Santa Clara University’s reputation as a global leader in ethics and Jesuit education is more than just a catchphrase. When a fast-growing university in Hong Kong sought guidance on incorporating ethics more deeply into its curriculum, they reached out to Santa Clara’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
Cardinal Stephen Chow, chairperson of the board of Saint Francis University, and Father Arturo De La Torre, M.G., director of the new Centre for Applied Ethics at Saint Francis University, traveled to Santa Clara on Oct. 8, meeting with several leaders within the Markkula Center, as well as University President Julie Sullivan and Provost Jim Glaser.
From left: Fr. Arturo De La Torre, Santa Clara President Julie Sullivan, and Cardinal Stephen Chow during a meeting at Santa Clara. Photo by Miguel Ozuna.
The delegation from Saint Francis was seeking expertise in four areas where they are deepening their focus: ethical artificial intelligence, bioethics, social ethics, and campus ethics. Santa Clara’s role as a convener of Silicon Valley technology leadership, businesses, and healthcare made it a perfect fit for this effort.
“We were honored that our colleagues from Saint Francis University sought out our insights, but we benefited equally from the time spent together,” said Ann Skeet, interim executive director of the Markkula Center. “Sharing our approach to teaching ethical decision-making far beyond the traditional borders of Silicon Valley, our country, and even the Western Hemisphere, was a tremendously rewarding experience.”
Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics at the Markkula Center and participant in the meetings, noted, “We had a really engaged conversation; it’s extremely important for us to hear perspectives from outside the bubble that Silicon Valley can be sometimes, and Cardinal Chow and Father Guerrero were very open to listening and appreciative of hearing our perspectives, as well.”
This new academic relationship aligns with the first priority of Santa Clara’s Impact 2030 strategic plan, increasing the University’s reach on a global scale. The contacts developed through participating in discussions like these not only establish Santa Clara as an engaged global collaborator, but they open the doors to an exchange of best practices and cultural appreciation.
“The Cardinal’s and Father’s interest in traveling halfway around the world to visit SCU is reflective of our strong reputation as a model for the integration of ethics into the university,” said Brian Green, director of technology ethics at the Markkula Center and guide for the two-day visit. “We look forward to collaborating with them more in the future and supporting their efforts.”
