Fall 2018 USD Magazine by University of San Diego

USD MAGAZINE U NU INVIEVRESRI ST IYT YO FO FS ASNA ND IDE IGEOG O/ S/ UF M AM L LE R2 021081 8

Onward.

Upward.

Forward. Leading Change Special Campaign Edition

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

[catalyst]

DEAR FRIENDS, T

he University of San Diego is an amazing place. It’s known for leading change — for defining what it means to be Changemakers and why it matters to be compassionate, ethical leaders who are making a difference in our classrooms, on our campus, in our communities, across our nation and around the world. This campaign created leaders. It promoted change. And I was proud to be part of it as Honorary Chair. All those who lead change begin their journey with a vision. My late husband, Donald, was a renowned engineer who invented a better heart valve. It made him a legend, and more important, it expressed his vision for a better world. I honored that vision by helping to establish USD’s newest school, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. My fellow trustees were also visionaries, including former Board Chair Ron Fowler and his wife Alexis, who made it possible to build a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, Fowler Park, and current Board Chair Don Knauss and his wife Ellie, who helped fund what will become USD’s new School of Business complex. By virtue of their enormous hearts and great fortunes, they and many other trustees have generously and selflessly demonstrated the meaning of leading change. At USD, we contemplated all that could be done with support for new and renovated facilities, a stronger endowment and numerous expanded or enhanced programs across the campus — and it was impossible not to be excited. We could picture what was possible, and so many Toreros shared our vision and stepped up to make it happen. It’s time to celebrate all that we accomplished with the Leading Change campaign. It’s also time to look ahead. For as all true champions of change know, now is the time to capitalize on all that we have achieved to fuel our momentum. It’s the time for forging new paths toward the future. It’s time for imagining what comes next: Onward! Upward! Forward!

Sincerely, Darlene Marcos Shiley Honorary Chair, Leading Change: The Campaign for USD

[president] James T. Harris III, DEd [vice president, university advancement] Richard P. Virgin [associate vice president, university communications] Peter Marlow petermarlow@sandiego.edu [editor/senior director] Julene Snyder julene@sandiego.edu [senior creative director] Barbara Ferguson barbaraf@sandiego.edu [art directors] Patrick Simon Marina Woods [writers] Ryan T. Blystone Cheryl Butera ‘15 (PhD), APRN Liz Harman James Herbert Kimberly Malasky Timothy McKernan Allyson Meyer ‘16 Krystn Shrieve [editorial advisory board] Michelle M. Camacho, PhD Lynn Hijar Hoffman ‘98 (BBA), ‘06 (MSGL), ’18 (MS) Minh-Ha Hoang ’96 (BBA), ‘01 (MA) Michael Lovette-Colyer ’13 (PhD) Chris Nayve ‘98 (BA), ‘06 (JD), ‘07 (MBA) Rich Yousko ’87 (BBA) [usd magazine] USD Magazine is published by the University of San Diego for its alumni, parents and friends. Third-class postage paid at San Diego, CA 92110. USD phone number: (619) 260-4600. [class notes] Class Notes may be edited for length and clarity. Photos must be high resolution, so adjust camera settings accordingly. Engagements, pregnancies, personal email addresses and telephone numbers cannot be published. Please note that content for USD Magazine has a long lead time. Our current publishing schedule is as follows: Class Notes received between Jan. 1-April 30 appear in the Fall edition; those received from May 1-Aug. 31 appear in the Spring edition; those received between Sept. 1-Dec. 31 appear in the Summer edition. Email Class Notes to classnotes@sandiego.edu or mail them to the address below. [mailing address] USD Magazine University Publications University of San Diego 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 [website] www.sandiego.edu/usdmag [be blue go green] USD Magazine is printed with vegetable-based inks on paper certified in accordance with FSC standards, which support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

FELLOW TOREROS:

