Undergraduate Students Award Recipients
Remarks by University President, Michael E. Engh, S.J.
Congratulations to our newest alumni, the Class of 2012! Amidst pomp and pageantry we closed the academic year and honored our graduates at the 161st Commencement Exercises. We paid tribute to over 700 graduate students who received their degrees at Graduate Commencement on June 15 and over 1200 seniors who crossed the stage at Undergraduate Commencement on June 16.
A special tradition at the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony is to acknowledge members of the Class of 2012 selected to receive University awards. These students are recognized for their contributions to the University community.
Valedictorian
The valedictorian is conferred annually on a graduating senior selected for outstanding academic achievement and University service. This year’s valedictorian was Nathan Rogers, a civil engineering major who offered the valedictory address at the commencement on June 16. In his remarks, Nathan related his personal story of how Santa Clara helped him discover what it means to live a constructive life compared to a destructive one. Valedictorian speech (full text) »
Nobili and St. Clare Medals
The Nobili and St. Clare medals are presented to the male and female graduates judged outstanding in academic performance, personal character, school activities, and constructive contributions to the University. The Nobili Medal is named after John Nobili, S.J., the founder of the University, and was first awarded in 1876 to James Franklin. The first St. Clare Medal was awarded to Laura E. Arnold in 1967, six years after women were admitted to the undergraduate program. This year Tanya Schmidt received the St. Clare Medal, and Drew Hodun received the Nobili Medal.
Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award
The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award was established in 2001 in honor of The Very Reverend Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus. The award is given to graduating seniors who exemplify the ideals of Jesuit education especially being a "whole person of solidarity in the real world" and having the courage and faith to build a more just and humane world. For 2012, the Kolvenbach Award was presented to Jose Dorador.
I congratulate and thank these outstanding members of the Class of 2012. To borrow the words of Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. the measure of our university is who our students become. Students like Nathan, Drew, Tanya and Jose possess the depth, character and integrity that represents well the kind of students we graduate.
Commencement is a special occasion that honors our graduates and their achievements as well as the legacy of those who came before them. Commencement is also a new beginning when our students “Go forth and set the world on fire,” to quote Saint Ignatius of Loyola. He knew better than most what it meant to change the world for good. If we have done our job right, our graduates leave here transformed; educated in heart, mind and body; and ready to bring their gifts and talents to the service of others.
On behalf of Santa Clara University I congratulate the graduates and offer my gratitude to the parents, families and friends who have supported them through their academic careers. I also thank alumni and friends whose contributions have made this success possible. Please join me in welcoming the Class of 2012 into the alumni family and engaging them in a life-long relationship with Santa Clara University and the network of our alumni around the world.
