President's Campus Messages
Campus messages and reflective blog posts cover a variety of important issues, announcements, administrative updates, holidays, and celebrations, and sometimes address more challenging issues. President Thompson's monthly video message to the campus offers news, updates, and insight into current activities around campus.
Scroll down to see links to recent videos and campus messages, as well as an archive of past messages.
June 2025
In his June message to the Saint Mary's campus community, President Thompson looks back on SMC's recent Commencement ceremonies, acknowledges the work being done to beautify the campus, congratulates student-athletes on their successful spring endeavors, recognizes the significance of the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, and looks ahead to the College's new Nursing program.
April 2025
President Thompson's April 2025 video message looks at the busy spring semester at SMC. He previews Lasallian Heritage Days, Academic Convocation, the Student Research Conference and Showcase, and Saint Mary's Night at the San Francisco Giants. He also takes a look back at recent campus events such as the Scholars Reception.
March 2025
In his March 2025 video, President Thompson touches on a variety of topics, recent events, and student experiences occurring on campus this spring semester. Highlights include SMC's new Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the 10th Anniversary of the Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, the Distinguished Alumni Awards, his visit to SMC's Intercultural Center, and a tribute to SMC educator, leader, and administrator Tom Brown.
February 2025
In his February 2025 video message to the Saint Mary's College community, President Roger Thompson explores Black History Month, the record number of new applications for the Fall semester, upcoming spring events, and other timely topics.
Welcome to the Spring Semester
As the 2025 spring semester begins and Black History Month kicks off, President Thompson conveys his excitement for the months ahead. Included is a discussion of SMC's Lasallian Core Principles and links to resources to those who may need them.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In a message to the campus community, President Thompson reflects on the words and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "The life, legacy, and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. align extraordinarily well with the Lasallian Core Principles of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Respect for all Persons, and Inclusive Community," he writes.
January 2025
President Thompson, in his January 2025 message to the SMC community, takes a look at his first Jan Term, introduces several new senior leaders, and offers updates on the Golden State Gaels Tour. The recent passing of Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC, and the College's support for those impacted by the southern California wildfires are also acknowledged.
A Life of Faith, Service, and Community: Celebrating Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC
In a message to the campus community, President Thompson and Brother Christopher Brady, FSC, Director of Saint Mary's Community of the Christian Brothers, reflect on the life and legacy of Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC.
December 2024
In his December video to the campus community - recorded at the President's on-campus Siena House residence - President Thompson and his wife Deb offer a festive and warm holiday message.
November 2024
In his November 2024 video message of the month, President Thompson thanks the SMC campus community for its work on the Staff and Faculty Symposium, Fall Preview Day, Veterans Day, and other current activities.
October 2024
In his October video message to the campus community - recorded in southern California during the first leg of his Golden State Gaels Tour - President Thompson discusses the strong relationships he's forged with alumni, parents, supporters, and educators at each of his Tour stops. He also describes a bustling semester on the SMC campus and a variety of recent and upcoming events.
Recent Campus Messages
Recent blog post
“Freedom Is Not Free” – Today’s Celebration of our Veterans
In a message to the campus community that honors the veterans community, SMC President Roger Thompson reflects on a visit he paid years ago to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, and the impact it had on him.
Read morePrevious Campus Messages
2025
The Launch of SMC's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program! (June 23, 2025)
Action Items in Response to Racist Incidents (May 1, 2025)
Recent Media Coverage of Racism and Vandalism (April 25, 2025)
Blessings of the Holy Season (April 16, 2025)
Recent and Upcoming Highlights from our Partnership with University Credit Union (February 21, 2025)
Welcome to the Spring Semester (February 3, 2025)
Announcing Our New Interim Deans (February 4, 2025)
Welcome Jeff Shilling, SMC's New Vice President for Advancement (January 7, 2025)
A Life of Faith, Service, and Community: Celebrating Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSC (January 6, 2025)
2024
Introducing Charlie Faas, SMC's new Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer (December 16, 2024)
Season's Greetings from Roger and Debbie Thompson (December 12, 2024)
Welcome Jim Brooks, SMC's New Senior Vice President for Student Experience and Enrollment Management (SVP SEEM) (December 11, 2024)
The Launch of our GREAT Referral Program (October 1, 2024)
The Enduring Significance of September 11, 2001 (September 11, 2024)
Key position searches underway (September 3, 2024)
President Thompson's August 2024 video message to the campus (August 5, 2024)
President Roger Thompson's Welcome Message to SMC Faculty, Staff, and De La Salle Christian Brothers (July 15, 2024)
Unrest and calls for change amid global conflict (May 8, 2024)
In solidarity with Saint Mary's students (April 16, 2024)
SMC's Partnership with University Credit Union (March 26, 2024)
Easter Blessings (March 25, 2024)
Understanding and Supporting our Muslim Community During the Holy Month of Ramadan (March 12, 2024)
Completion of WSCUC Accreditation and Reaffirmation (March 8, 2024)
Saint Mary’s College Introduces Donald Gibson as New Dean of School of Economics and Business Administration (February 26, 2024)
Celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 12, 2024)
Introducing Dr. Terri Jett, Our New AVP/Senior Diversity Officer (January 11, 2024)
2023
Recent Saint Mary's Media Coverage Regarding Lawsuit (December 18, 2023)
Merry Christmas and Warmest Holiday Wishes (December 14, 2023)
Thank you, Veterans (November 10, 2023)
Respecting, supporting, and caring for each other during the Middle East crisis (November 3, 2023)
Progress update on Transformation 2028 (November 1, 2023)
Community Prayers for the Unfolding Situation in the Middle East (October 12, 2023)
Celebrating the Cultures of Our Hispanic and Latinx Communities (September 27, 2023)
Recent Court Decision on DACA (September 22, 2023)
Remembering the Heroes of September 11, 2001 (September 11, 2023)
Jacksonville Shootings and MLK’s “I Have a Dream” (August 29, 2023)
Welcome to Fall Semester! (August 28, 2023)
Congratulations to Chief Information Officer (CIO) James Johnson (July 5, 2023)
Please welcome Brother Thomas Jones, FSC, as Interim President (May 22, 2023)
Saint Mary's Welcomes Sandra Kim As Its New Vice President for Finance and Administration (April 13, 2023)
My Departure from Saint Mary's (March 30, 2023)
Congratulations to our Scholars Reception Honorees (March 20, 2023)
Updates On DEI Activities This Spring (March 2, 2023)
Solidarity and Support for Victims of Turkey/Syria Earthquake (Feb. 15, 2023)
Shooting Incident at Michigan State University (Feb. 14, 2023)
Announcing the College’s Strategic Plan (Feb. 7, 2023)
Finance & Administration Updates and Budget-Planning Process (Jan. 27, 2023)
2022
Vandalism On Campus (Dec. 20, 2022)
Incidents of violence at Universities of Idaho and Virginia (Nov. 21, 2022)