Santa Clara University Honors Leaders in Technology, Healthcare, and Religion at 2025 Commencement

Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks, to Deliver Keynote Address at Undergraduate Commencement

Founded in 1851 and nestled in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University (SCU) is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Consistently ranked among the top 15% of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, SCU prides itself on exceptional four-year graduation rates and ranks in the top 1% for highest-paid graduates according to PayScale. Known for producing numerous Fulbright and Rhodes Scholars, the university offers a variety of programs in arts, sciences, business, and engineering, seamlessly integrating innovation with social responsibility within the Jesuit Catholic tradition.

SCU recently announced that Jayshree V. Ullal, CEO and Chairperson of Arista Networks and a 1986 alumna, will deliver the keynote address at the university’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on June 14. The event will celebrate graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, Leavey School of Business, and School of Engineering. As part of the ceremony, Ullal will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree to recognise her outstanding contributions to the technology sector and her leadership in advancing innovation.

Born in London and raised in New Delhi, Ullal moved to the United States to pursue higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from San Francisco State University and a master’s in engineering management from Santa Clara University. She began her career at AMD before joining Crescendo Communications, which was later acquired by Cisco. During her tenure at Cisco, she played a pivotal role in the success of the Catalyst switching business.

In 2008, Ullal was appointed CEO of Arista Networks, a company specializing in cloud networking solutions. Under her leadership, Arista grew into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, revolutionising data center networking and cementing its industry dominance following a successful IPO in 2014. Ullal has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by E&Y, one of Barron’s “World’s Best CEOs,” and a recipient of Fortune’s “Top 20 Business Persons.” She has also been honored as “Global Indian of the Year” by The Economic Times and featured twice in the “Silicon Valley Power 100” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Beyond her professional achievements, Ullal advocates for diversity in technology, champions women in leadership, and dedicates time to mentoring future engineers and entrepreneurs.

The university also announced that Kathy Nicholson Hull, M.A. ’80, a noted philanthropist and humanitarian, will deliver the commencement address for graduates of the School of Education and Counseling Psychology and the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries. The event, scheduled for June 14 at 4 p.m., will honor Hull’s extensive contributions as the founder of George Mark Children’s House, the first freestanding pediatric palliative care center in the United States. Hull will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in recognition of her work. Her TED Talk, "Stories from a Home for Terminally Ill Children," has garnered over one million views, underscoring her global impact.

Earlier, on May 24 at 9 a.m., the School of Law will host its commencement ceremony at the Leavey Center, featuring Howard S. Charney, MBA ’73, J.D. ’77, Hon. ’18, as the keynote speaker. Charney, a technology pioneer and former senior vice president at Cisco, is credited with co-founding 3Com, contributing to the development of Fast Ethernet, and helping shape the modern Internet. He will be recognised for his significant contributions to technology and legal education with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Later that day, at 2 p.m., the Jesuit School of Theology will hold its commencement at the historic Santa Clara Mission Church, where Antonio Spadaro, S.J., undersecretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education, will deliver the keynote address. Spadaro, an accomplished author and expert on Catholicism, technology, and culture, will receive an honorary Doctorate in Divinity.

Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan expressed her enthusiasm for the distinguished speakers—Jayshree Ullal, Kathy Hull, Howard Charney, and Father Antonio Spadaro—each of whom embodies the Jesuit ideals of leadership, innovation, and service. She commended their extraordinary contributions to their fields and communities, noting how their efforts align with SCU’s mission to inspire graduates to build a more just, compassionate, and innovative world. This celebration of achievement and community underscores Santa Clara University’s commitment to fostering leadership, innovation, and social responsibility in all aspects of its academic and professional endeavors.

Editor's Note:

Santa Clara University’s 2025 Commencement ceremonies will celebrate achievement, leadership, and social responsibility, all core elements of the university's Jesuit mission. The event will feature distinguished alumni and leaders from diverse fields, including technology, healthcare, law, and theology, each sharing their exceptional contributions to society. Keynote addresses by visionary figures like Jayshree Ullal, Kathy Nicholson Hull, Howard S. Charney, and Father Antonio Spadaro will provide profound insights, highlighting the transformative impact of individual leadership. 

As reported by Skoobuzz, their words are expected to inspire the graduating class, urging them to carry forward the values of innovation, service, and integrity in shaping a more just and compassionate world.