Roger J. Thompson

02/23/2026

Matthew Dellavedova's résumé is extraordinary.

NBA Champion. Olympic medalist. Record-setting Gael. Business leader.
But what stands out to me most about Delly is not simply what he has achieved — it is how he has lived.

He arrived in Moraga from Australia and embraced this community with humility, discipline, and quiet determination. He competed fiercely. He studied seriously (a two-time Academic All-American). He served generously. He was, above all, a great teammate.

Years later, his jersey hangs in our rafters. Yet the legacy that endures is his character.

I am especially proud of the way he has extended his influence beyond basketball — supporting literacy initiatives, mentoring fellow athletes, investing in mission-driven ventures, and prioritizing his role as husband and father.

That is the kind of leadership we hope every Saint Mary’s graduate carries into the world.

I look forward to welcoming Delly back to Moraga this spring as he addresses the Saint Mary's College of California Class of 2026. It will be a meaningful full-circle moment for our community.

https://bit.ly/4awAcpP

03/31/2025

The recent Scholars Reception at Saint Mary's College of California highlighted our exceptional faculty and the incredible work they do at our college. Congratulations to our Faculty Excellence Award Recipients:

☑️ Hoang Vu, Psychology
☑️ Institute for Latino and Latin American Studies, led by Maria Luisa Ruiz, World Languages and Cultures, and Myrna Santiago, History
☑️ Amy Chu, Chemistry
☑️ Monique Lane, Leadership
☑️ Helga Lenart-Cheng, PhD, World Languages and Cultures
☑️ Matthew Zapruder, Creative Writing
..and our Provost's Faculty Research Grant Recipients:

➡️ Jennifer Heung, Ph.D.
➡️ Emily Klein
➡️ Akilah Reynolds, PHD
➡️ Michal Strahilevitz Ph.D., Marketing Professor who LOVES teaching the Science of Happiness 😊

Please read more about these fantastic educators and researchers!

On March 17, the annual Scholars Reception celebrated faculty for their outstanding teaching, scholarship, and service. Also announced were the recipients of the Provost’s Faculty Research Grant, supporting their advancement in vital research.

03/26/2025

Thank you to KTVU Fox 2 for having me on to discuss my San Francisco Chronicle op-ed. I appreciated speaking with Sal Castaneda about why Saint Mary's College of California believes so strongly in creating more opportunities and exceptional student experiences. Saint Mary's College Alumni Association Saint Mary's College Gaels

The NCAA is changing the landscape of college sports in the upcoming school year. Roger Thompson, the president of Saint Mary's College in Moraga, joined us on 'The Nine' to discuss his new op-ed published in The San Francisco Chronicle, which he says will quietly begin to hurt schools and students.

03/21/2025

Great win for the Gaels today in the NCAAs!

Fantastic to see such a great turnout at our Watch Party. The Saint Mary's campus is the place to be all the time, but especially during MARCH MADNESS! Go Gaels!!
Saint Mary's College of California Saint Mary's College Alumni Association

03/21/2025

Happy to share an op-ed of mine, published today in the San Francisco Chronicle:
https://bit.ly/4hyX7Rz

The NCAA is missing an opportunity to put roster limits for all sports in the hands of the colleges and universities. Roster decisions are best made locally.

03/20/2025

Go Gaels!!
https://bit.ly/4iASZC5

01/20/2025

Today, we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest civil rights advocates and peacemakers in United States history. We celebrate the life and enduring legacy of this iconic figure.

Please see my full campus message at the link below:

A message to the Saint Mary's Community

01/09/2025

Big shout-out to our Gael alumni, donors, parents, and friends in Fresno and the Central Valley area who joined us for a great Golden State Gaels Tour event last night! I'd especially like to thank Craig Fourchy '78 and Jacque Fourchy MBA '22 for providing such a nice venue and serving as wonderful hosts. Great seeing everyone! GO GAELS!

12/13/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!🎄

Our first holiday season here in Moraga has already been special for me and Ms. Deb. That has largely been made possible by the kindness, support, and hard work of the dedicated SMC faculty, staff, De La Salle Christian Brothers, Gael students, alumni, local community, and other supporters.

In a brief video, recorded at our Siena House residence on campus, we wanted to convey some of the things that make Saint Mary’s and the surrounding community such a wonderful place this time of year. Ms. Deb and I hope you will enjoy it! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

In this festive greeting to the Saint Mary's College community, President Roger Thompson and First Lady Debbie Thompson ("Ms. Deb") offer warm wishes for the...

12/12/2024

I read the "Scientist at Work" story about SMC Professor Amy Chu on the SMC Newscenter and was thrilled to learn about the impact she is having on our students!
https://bit.ly/3Bmsyj3

Your work, Professor Chu - both the research and the engagement with our Gael students - is FANTASTIC! Professor Chu demonstrates once again what an outstanding group of faculty members we have at Saint Mary's. Well done!

12/11/2024

THANK YOU to those SMC faculty, staff members, and De La Salle Christian Brothers who kindly volunteered to serve more than 700 hungry students earlier this week at our Late Night Breakfast! And a special shout-out to Ms. Deb, who took part even while I was at home nursing a cold!

Late Night Breakfast is a GREAT end-of-semester tradition here at Saint Mary's. I'm glad our Gael students are now well-fed and powered up to do well on their final exams! GO GAELS!