s a student, an alumnus, a parent and a member of the Board of Trustees, I’ve experienced moments of tremendous pride for the University of San Diego. But right now, following my service as chair of Leading Change: The Campaign for USD, I can honestly say I’ve never felt more hopeful about my alma mater. In this issue of USD Magazine, you’ll see many of the great milestones the university accomplished during the campaign, read about the new and exciting opportunities that were made possible for students and faculty, and learn about USD’s vision for the future as it blazes a trail to 2024 when we will celebrate USD’s 75th anniversary. With greater access to a USD education for talented students with financial need at the very heart of the campaign goals, 233 new scholarship funds were established during the Leading Change campaign, virtually doubling the number of named scholarships and representing more than $35.6 million in contributions. Dramatically, the campaign also enabled the establishment of the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, which already ranks No. 12 in the nation, and the founding of several new centers and institutes, including the Hahn School of Nursing’s Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advanced Practice, and Simulation; SOLES’ Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education; the Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action; and the new Humanities Center, to name just a few. The campaign also made it possible to build a state-ofthe-art baseball stadium, Fowler Park, now among the finest collegiate ball fields in the nation. Thanks to the campaign, USD is also looking forward to the construction of a new School of Business complex adjacent to Olin Hall, as well as a new tennis complex that will enhance recruiting efforts and become a destination for coaches, players and fans. At the onset of the campaign, I challenged my fellow alumni, fellow parents, and fellow trustees to lead the change that we envisioned for our great university, and I’m proud of the more than 38,500 individual donors who stepped up to the challenge. Trustees generously gave $60.9 million. Alumni donated nearly $30.7 million, and parents contributed $14.4 million. Employees increased their giving from 21 percent in the early years of the campaign to an impressive 79 percent this year. Even students made a difference, generously contributing more than 10,600 gifts to the campaign’s efforts. We are indebted to every member of Torero Nation who joined us in our quest to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students by providing the financial aid, the program support and the facilities that today’s students and tomorrow’s Toreros require to be the productive, energized and effective global citizens that our changing world requires. Thank you! Sincerely, James D. Power IV ’85 Chair, Leading Change: The Campaign for USD

[0918/66,460/PUBS-18-2071]

FALL 2 0 1 8

ONLY A LIFE LIVED FOR OTHERS IS WORTHWHILE.

LEADING CHANGE SPECIAL CAMPAIGN EDITION / FALL 2018

D E P A R T M E N T S

WHERE PREPARATION AND OPPORTUNITY MEET.

LEADING CHANGE 4 / He’s Got Answers As Vice President Timothy L. O’Malley, PhD, retires, he reflects upon the successful completion of the Leading Change campaign.

6 / Educating Hearts and Minds

M A G A Z I N E

USD’s Oral Adversarial Skill-Building Immersion Seminar brings together lawyers, law professors and jurists to address improvements to the Mexican criminal justice system. 8 / Think Differently The inaugural cohort of the Kroc School’s Master of Arts in Social Innovation has graduated, fired up to solve intractable

U S D

social problems. 10 / A Blindingly Bright Future Navy veteran Cameron Markowitz ’18 is one of many students who have benefitted from donors’ generosity during the Leading Change campaign. WEBSITE:

12 / Innovative Learning

www.sandiego.edu/usdmag

The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science’s new Dickinson

FACEBOOK:

Nursing Simulation Center prepares students to excel.

BE A GAME-CHANGER.

facebook.com/usandiego

TWITTER: @uofsandiego

INSTAGRAM: @uofsandiego

16 / Serving One and All

ATHLETICS

The Division of Professional and Continuing Education has a

14 / Major League Worthy

mission to reach students from all walks of life.

Fowler Park and Cunningham Field opened back in

17 / We’re Going Digital

2013. Since then, the facility

Anyone with an internet connection can check out the open

has seen many talented

access offerings available through Digital USD, which show-

players who’ve gone on to

cases the work of the university’s faculty, staff and students.

join MLB rosters.

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

DEVELOP A PASSION FOR LEARNING.

CONTENTS F E A T U R E S 18 / TOGETHER, WE LEAD We celebrate the comple-

tion of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in USD’s history; Leading Change: The Campaign for

USD has exceeded its $300 million goal. Along the way, the milestones have been notable and numerous, all to benefit our students. Join us as we look back on the journey while we prepare to set the stage for the next chapter.

BUILD A HUNGER FOR A PRODUCTIVE LIFE.

CLASS NOTES 28 / Lawyering Up! David Casey ’74 (JD) and Virginia Nelson ’79 (JD) paired up to help the School of Law meet its campaign goal. The duo succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

28 CELEBRATING CHANGE

35 / Role of a Lifetime Edred Utomi ’13 (BA) went to New York to find work in the theater. Just a few months later, he landed his dream job: playing Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton.

24 / Reverberating Impact Throughout the course of

39 / Therese Truitt Whitcomb ’53 (BA)

Leading Change: The Cam-

The first graduate of the San Diego College for Women

paign for USD, the generosity

passed away in August 2018. She was a professor emerita

of donors has impacted

and first-ever director of institutional design.

countless lives in concrete

ways that will live on in the

40 / In Remembrance

years to come. We shine a

November is a special time, when we invite our community

spotlight on just a few of

to join us in prayer for the repose of the souls of family

those stories.

and friends.

