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Paul L. Locatelli, S.J., the former president of Santa Clara University who served from 1988 to 2008, was appointed chancellor of the University in November by new president Michael Engh, S.J.

"I am honored and grateful that Fr. Locatelli has accepted my offer of this position to help continue to advance the vision and mission of Santa Clara University," Engh said in his announcement to the University community.

Locatelli stepped down from his role as president of SCU to take on an expanded role in Rome as Secretary of Higher Education for the Society of Jesus, a role he has held since January 2007.

A Thanksgiving message

Dear students, faculty, staff,
Each year on Thanksgiving day I offer prayers and a Mass of thanksgiving to God for the Santa Clara community and my family. This year is special because it is my last Thanksgiving message as president and, more important, we need each other during this time of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Despite the difficult times one constant remains: my love for my family and this remarkable and wonderful community we call Santa Clara – our students and their parents; faculty and staff and their families; alumni and their families; our trustees, regents, fellows and their families; and the many friends who help to make Santa Clara a fine Catholic, Jesuit university.

Recently, I have been asked what are the best accomplishments of the last 20 years. I keep coming back to one thing: Santa Clara has always been a wonderful community where respect for the dignity of each person is cherished as is the beauty of our diverse and humane learning community.

My prayers of thanksgiving this year are for all of you and your families, especially those who are most vulnerable and hurt by the financial crisis. And, during this tumultuous time, I pray we can be thankful for our many blessings, among them hope and courage, and the realization that we are all in this together as a community and family. So, may God who is a God of all people, regardless of beliefs and religious affiliations, bless you and your families with peace and hope.

Personal regards,

Paul Locatelli, S.J.

November 2008
Locatelli named Chancellor

On Nov. 25, following the approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Santa Clara University, incoming University President Michael Engh, S.J., announced his appointment of Paul L. Locatelli, S.J., as Chancellor.
Read the news release.

Office of the Chancellor - Office of the Chancellor