“I know from personal experience the life-changing power of a Jesuit education. Teaching at Santa Clara University is my dream job—my opportunity to give back to students some of the love of learning and appreciation of its power that was nurtured within me as an undergraduate.
I became a historian because I believe that only by understanding the past can one recognize and evaluate the significance of the present, and work effectively to improve the future. To witness students’ recognition of the empowering force of history is a process that never loses its thrill for me. I can think of few things more gratifying than confirmation that, by teaching about the past, I’ve made a significant contribution to the lives of so many leaders of the future.
Santa Clara’s small class size facilitates my availability to students on a one-on-one basis. When I meet with students individually outside of class, write letters of recommendation, or provide advising, I am not granting them some special favor but am carrying out an important part of my job.
To be a part of this university’s dynamic learning process is stimulating and enormously satisfying each and every quarter. No matter how many times I’ve taught a particular course, my students always teach me something new—together we become life-long learners.”
—Nancy C. Unger
Associate Professor
History, Women’s and Gender Studies
E-mail this page