Dear Friends,

Our University community recently celebrated the feast day of our patron saint, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. In a time when higher education across the nation faces significant headwinds, we are reminded that since our founding in 1851, our University has been rooted in a mission that has carried us through nearly two centuries of change. We are so grateful that this mission, grounded in the enduring values established by St. Ignatius, continues to guide us today.

At Santa Clara Law, these Jesuit values shape our identity, inspire our work, and bring us great joy. They include the belief in: 

• The Equal Dignity and Infinite Worth of Every Human Being
• Academic Excellence
• Service to and with Others
• Access and Opportunity
• Justice and Reconciliation
• Inclusive Communities
• Global Engagement and Social Impact
• The Relational Creation of Wisdom and Well-being 

As we enter a new academic year, it's important to reflect on the many ways we are living out these values—and to recommit ourselves to accompanying each other in the creation of a hope-filled future. This ongoing commitment is essential to the lifeblood of our law school. It is a sacred covenant—a timeless promise—we make with our entire community: students, faculty, staff-educators, and alumni. We pledge that the opportunity to engage in this intellectually rigorous, relational, and compassionate community will be both transformative and enduring.

With warm regards and tremendous gratitude,

Michael J. Kaufman
Dean and Professor of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law