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LEADING CHANGE 4

[dialogue]

HE’S GOT ANSWERS

Lead fundraiser celebrates campaign success

n July 1, 2010, Leading Change: The Campaign for USD was launched under the direction of President Mary E. Lyons and Board Chair Ron Fowler. The behind-the-scenes work and fundraising was led by Vice President for University Relations Timothy L. O’Malley, PhD, who arrived on campus in 2006 and took the campaign public in February 2016, having raised $207 million of the $300 million goal. USD exceeded its goal substantially, successfully concluding the university’s most ambitious fundraising effort. As Dr. O’Malley heads into retirement

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

and USD plans a campaign celebration to thank its donors, we sat down with the vice president who helped make it all happen. Q: Tell us about the excitement you felt taking on this monumental endeavor. A: This was my chance to lead the largest campaign I’d ever had the opportunity to participate in. I knew that we could be successful and took a lot of encouragement from the progress that had already been made. I knew this would be an opportunity for me to complete my fundraising

career at an institution that had the ability to mount the largest campaign in its history. Q: What were the major goals that inspired USD to take on this effort? A: The campaign was designed to support students and to benefit the student experience. The initiatives we thought would do that included providing financial aid support for students directly, ensuring a robust endowment and enhancing the campus with identified needs that would directly benefit students.

A: We’re very proud of the gifts that were made as part of the Employee Giving Campaign, a new tradition. I’m really proud of the way the employees at USD have stepped up year after year to participate. When we began this initiative four years ago, 21 percent of our employees contributed; this year 79 percent made a gift. Also, our students have made more than 10,600 gifts during the course of the campaign. These are young people who have limited resources, but who see the value of participating in whatever way that they can financially.

TIM MANTOANI

Q: What proposals did the campaign lay the groundwork for as we approach our 75th anniversary?

Q: Over the course of the campaign, USD was able to raise $35.6 million to establish 233 new scholarships. Can you talk about the importance of scholarships at USD? A: With the rising cost of education, it’s incumbent upon us to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of a college education on students and their families. The only way to do that is to make financial aid more readily available to families who qualify. This goes to our ability to create a more diverse and inclusive student body, and also to address the debt that today’s college students are accumulating prior to graduation. Q: As we celebrate the campaign, what efforts stood out to you as particularly special?

A: We will always have the need for increased financial aid for our students and increased support for our faculty. There are also more capital projects on the drawing board, including the renovation of Copley Library, a start on the School of Business facility, the softball and golf facility and the new Learning Commons. Q: You announced your retirement in the final days of the campaign. After 45 years as an educator, 36 years as a fundraiser and 12 years at USD, what brings you the most pride? A: First, enabling donors to make a difference by helping them figure out the best way to have an impact is a real privilege. The second is simply contributing to the success of my colleagues. This enterprise is the result of the efforts of many, many people. If I helped to facilitate my colleagues’ success in contributing to USD’s future, then I’m very happy to have been able to do that.

[special thanks] The Leading Change Campaign Steering Committee was chaired by Trustee James D. Power, IV ’85, who worked alongside Honorary Chair Darlene Marcos Shiley. Our heartfelt thanks to chairs, co-chairs and members. The tireless work of these volunteers helped lead to the campaign’s success. Trustees Frank Alessio William Barulich Kim Busch Ron Fowler President James T. Harris, DEd Mark King President Emerita Mary E. Lyons, PhD Tom Mulvaney ‘77 James Peters ‘84 Sandra Stangl Senior Administrators Andrew T. Allen, PhD Gail F. Baker, PhD Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Dillabough ‘70, JCL, STD Stephen Ferruolo, JD, PhD Timothy L. O’Malley, PhD Ky Snyder Students Erin Smith ‘17 Dylan Valdivia ‘18 Alumni Relations Maureen Partynski ‘82 (Chair) John McCoy ’69 Athletics Ed Petrus Jr. (Chair) College of Arts & Sciences Pat Drinan (Chair)

Hahn School of Nursing & Health Science Nancy Gaffrey ‘96 (Chair) Industry Relations Richard Kelley (Chair) Parent Relations Mike Mohrman (Chair) Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies Kim Godwin (Chair) School of Business Bill Brennan ‘96 (Chair) Michelle Moore ’84 School of Law David Casey Jr. ‘74 (Chair) Virginia Nelson ’79 School of Leadership & Educational Sciences Kirsten Hanson-Garcia ‘07 (Chair) Dana Black ‘14 Todd Gutschow * Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Matt Craig ‘03 (Chair) Robert Barry Emiliano Gallego ’00, ’11 * deceased

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The Oral Adversarial Skill-Building

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

Immersion Seminar fosters ties between USD faculty and legal experts on both sides of the border.

