SCU Celebrates the Class of 2024 at 173rd Graduation Ceremony

Photo Source: Dylan Ryu

Under the bright California sun, Santa Clara University celebrated the graduating Class of 2024 in the University's 173rd commencement ceremony yesterday. The 1,448 undergraduates gathered with their families, friends, and faculty at the University's Steven's Stadium to mark the culmination of their academic journeys.

In her address, President Julie Sullivan opened by recognizing the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the graduating class.

 "You began your Santa Clara journey in the fall of 2020, and at home, you made the most of your online classes and relationships, and when you were able to come to campus and fully engage with your faculty and your peers," said President Sullivan,  "you have confidence, competence and compassion to build not only a more humane, just Santa Clara University. You are ready to build a more humane, just, sustainable world." President Sullivan concluded her speech with a multi-faith adaptation of the Prayer of Saint Francis, encapsulating the University's mission of service and compassion.

"Go forth and be instruments of peace. Our world needs you," said President Sullivan.

Justice Martin J. Jenkins addressing graduating class
Photo Source: Dylan Ryu

Martin J. Jenkins, Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court and an alumnus of Santa Clara University, delivered the commencement speech. Justice Jenkins, who graduated in 1977 with a bachelor's in history, was the first openly gay and only the third African American man to sit on the California Supreme Court. Justice Jenkins reflected on his experience with the Santa Clara community, "fifteen years ago, I started to come out, and the first three people I came out to were my classmates here at Santa Clara. They supported me through the entire journey, and that support continues today. When you graduate, and you walk across this stage and receive your degrees, there will be an alumni association waiting for you."

Closing out the ceremony, Valedictorian Simon Lanzoni echoed the sentiments of resilience and action in his speech. "Our time at Santa Clara University has equipped us to move out into the world as contemplatives in action," Lanzoni said, invoking the Jesuit ideal. He urged his peers to continue their journeys with courage and purpose, emphasizing the importance of turning academic learning into real-world actions. "Today, we stand at the precipice of a new world, one we will all create together."