News Update

Gov. Newsom urges Class of 2020 to exercise leadership with moral authorit

Gavin Newsom, Class of ’89, encouraged the Class of 2020 at Santa Clara University to lead through “moral authority” in a pre-recorded message during virtual commencement exercises webcast Saturday by his alma mater.

For graduates whose memories of their last semester will be framed by the coronavirus pandemic and national demonstrations over police violence, Newsom evoked the image that has galvanized the protest movement. “Remember,” he said “no one stands taller than when he or she bends down on one knee to help lift other people up.”

Newsom has been critical of President Trump but did not mention him directly in his 4 minute-remarks. However, he did contrast leadership through formal authority – “command and control” – with leadership through moral authority. The latter, he said, “is more like climate control. It’s about creating conditions where people can live their lives out loud. That’s a paradigm of thinking we’re desperate for this moment,” he said. “So please exercise your leadership, your moral authority …  to be more and do better.”

Joining Newsom in a montage of congratulations were other noted Santa Clara University graduates, including his predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown ’59; University of California President Janet Napolitano ’79; NBA Hall of fame player Steve Nash ’96; and former CIA Director Leon Panetta ’61.