Rewak, William J., S.J., Fr.
Biography
Fr. William J. Rewak, S.J. was President of Santa Clara University from 1976 until 1988. He arrived at Santa Clara as an Assistant Professor of English in 1970 after earning a Ph.D. in Literature at the University of Minnesota. He was appointed Rector of the Jesuit Community in 1971 and a member of the Board of Trustees. The Board elected him President in 1976, and he was inaugurated on January 12, 1977, which was the bicentennial of the founding of Mission Santa Clara. In his inaugural address, he emphasized that Santa Clara would continue to promote an education informed by Jesuit values, but also put an emphasis on a freedom of inquiry that would, stating that “We cannot change the world if we do not see it as it is.” During his presidency, Rewak endorsed a name change from the University of Santa Clara to Santa Clara University. This name change was approved by the Board of Trustees on May 15th, 1985. His presidency ended in 1988.
Found in 8 Collections and/or Records:
Accrual to William J. Rewak, S.J. papers - SCU and Spring Hill College
Correspondence, 1945-2002
This box consists of correspondence between Fr. Rewak and various individuals during Fr. Rewak's time as President of Santa Clara University, and also as President of Spring Hill College
Framed print of Santa Clara College
Margaret Bourke-White photographic and related material, and additional photographs featuring William J. Rewak, S.J.
Talks, 1976-1992, 1976-1992
This series contains talks or addresses given by Fr. Rewak during his tenure as SCU president (1976-1988) and later as Spring Hill College president, beginning in 1988.