White House Trailblazer to Speak at Commencement

President Bill Clinton interupts Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers’ final press briefing in the White House briefing room Thursday, Dec. 22, 1994. The president surprised Myers by stopping by her daily briefing to thank her for her service. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette)

Santa Clara University alumna Dee Dee Myers ’83, the first woman to serve as White House press secretary, will return to campus this spring to address the undergraduate Class of 2026 at commencement.

The University announced on April 2 that Myers will deliver the keynote speech at the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at Stephen Schott Stadium. She will also receive an honorary doctorate of public service.

Myers graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. As a student, she was involved in the early years of the University’s Model United Nations club, and served as a news editor for The Santa Clara newspaper.

“It was really the Santa Clara experience, the kind of Jesuit ethos of being about something bigger than yourselves, and having an obligation to care about the fate of others,” Myers said.

Since then, she has built a high-profile career in politics, media and public affairs. She served as White House press secretary during the first two years of President Bill Clinton’s administration, becoming both the first woman and one of the youngest individuals to hold the role.

Currently, Myers serves as senior advisor to California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Before joining Newsom’s administration, Myers served as executive vice president of worldwide corporate communications and public affairs at Warner Bros., wrote the bestselling book “Why Women Should Rule the World” and contributed to Vanity Fair. She also consulted on “The West Wing,” the political drama that became a defining show for many Americans.

“Dee Dee Myers represents the very best of what a Santa Clara education can inspire,” said University President Julie Sullivan in a press release. “Her career reflects a deep commitment to public service and thoughtful leadership.”

Dennis Gordon, a political science professor who taught Myers during her time at the University, recalled Myers leaving a lasting impression over his decades of teaching.

“I’ve had a lot of students go on to do great things, but there are a few you never forget,” Gordon said. “She’s absolutely one of them, and for all the right reasons.”

In the University’s announcement, Myers reflected on her own connection to the University, stating, “Santa Clara helped me discover not only what I wanted to do, but the kind of person I wanted to become.”

The undergraduate commencement ceremony will celebrate the graduation of more than 1,500 students, and will be followed by the faculty reception on the St. Ignatius and Daly Science lawns.

“I am profoundly grateful to return to the place where so much began for me, and to speak to a graduating class that is poised to shape the world in ways we can’t yet imagine,” said Myers.

Myers’ return to the University offers the Class of 2026 a powerful example of where a Santa Clara University education can lead.