Dear Members of the University Community, 

With a heavy heart I share the news that Professor Emeritus Allen Hammond IV from the Law School passed away on January 11. For Al, family was the center of his life, and in this time of grief, we join with Al’s wife Linda and his beloved family in mourning the loss of their husband, father and grandfather. The legacy of Al’s generous and well-lived life will carry on in the memories of his many students, colleagues and friends. 

Al came to Santa Clara University as Professor of Law in 1998 and over the years mentored his students with care and dedication. A communications law expert and scholar, he wrote extensively on telecommunications law and the public interest, particularly around access to mass media technology. Al earned a national reputation as a telecommunications policy expert through his research and leadership roles in regional and federal policy groups and speaking engagements with policy makers. Among his various service roles at SCU, he was appointed director of the Broadband Institute and served as vice chair of the University Council on Inclusive Excellence and chair of the Inclusive Excellence Roundtable, roles that manifested his deep-seated commitment to diverse communities. He held the Phil and Bobbie Sanfilippo Professorship twice and retired from teaching in 2021 when he received emeritus status.

In 2010, Al received the President’s Special Recognition Award at SCU for longtime support of the University’s initiatives in science and technology and his leadership in advancing diversity and inclusive excellence among students and faculty.  

Perhaps most notable about Al was his warm spirit, big smile and generous heart in the way he collaborated with colleagues, welcomed new faculty, and mentored his students. We have lost a wonderful member of the SCU community. 

For more about Al, read his obituary here. If you would like to join Al's family in celebrating his life and legacy, please RSVP for his memorial which will be held on Saturday, January 31, in Redwood City. You can RSVP at this link: pp.events/allenhammond

Notes of condolence can be sent to Al’s wife, Linda, care of the Law School:
Linda Darling-Hammond
℅ Dean’s Office
School of Law
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Please remember Al and his family in your thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

Julie Sullivan
President