was impressed by Engh's intelligence, humor and ease.

The next morning, the faculty processed into Leavey Center wearing academic robes. The different-colored attire the faculty was adorned in has roots in medieval Europe. The different colors, hoods, sleeves and fabrics all have significance.

The medallion Engh received during the ceremony, gold and glittering, was engraved with thirteen stars to symbolize the original 13 colonies, an American eagle, and 1851 -- the year the mission was founded.

The inauguration ceremonies were filled with traditional pieces like the medallion. Among them was an ornamental staff mace that is a symbol of academic authority.

The one used in this ceremony was carved out of basswood, made in 1964 when Patrick Donohoe, S.J., was president of Santa Clara.

Meghan Mooney, a senior, was chosen to represent the anthropology department and carried the Santa Clara banner at the beginning of the ceremony. She said Engh saw her before the ceremony and said, "You won the prize!"

After the ceremony, everyone was invited to Malley Fitness and Recreation Center for a reception. Abundant champagne, punch, petite sandwiches, fruit, cheese, vegetables and crackers were served.

Students and faculty mingled at the reception, and many waited in line to shake hands and take pictures with the new president.

The inauguration of the president was not a public ceremony until 1968, when former President Thomas Terry, S.J., took office.

This year's event was a two-day ceremony that included a Mass, luncheon, dinner, champagne reception and education panels, according to the Santa Clara Web site.

Engh's inauguration was the first since the inauguration of former President Paul Locatelli, S.J. Locatelli came to Santa Clara in 1988.

Locatelli will continue to be connected to Santa Clara through his work as chancellor of the university. Engh described Locatelli's role as a sort of liaison between the new president and the community.

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

Contact Katie Powers at krpowers@scu.edu or (408) 554-4546.

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