Biography

Fr. William C. Gianera, the twenty-second President of Santa Clara University, served from 1945 until 1951. “Mr. Santa Clara,” as he was nicknamed, started as a student in 1903 and was named Dean of Faculties in 1928. Postwar enrollment swelled, and 879 students registered in September 1946. Some applicants had to be turned away due to a lack of facilities--the campus was simply not prepared to handle such a large influx of students. The university purchased surplus bunk beds from the military to put students into rooms of two and three. Military barracks were converted into one- and two-bedroom apartments to house married students with families. In 1947, for the first time in the school’s history, enrollment exceeded 1,000 students. This same year, it was also announced that women would be admitted to the College of Business’ evening program. President Gianera predicted that, as a result of the growing California population, the student population at SCU would continue to grow as well. However, despite this growth, he was convinced it would remain a small institution and doubted that enrollment would ever exceed 1,500 students. It was during this time that Gianera also revitalized fundraising efforts to fund future construction and faculty. President Gianera was known for his frugality which showed itself via sacrifice and budgetary restrictions. Before he left office, he was able to witness Santa Clara’s Centennial and the revival of Nazareth, Santa Clara’s Passion play.

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