Santa Clara University proudly announces that Jayshree V. Ullal, CEO and Chairperson of Arista Networks and a distinguished alumna of the School of Engineering, will receive an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree at the university’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 8:30 a.m., and it will host more than 1,400 graduates and an audience of over 13,000 attendees.
Ullal will also serve as the keynote speaker for the ceremony, which includes graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Leavey School of Business, and the School of Engineering.
Her address is expected to highlight her journey from a young student of engineering to one of the world’s most influential tech leaders.
A Trailblazer in Technology
Born in London and raised in New Delhi, India, Ullal moved to the United States to pursue higher education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from San Francisco State University and a master’s in engineering management from Santa Clara University (M.S. ’86).
Her professional journey began at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and took her through Crescendo Communications, which was later acquired by Cisco Systems.
At Cisco, Ullal played a key role in the exponential growth of the Catalyst switching business, which became a cornerstone of the company’s networking dominance.
In 2008, Ullal took the helm as CEO of Arista Networks, then a young and emerging cloud networking company. Under her leadership, Arista has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, redefining how data centers operate with cutting-edge networking technologies.
In 2014, she led the company to a successful initial public offering (IPO), cementing Arista’s status as a leader in the industry.
Global Recognition and Influence
Ullal’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. She has been celebrated by top-tier publications and institutions worldwide, with honors including:
- Fortune’s “Top 20 Business Persons of the Year”
- Barron’s “World’s Best CEOs”
- Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year”
- The Economic Times’ “Global Indian of the Year”
- Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “Silicon Valley Power 100” (twice)
- Champion for Women in Tech and Philanthropy
Beyond boardrooms and business accolades, Ullal has made significant contributions to diversity in technology.
She actively advocates for women in leadership, mentors young engineers, and serves on several advisory boards.
Together with her husband, Vijay, Ullal co-founded a charitable foundation dedicated to causes close to their hearts, including cancer research, social welfare, and hunger relief in India.
In 2013, Santa Clara University recognized her enduring impact with the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by the School of Engineering.
The award celebrates alumni whose professional and community accomplishments reflect the university’s values of excellence and service.
A Moment of Inspiration
Ullal’s keynote at the 2025 commencement is expected to reflect her unique blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and commitment to giving back.
Her story continues to inspire future generations, especially women and underrepresented groups pursuing careers in STEM fields.
As Santa Clara University celebrates the Class of 2025, it also honors one of its most illustrious alumni, whose legacy demonstrates that the spirit of innovation, integrity, and compassion can indeed transform the world.
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