[arts and science]

EDUCATING HEARTS AND MINDS

Working together to improve Mexico’s criminal justice system

The College of Arts and Sciences has raised $34.6 million during the Leading Change campaign. Following is just one example of the important work these funds have made possible.

ituated near an international border, the University of San Diego is unique in its location and focus. A contemporary Catholic campus rooted in 6

its social justice identity, USD is the ideal institution for programs fostering crossnational relationships. Since 2009, USD has been home to the Oral Adversarial Skill-Building Immersion Seminar (OASIS), a program that brings together attorneys, law professors and jurists to address improvements to the Mexican criminal justice system.

U SD MA GA Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

Coordinated through USD’s Justice in Mexico project, OASIS is the largest externally funded social sciences program in the College of Arts and Sciences, having been funded by the U.S. State Department through the Mérida Initiative. The $5.5 million in funding, $2.2 million of which was brought in during the Leading Change campaign, helps foster ties between faculty

and legal experts on both sides of the border. “This kind of educational outreach and policy engagement is often not supported at major research institutions,” says David Shirk, PhD, the program director for Justice in Mexico. “The fact that we’ve been able to sustain this program here — with generous support from private and government donors — is one of

the things that helps make USD such a unique place, both for our faculty and our students.” Since its inception, the OASIS program has trained more than 1,200 law professors and law students, providing litigation workshops, study tours of the U.S. criminal justice system and symposiums on reform opportunities and the impact that law schools can have on the future of the criminal justice system. “This is a program that involves some of the best lawyers and judges in San Diego, as well as lawyers and law students from the largest law schools in Mexico,” says Shirk. “Since this program is really about transferring skills and building relationships, the impacts will be long-lasting and positive for strengthening the legal system and the rule of law in Mexico.” As one of the leading legal exchange programs between the United States and its southern neighbor, OASIS not only connects those involved in Mexico’s criminal justice system with their counterparts in the U.S., it also enables USD students and faculty to connect internationally, engaging and contributing to global citizenship. Through the political science and international relations departments, USD students gain firsthand experience with the program and its participants, contributing directly to the collaborative nature of the program. “There are arguably few issues more important in Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations today than strengthening the rule of law, security and human rights,” says Shirk. “Our students and graduates are getting to be a direct part of that effort. In this sense, these programs express our university’s commitment to promoting social justice, not to mention working with Mexico and the border community, of which we are a part.” — Allyson Meyer ‘16

[marvelous]

NUMBERS GAME

Math Department solves its space problem

hanks to a $1 million award from The Fletcher Jones Foundation, USD’s math department is poised to transform its Serra Hall home into a dynamic, state-of-the-art environment for student collaboration, faculty research and community gathering. Glass walls and open spaces are the hallmarks of the redesign, providing space for both quiet work and collaborative learning, to help students and faculty deepen their understanding of mathematics. The centerpiece is the Math Studio, a workspace created to promote a physical dimension to math research, borrowing ideas from manufacturing, art studios and design principles. A brand-new professorship in applied mathematics, funded by The Fletcher Jones Foundation,

allowed the College of Arts and Sciences to hire Satyan Devadoss, who is passionate about bringing an integrated approach to the subject. “We just don’t think with our minds,” says Devadoss. “We have hands, we have feet, we have bodies. If you look at most [other academic] disciplines, those are being used for the sake of the discipline. People assume that all you need for math is a piece of chalk, or pen and paper. What would happen if we made math embodied? “The main goal of this math studio will be to do research,” Devadoss adds. “The two other pieces of the puzzle are to teach students what math physical space could look like, and also to promote and showcase this new wonder that we have.” Faculty and students from

the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, along with the Theatre and Theology departments, are working together with those in mathematics to create a massive 11-foot interactive sculpture that brings in unsolved ideas from math, physics and the humanities. Viewers will be able to open the sculpture (pictured above), step inside and view reflective surfaces that capture a possible shape of our universe. Fundraising is underway to complete the project, with a goal of showcasing it at USD and nationally. The Fletcher Jones Foundation is a longtime supporter of USD, having funded construction and equipment for the Shiley Center for Science and Technology and Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, along with endowed professorships. — Timothy McKernan FALL 2 0 1 8

Artist Carlos Cruz-Diez sees

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

urban streets as a medium for art. The ability to think outside the lines is intrinsic to the Kroc School’s new Master of Arts in Social Innovation.

