Former President Locatelli Dies

By Kurt Wagner

Paul Leo Locatelli, S.J., Santa Clara University's chancellor and former president, died early this morning from pancreatic cancer. Locatelli died around 5 a.m. and was surrounded by his family and Jesuit brothers at the time of his death, according to a press release posted this morning on the university's website. Locatelli, 71, stepped down from his presidential position with the Santa Clara in 2008 when he was appointed as Secretary for Jesuit Higher Education for the Society of Jesus. His new position came with the responsibility of helping to improve Jesuit higher education on a global-scale. "Fr. Locatelli's deep love for Santa Clara touched all of us and permeated every part of our community, from the students, faculty and staff on campus, to our alumni, friends, and extended family off campus," said Santa Clara President Michael Engh, S.J., through email. "We are all blessed to have known him and shared in his dynamic and compassionate presence. We thank God for the gift of Paul's life to our community. May he rest in peace."

Locatelli has been a part of the Santa Clara community since he first received a degree in accounting from the university in 1961. He became an accounting professor at Santa Clara in 1974 and was soon appointed academic vice president of the university. Locatelli was selected as Santa Clara's president in 1988, the first of four six-year terms, which he held until his resignation in 2008. A mass has been scheduled for today at noon in the Mission church to honor Locatelli and details regarding memorial services will be announced by the university as they are arranged.