Dean Michael J. Kaufman
Dear Members of the Santa Clara Law Community,
Since joining this community, I have been introduced to many wonderful and enduring Santa Clara Law traditions. One of the most powerful of those traditions is the practice of embracing the entire month of November with collective expressions of gratitude. In true Santa Clara Law form, let’s come together again this November and express our appreciation for our many blessings, including the privilege of learning together with our tremendous students, dedicated administrative team and staff, renowned faculty, and engaged and loyal alumni.
First, let’s begin by thanking our incredible students. They are the underlying motivation for all of our work and they inspire us daily. They genuinely care about the law school’s mission, and one another. Whether assisting classmates or serving clients through our many clinics, they are testaments to Santa Clara Law. Even as they meet the challenges of a rigorous legal education, our students always take time to serve in leadership roles and to address the needs of the underserved within our own community through programs such as SCUEats.
Second, great thanks go to our staff and administrative team. They are the glue that keeps this great law school together. Our staff care deeply for our students and for each other. Through their example of competence, compassion, and conscience, they model the Jesuit value of cura personalis – care for the whole person. They are educators in the truest sense.
Third, thank you to our accomplished, impactful, and dedicated faculty. They are the scholarly foundation upon which Santa Clara Law stands. The faculty offer an intellectual grounding and philosophical ethos to our work, and I am extremely thankful for their contributions. The week before last, the Center for Social Justice & Public Service held the 3rd Annual Second Chances Hackathon to identify technological solutions to the many policies that are inhibiting former incarcerees from being able to fully move forward, unencumbered, with their lives. Our faculty set an example of serving others, not only through their scholarly research and teaching, but also through their involvement with community-based projects like this one.
Fourth, as the bedrock of our external constituency, let’s thank our volunteers, alumni, and donors. Through generously giving of your time, talent, and treasure, you are making Santa Clara Law a more impactful law school, and helping our students to be better equipped to meet the needs of an ever-changing legal profession. Your continued involvement and support allows us to live out our mission. Thank you for being one of Santa Clara Law’s tremendous distinctive strengths.
Finally, on behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you all so much for warmly welcoming us into the Santa Clara University community. This “family” has become special to us and we are relishing the opportunity to contribute to its growth.
With warm regards and tremendous gratitude,
