The start of the new year brought with it a new role for SCU President Paul Locatelli, S.J.: secretary for higher education for the Society of Jesus. Locatelli was appointed by Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., superior general for the Society of Jesus. Because this is a part-time position, Locatelli will continue as president of SCU.
As secretary for higher education, Locatelli will convene meetings of the International Committee on Jesuit Higher education, plan periodic meetings of Jesuit University presidents, and encourage programs of collaboration among Jesuit universities. “He will provide me important perspectives on higher education,” Kolvenbach said.
“I am grateful for the honor and for the confidence Father Kolvenbach has in me,” Locatelli said. “This appointment speaks well for the Santa Clara University community because without the commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship as a Jesuit University by faculty, staff, students, trustees, and friends, I would not have been selected.”
A.C. “Mike” Markkula, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Santa Clara University, noted the appointment is “a great honor for Father Paul and for Santa Clara University. I look forward to seeing his wisdom, experience, and advice help the greater Jesuit community accomplish its goals in Jesuit higher education.”
Leon Panetta ’60, J.D. ’63, former White House chief of staff and classmate of Locatelli, said that “Paul’s appointment to this new position is in recognition of his outstanding leadership at Santa Clara University and in Jesuit higher education. It will give him the opportunity to bring his commitment to a just, compassionate, and humane society to a larger global family.” DA