[peace]

THINK DIFFERENTLY

Innovation is key to new master’s program and lab space The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies has raised $5.3 million over the course of the Leading Change campaign.

addressed the inaugural cohort of 21 MASI students and guests. “We need to develop Changemakers who are willing to see that not every crosswalk is the same,” Márquez said. “This is what we’re trying to build here at the School of Peace Studies. We’re trying to figure out how to solve the kind of problems we face, but we cannot do it in the same ways as we did a decade, 20, or 50 years ago.” In May, the inaugural MASI cohort graduated. They learned from professors, from each oth-

JACOB FISCHER

hat does a crosswalk look like to you? In most intersections in the U.S., a pair of thick white lines stretching from one side of the road to the other is pretty much the norm. But artist Carlos Cruz-Diez sees things differently. His kinetic artwork can be seen on crosswalks in the United States and

beyond, vibrating with bonus splashes of color. His vision belies the concept that everything needs to be the same. There is room to think outside the lines. That’s the message that Kroc School Dean Patricia Márquez stressed last fall to attendees of an event celebrating the launch of a new degree program, the Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI). During her presentation, she used Cruz-Diez’s work as an illustration of what thinking differently might look like as she

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

er, internationally, and by entering the Global Social Innovation Challenge. Throughout the year, they’ve gained knowledge they can put to good use. In addition to the new master’s program, the school has unveiled the Wasson Social Innovation Lab space within the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. Wes Wasson, CEO/ co-founder of DreamStart Labs and a generous donor to the Kroc School via student scholarships and MASI program support, is inspired by students “as the next generation of leaders, social innovators and dreamers who come in and make a profound impact not just on this community, but on the world. “These dreamers have the courage to look out on these big intractable social problems that we all see around us in the world today and do not cower in the face of it,” he said. A member of the Kroc School’s advisory board, Wasson is enthusiastic about how MASI students will shape the future. “They have the courage to believe that answers are out there, but only when we bring together different disciplines in science, engineering, technology and business, academia and research. They can come at these problems with a new spirit of innovation, promise and opportunity.” — Ryan T. Blystone

NICK ABADILLA

[engineering]

A BETTER PLACE

$10 million gift is truly transformative The Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering has raised $35.8 million during the Leading Change campaign.

hen John Belanich announced a $10 million gift to the ShileyMarcos School of Engineering, he held up a slide rule. The calculation tool, virtually unknown to today’s students, shows how far engineering has come — and how far it can go in the digital age — to create a more innovative, prosperous and sustainable world. “I show this to you because maybe it will be a in a museum someday,” said Belanich, a successful engineer and real estate developer. At a campus ceremony in April 2018, he told the audi-

ence of friends and members of the USD community that he and his wife, Raffaella ’61 (BA), ’77 (MA) — pictured, above — are happy and proud to be part of the school that will help discover and invent new products and services for a better world. “The best is yet to come!” he exclaimed. The transformative gift will allow the school to complete extensive renovations in Loma and Guadalupe Halls and an intermediate annex building, adding state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and student innovation spaces. Upon completion, the integrated facility will be named the Belanich Engineering Center. “This amazing gift will give us space where our students can practice being the Changemakers

that will change the world,” added a jubilant Dean Chell Roberts. “Our students need spaces that allow for creating, designing, trying new things, prototyping and ultimately learning how to use their skills to make the world a better place. This is a gift that transforms the future of many engineering lives. We’re inventing the future; that’s really what this is about.” The expansive, 74,500-squarefoot complex also will include space to develop bioengineering and sustainability engineering programs, along with a new cybersecurity innovation space, conference rooms, and faculty and administration offices. Established as a school only five years ago, the Shiley-Marcos

