Santa Clara University

05/29/2026

“Understand your purpose and use it for the greater good.”

Last week, philosopher and activist Cornel West brought that message to more than 300 members of the Santa Clara University community during a compelling conversation on truth, democracy, and radical hope.

Hosted by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, the event featured a 90-minute dialogue between West and religious studies professor Christopher Tirres that inspired students, faculty, and staff to reflect on courage, integrity, and authentic leadership.

Philosopher, activist, and author, Cornel West joined the provost’s Compelling Conversations series for a 90-minute talk on truth, radical hope, and the soul of democracy.

05/27/2026

Could AI help stop a crash before it even happens?

David Anastasiu, associate professor of computer science and engineering, is researching how artificial intelligence and video recognition technology can predict car accidents before they occur.

His work combines machine learning, data mining, and high-performance computing to create smarter systems designed to protect human lives. Anastasiu was also recently recognized with a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.

Associate professor David Anastasiu’s research explores ways for AI to predict car accidents before they happen using video recognition technology.

05/27/2026

What if life’s tangled threads reveal meaning when viewed from a different perspective?

In Santa Clara University’s “Search for What Matters” series, Fr. Bill O’Neill, S.J., shared reflections on suffering, hope, and the lessons he’s learned through decades of work with refugees in East Africa.

Read more: https://go.scu.edu/4ujLDsw

A theologian and refugee advocate explains how art helped him see color and hope amidst “the grey anonymity of suffering.”

05/25/2026

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the fallen service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation.

To those connected to the Bronco community, we honor your courage and sacrifice. Your legacy continues to shape and inspire our shared values of service, justice, and compassion.

05/25/2026

Forty-nine graduates. Seventy-five degrees. One mission.

The Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University class of 2026 was conferred yesterday at Mission Church. Theologians and ministers from across the globe, these graduates carry forward a tradition of scholarship, service, and faith that reaches every corner of the world.

Commencement speaker Fr. Timothy Kesicki, S.J. M.Div. ’94, set the tone, "Whatever the circumstance, with charity, presence, dialogue, and love, something new becomes possible."

Read the full address and press release: https://bit.ly/4nKAnCN

Please join us in congratulating our newest graduates. Go Broncos!

05/24/2026

When Pope Leo XIV unveils his encyclical on artificial intelligence on Monday, May 25, a Santa Clara University theologian will be in the room.

Léocadie Lushombo, professor of theological ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, is one of just six guests invited by the Pope to the Vatican for the release of Magnifica Humanitas — a teaching document expected to address human dignity and technology's impact on the world's most vulnerable.

Her work sits at the intersection of Catholic moral theology, global justice, and the ethical dimensions of emerging technology. For those who know her scholarship, the invitation came as no surprise.

Read more: https://go.scu.edu/42SM3tM

The conversation comes to campus Tuesday. See comments for details.

Lushombo is one of six guests who will join the Pope on Monday for one of the most highly anticipated teachings in decades.

05/24/2026

From Santa Clara to her next chapter, Nadia Lobo ’26 is turning her passion for health and healing into a future in trauma-informed care.

A double major in public health science and psychology at Santa Clara University College of Arts and Sciences, Nadia was drawn to both the systemic and personal sides of well-being. Through her experiences, she discovered a deep commitment to service, connection, and accompaniment.

"These experiences showed me that healing doesn’t just happen in big moments," she said. "It’s often in the small, consistent acts of care."

After graduation, she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Public health and psychology double major Nadia Lobo ’26 found purpose in accompaniment and a future in trauma-informed care.

05/22/2026

One broken experiment. One unforgettable lesson in mentorship.

When Jason Buenrostro ’09 accidentally shattered part of his first biology experiment at Santa Clara University, Professor Craig Stephens didn’t get upset—he helped him rebuild it piece by piece.

Now a professor at Harvard University and researcher at the Broad Institute, Buenrostro says that moment still shapes how he mentors young scientists today.

🎥 Watch the story.

05/20/2026

Not sure where you fit into an AI-driven future? The 'AI Kitchen' at Santa Clara University was designed to give everyone a seat at the table.

Led by computer science professor Kai Lukoff alongside co-faculty advisors Yi Fang and Sanjiv Das, the open-access initiative gives students, faculty, and community members hands-on experience with the AI tools reshaping every field, regardless of background or major.

Through weekly tutorials led by industry professionals and collaborative experimentation, participants can explore AI in a welcoming environment with no coding experience required.

Assistant Professor Kai Lukoff’s new open-access program offers hands-on tutorials with AI tools taught by industry professionals—no coding needed to cook.

05/20/2026

Broncos are making an impact around the world 🌎

Congratulations to Megan Baldemor ’26, Cassandra Bull ’26, Katie Duffy ’24, Alec Qualitza ’23, Jasmine Vu ’26, and Saron Weldemariam ’26 on receiving Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The six recipients were selected through a competitive national process recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service. Over the next year, they’ll conduct research, study, and teach in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Zambia.

The honorees will explore topics ranging from sustainability and neurodegenerative disease to international relations and cancer treatments.

05/19/2026

We’re designing a medical school for where healthcare is going, not where it has been.

Last week, we celebrated a new era for Santa Clara University. Through the Mark & Mary Stevens School of Medicine, we are bringing together clinical expertise and Jesuit values to address the physician shortage and improve patient outcomes.

This collaboration with Sutter Health will train physicians to lead with competence, conscience, compassion, and a commitment to community.

Missed the live announcement? Watch the full program here: https://go.scu.edu/4dQqiRk