Stanford University is seeking input on a new name for the Serra residence in Stern Hall.

Background

In September 2018, the Stanford Board of Trustees accepted a university committee’s recommendation to rename certain campus features

Vice Provost for Student Affairs Susie Brubaker-Cole, Serra House Resident Fellow Michelle Reininger, and Assistant Dean for Residential Education Diontrey Thompson subsequently met with university leadership to discuss the renaming of Serra.

Stanford would like to fulfill the university founders’ intention to recognize individuals who have contributed to the history of the region known today as the American West and California including Stanford, and hopefully identifying candidates who have been overlooked to date.

Making Submissions

All affiliated Stanford campus community members are invited to submit suggestions, including a short explanation describing how the suggested name meets the founders’ intentions.

The identification of candidates who have been overlooked to date will be an important consideration.

Additional criteria provided by Serra residents and staff members include:

preference for deceased individuals

preference for individuals with direct connections to California

preference for individuals reflecting diversity and inclusion

practical considerations (house traditions, cheers etc.)

Submissions will be accepted online through November 5, 2018.

Next Steps

Later this quarter, Serra residents and staff members will review nominations, and then forward three names to Vice Provost for Student Affairs Brubaker-Cole, who will in turn forward recommendations to Provost Persis Drell and President Marc Tessier-Lavigne for final consideration.