School of Engineering is already ranked 12th in the nation for non-doctoral-granting engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report, noted USD President James T. Harris. “The school’s graduates do not fit the stereotype of what many people imagine when they think about engineers,” Harris added. Nearly one-third of them are women, almost double the national average, and all graduates earn a dual BS/BA degree, giving them impressive writing and speaking skills and making them “strong critical thinkers with global awareness who are receptive to diverse cultures.” At the ceremony celebrating one of the largest, most impactful gifts in the university’s history, Harris also recognized the Belanichs’ longstanding commitment to USD. “Their generosity also is reflected in the naming of the Bishop Buddy Sala in Mother Rosalie Hill Hall and the Bishop Buddy Endowed Scholarship, which has greatly benefited many deserving USD students,” Harris said. “John is a very successful engineer and Raffaella is a very successful USD alumna, who traces her experiences back to our founder; Raffaella actually worked with Bishop Buddy. I want to express my deep appreciation to John and Raffaella for their truly inspirational gift and their leadership, foresight and generosity in providing such an amazing gift to USD at this precise moment in our growth and development. We celebrate the lives of them both, and we’d like future students to think about the people who’ve made those gifts and the impact they’ve had on our university.” Dean Roberts seconded that emotion. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We have so much more we can do. Come join the team and help us create the future!” — Liz Harman FALL 2 0 1 8

Cameron Markowitz ‘18 can’t

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

say enough about the value of the scholarship process. For him, the impact went far beyond just the financial rewards.

[business]

A BLINDINGLY BRIGHT FUTURE

DAVE MEYER

Scholarships provide much more than financial assistance

Over the course of the Leading Change campaign, the School of Business raised $36.6 million, including $3.75 million for scholarships.

avy veteran Cameron Markowitz ‘18 joined the military at the age of 19 and served six years as an aviation rescue swimmer, door

gunner and crew chief. After his military service — during which he was deployed twice — he knew his next step: complete his undergraduate degree. “The University of San Diego has the best business school in San Diego and a fantastic program for veterans, so it made for a seamless transition,” says Markowitz.

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

Scholarships made a significant impact on his personal bottom line as a real estate student. He says that not having to stress about finances helped him earn higher grades. “I received a 90 percent discount on my education through scholarships, which was a huge financial blessing,” he says. “More importantly, being awarded these scholarships gave me a

great sense of pride and honor.” The Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate offers more than $230,000 in scholarships annually for real estate students at the USD School of Business. Markowitz described the scholarship application process as seamless. “The center’s team is extremely efficient at delivering scholarship options to students. The

[law]

SERVICE IS KEY

Veterans Legal Clinic does the right thing

The School of Law has raised $31.8 million during the Leading Change campaign. The following is just one example of ways these funds are being put to good use.

ob Muth was a senior at Northwestern University when he watched the horrors of 9/11 unfold on TV and decided it was time to serve his country. He was part of the first class of newly minted officers who walked into military recruiting offices in the days following the tragedy. The Marines sent Muth (pictured) to law school at Duke University. He went on to become a captain and judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as the senior defense counsel for the Marine Corps in Iraq. Muth served in the Marines until 2009, when he was named the Defense Counsel of the Year, NavyMarine Corps Trial Judiciary, Western Judicial Circuit. He did a stint as a civil litigator before coming to the University of San Diego in 2012 to establish the School of Law’s Veterans Legal Clinic, funded during the silent phase of the Leading Change campaign. As the clinic’s managing attorney, Muth initially oversaw second- and third-year law students who represented veterans in disputes with for-profit schools over the use of their GI Bill funds. “They are being promised all sorts of specific things with respect to the quality of their education, the pace at which they can complete the program, their job prospects upon completion, the type of salary they can expect, the accreditation of the school, and the credentials of the

people teaching and even the services provided to veterans with disabilities,” Muth says. “But the promises are empty.” The clinic’s focus has since expanded to represent veterans seeking corrections to their military records, upgrades of their discharge status or resolution of disputes over access to medical care and disability compensation benefits. “At any given time, we will have more than a hundred open matters,” says Muth, who also teaches a course in legal ethics and is now the academic director for all 10 legal clinics in the School of Law. “We have dual missions. One is to serve the community by providing pro bono legal assistance to those most in need. The other is to

provide high quality training to law students and to ensure that they have the real-world skills needed to effectively practice upon graduation.” School of Law students are involved in their assigned cases at every point along the way — from the initial intake to court appearances, seated at the counsel’s table next to their supervising attorney. Some of the clinic’s clients are homeless veterans who clinic students have been able to secure medical care, disability benefits and other veterans benefits previously out of reach. Muth explains, “It is incredibly empowering for the law students to see the difference their training and skill can make in the lives of a deserving veteran.” — Krystn Shrieve

