Julie H. Sullivan Offers Inspirational Address At Presidential Inauguration

Sullivan looks to further Santa Clara’s academic excellence and inclusive community

Julie H. Sullivan, Ph.D., made Santa Clara history last week by officially becoming the first woman and layperson president of the university.

The two-hour ceremony drew over 2,000 guests, including students, faculty and staff. Other university affiliates also attended, such as elected officials, religious leaders and business representatives.

The Chairwoman and Vice Chairwoman from the Muwekma Ohlone tribe were also present, indicating important strides in solidarity between Santa Clara and tribal communities. Given that Santa Clara sits on ancestral indigenous land, the inauguration symbolizes a new commitment to inclusion and justice.

The ceremony made guests feel included as part of the Santa Clara community. Susan Huang, senior administrative assistant for the accounting department, appreciated the ceremony’s welcoming environment and mentioned the value of the Ohlone blessing Sullivan received.

“It was truly a moment to remember. To feel the tremendous community support of President Julie Sullivan was inspiring,” Huang said. “For the Ohlone blessing which was delivered in the Muwekma Ohlone’s native language, President Sullivan received a gift of an abalone necklace. What a symbolic gift to be shared at Santa Clara University, the first institution of higher learning in California.”

Prominent alumni made remarks at the event, including former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta ‘60, J.D. ‘63 and former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano ‘79.

In a humorous comment about Santa Clara having 29 consecutive priest presidents, Secretary Panetta highlighted the symbolic nature of Sullivan’s inauguration: “ladies and gentlemen, join me in welcoming Santa Clara University to the 21st century.”

Inclusion was a prominent theme in Sullivan’s address, as she discussed the importance of Santa Clara’s commitment to social justice and to enable economic mobility for students. She noted that Santa Clara’s high standards of academic excellence and high graduation rates among low-income and first-generation students should be the basis for continued excellence in university leadership.

“I see a future for Santa Clara where we are more inclusive and welcoming, and where we continue to increase and enhance our racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity to better reflect the world in which we live,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan herself is a first-generation college student and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s in taxation and a doctorate in business from the University of Florida. Before she assumed office on July 1, she served as president at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota for nine years. Her vast leadership experience in Catholic higher education and her commitment to improving the student experience align with Santa Clara’s mission of diversity and personal growth.

Sullivan’s inauguration comes at a pivotal time in Santa Clara’s history, as the university is tasked with making crucial changes to campus and academic life. With almost $1 billion invested in the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation and the Stephen C. and Patricia A. Schott Athletic Excellence Center, Sullivan understands that the university continually strives to provide resources for student academic growth.

“At Santa Clara, we uphold an uncompromising standard of academic excellence in our teaching, learning, creativity and scholarship,” she said.

Those who missed the ceremony of President Sullivan can watch the live stream here.