Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University’s three Centers of Distinction serve as major points of interaction
between the University and society. Each center focuses on a theme that is
central to its distinctive mission as a Jesuit university offering an educational environment
that integrates rigorous inquiry and scholarship, creative imagination, reflective
engagement with society, and a commitment to fashioning a more humane and just
world. Each center engages faculty and students from different disciplines, as well as
experts and leaders from the community.

The Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education

The Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education is dedicated to preserving and enhancing
the Jesuit and Catholic mission and identity of Santa Clara University through the
exploration of the Ignatian vision, the educational and spiritual legacy of St. Ignatius
of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Following the Jesuit ideal of being “contemplatives
in action,” the Center seeks to integrate faith and justice in a scholarly way and
combine Ignatian reflection with active community engagement. The Arrupe Partnerships
for Community-based Learning educate students and the University as a whole
in the realities of the lives of the marginalized and the poor through community placements
in Santa Clara County. The Bannan Institute for Jesuit Educational Mission assists
the University in keeping its Catholic and Jesuit character at the center of the
educational enterprise by encouraging all members of the campus community to reflect
on, discuss, and creatively explore Catholic and Jesuit ideals. The Kolvenbach
Solidarity Program offers students, faculty, staff, and alumni immersion experiences
in the reality of our globalizing world.

Center for Science, Technology, and Society

The Center for Science, Technology, and Society seeks to illuminate the dynamic
interplay of science and technology with culture and society. Through research, education,
advocates to promote the use of science and technology for the common good. With strong
partnerships in Silicon Valley, the Center conducts applied research, sponsors lectures
and symposia, and publishes a quarterly magazine to explore the compelling questions
raised by rapid advances in science and technology.

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics is one of the pre-eminent centers for
research and dialogue on ethical issues in critical areas of American life. The center
works with faculty, staff, students, community leaders, and the public to address
ethical issues more effectively in teaching, research, and action. The center’s focus
areas are business, health care and biotechnology, character education, government,
global leadership, technology, and emerging issues in ethics. Articles, cases, briefings,
and dialogue in all fields of applied ethics are available through the Center.