MARSHALL WILLIAMS

process and instructions for each scholarship are very easy to follow,” he says. “I spent approximately five hours on two of my scholarship applications and received more than $6,000 in financial aid.” The impact of these scholarships offered Markowitz much more than just a financial reward. The process taught him how to brand himself and how to pitch his strengths during job interviews. “I emerged with greatly enhanced interviewing skills and learned how to express my accomplishments in a succinct, impactful and meaningful way,” he says. Now that he’s graduated with a double major (finance/real estate), Markowitz is looking forward to a bright future. He credits connections he made through the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate team with leading him to a job offer as construction and project manager at Hensel Phelps. “The commercial real estate industry used to be very hard to get into because you would frequently have to learn the various roles while on the job,” he says. “USD has built a topnotch real estate program with quality professors and instructors from the industry. The practical education, hands-on learning and networking opportunities make it much easier for students to break into the field and be well-prepared for their first job after graduation.” Markowitz strongly encourages USD students to apply for the vast number of real estate scholarships offered through the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate. “Many students may associate scholarships with being awarded to only those in need of financial aid, but most of the real estate scholarships are meritbased and factor in the individual’s contributions of service to the community,” he says. — Kimberly Malasky

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Nursing simulation allows

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

students to experience representations of real-life events for practice, learning or evaluation of a skill or action.

[nursing]

INNOVATIVE LEARNING

GRACE GOODALE

The Dickinson Nursing Simulation Center prepares students to excel

The School of Nursing raised $23 million during the Leading Change campaign. To learn more, go to www.sandiego.edu/leadingchange.

artin Dickinson was eloquent when he explained why the foundation he heads, the Donald C. and Elizabeth M. Dickinson Foundation, decided to give $2 million in support of a new facility within the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. “I’m very interested in ripple effects, and how one person can affect so many others,” he said. “The School of Nursing’s students

go on to teach, or their work in hospitals allow them to have an impact on so many people.” That was in 2013. Today, a new tool that leads to that sort of profound, lasting impact is the Dickinson Nursing Simulation Center (DNSC), a state-of-the-art 10,000-squarefoot facility on the first floor of USD’s Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advanced Practice, and Simulation. The center is designed to mirror clinical settings and provide students with a safe, low-stress environment in which they can learn, practice and sharpen their skills.

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The center’s design includes a central lecture-hall/lab — the only one in San Diego to receive national and international accreditation — which is surrounded with vignettes of hospital patient beds on the periphery, an adjacent hospital nursing station and individual acute and primary care rooms. The educational strategy of nursing simulation involves a created situation that allows students to experience representations of real-life events for practice, learning or evaluation of a skill or action. In nursing education, this

training provides a bridge that helps to integrate and apply theoretical classroom knowledge with clinical skills in practice. The DNSC uniquely uses simulation methodology to both teach and evaluate skills and clinical practice. Clinical Simulation Encounters are formative learning events held two to three times per semester, in which faculty facilitate curriculum-based learning with small groups of students who interact with case-trained, standardized patient actors in videotaped clinical scenarios. As a profession, nursing is moving toward simulationbased assessments for registered nurse licensure. As a result of philanthropy during the Leading Change campaign, graduates of the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science will be well-prepared for these types of licensure and specialty examinations. The Dickinson Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the Hahn School, which is the only nursing school in Southern California dedicated exculsively to the graduate education of nurses. Over the years, the foundation has given additional annual support to the school’s scholarship fund. “We’ve been so impressed by the quality of the students and how appreciative they are,” said Dickinson. “It’s made us feel very connected to the school.” — Cheryl Butera, ‘15 (PhD), APRN

[soles]

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

New institute helps people hear those asking for help The School of Leadership and Education Sciences has raised $48.1 million during the Leading Change campaign. To learn more, go to www.sandiego.edu/soles.

aybe more cries for help would be heard if more ears were trained to hear them. The Catholic Institute for Mental Health Ministries — run by the Diocese of San Diego and USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences and made possible by a significant donation from Ed and Ruth Shoener — will train a network of clergy and laypeople to serve as mental health organizers and mental health ministry leaders

in dioceses and parishes throughout the United States. Ed Shoener, a deacon in the Diocese of Scranton, says the institute’s model is based on the Diocese of San Diego’s mental health ministry. “The San Diego Diocese program is as good as any in the country, so we’re really looking at refining the San Diego model and taking it across the country,” he says. Wendell Callahan, director of clinical training, professor of practice and the institute’s executive director, emphasizes the training is pastoral, not clinical. “We’re not training therapists; we’re preparing spiritual partners,” he says. “The training of

these spiritual partners includes the ability to connect people to a network of Catholic-friendly licensed professionals. We’ve also adopted St. Dymphna as our patron. She is the patron saint of mental illness and other neurological conditions, and, by extension, the patron of mental health counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and neurologists. Highlighting her patronage emphasizes that the Church recognizes the impact of mental illness and the need to address it appropriately. “Perhaps the biggest challenge we face in ministering to people with a mental illness and their families, is that we simply just don’t talk about it,

and this was created to help people have those conversations. Sometimes all it takes is a sympathetic ear for someone to know they aren’t alone.” Auxilary Bishop of San Diego John Dolan says that model, developed over the years largely through the efforts of Kent Peters and Linda Areuda, is based on a fundamental assumption. “We all in one sense or another are really just trying to hold it together,” Dolan says. “The ministry is there to accompany a person on an especially rough part of his or her walk and to listen every step of the way.” The Shoeners are only two of the millions of people whose lives have been altered by mental illness. Late one August night in 2016, within hours of a sheriff’s latenight knock on their front door with the news of Katie’s death by suicide, Ed sat down to write his only daughter’s obituary. “So often people who have a mental illness are known as their illness,” he wrote. “People say that ‘she is bipolar’ or ‘he is schizophrenic.’ People who have cancer are not cancer. Those with diabetes are not diabetes. Katie was not bipolar — she had an illness called bipolar disorder. Katie herself was a beautiful child of God.” The obituary rocketed around social media. “Deacon Ed” received messages of thanks and support from friends of Katie’s as well as complete strangers. That response, he says, helped drive the creation of the institute. “Mental illness and suicide is a serious issue that cuts across every demographic, yet very few people know how to talk about it. Hopefully we can help bring the topic out of the shadows and make a real difference in people’s lives.” — Timothy McKernan Learn more at www.sandiego. edu/cimhm. FALL 2 0 1 8

Fowler Park and Cunningham Field

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

has raised the profile of USD, attracting many talented players who have gone on to the majors.

[athletics]

MAJOR LEAGUE WORTHY

Fowler Park as much of a star as players who’ve played there Torero Athletics has raised $41.3 million during the Leading Change campaign. New facilities enhance the already impressive courts, fields and spaces where student-athletes put their best foot forward.

I tried to envision what it was going to look like. I think it turned out better than even he described. It’s outstanding. I think a lot of people are going to love this place. It’s comfortable, there’s lots of room, good seats, there’s the terrace (Torero Deck). It’s a state-of-the-art facility. I’m happy for him, happy for USD baseball and happy for San Diego.”

MARK LIPSKY

n February 2013, the University of San Diego cut the ribbon and unveiled its redesigned stadium, Fowler Park and Cunningham Field, to rave reviews,

including the endorsement of a Baseball Hall of Famer and local USD rival. The late San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn — who in 2013 was head coach for the San Diego State baseball team that was USD’s inaugural Fowler Park opponent — weighed in at the time. “When Rich Hill told me he was getting a new ballpark,

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It cost $13.8 million to renovate the former Cunningham Stadium site behind the Jenny Craig Pavilion; the lead gift was received from Ron and Alexis Fowler. Ron Fowler, who was chairman of USD’s Board of Trustees at the time of the couple’s donation, is executive chairman and co-owner of the San Diego Padres. The immaculately manicured ballpark — which offers topnotch amenities, a major-league equivalent clubhouse, lights for the first time at USD games and seating that brings fans closer to the action than ever before — is just about everything USD Baseball Head Coach Rich Hill hoped for, both then and still today, six years later. “I can’t believe that I get to coach here,” says Hill, who completed his 20th season as head coach and earned his 1,000th career coaching win last spring. “I love coming out onto the field. When you walk through the tunnel, you come out and it looks like a majorleague ballpark. It still takes my breath away.” That reaction seems to be justified. There’ve been many talented players who’ve been recruited to USD and the facility has proven to provide a great college experience for fans and players alike. “Fowler Park is a piece of the puzzle,” Hill said of the facility’s

presence in the recruiting process. “Everything about USD suggests ‘first class,’ and the facility is one more example of that. We’re here to help our guys realize their dream. While other students realize their dreams as an accountant, a scientist, a psychologist, a teacher or an attorney, this is in line with that when it comes to our student-athletes.” Since 2013, Fowler Park has had many talented players on its field, including Toreros who are currently dotting Major League Baseball rosters. The second overall selection in the 2013 draft, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant enjoyed a Golden Spikes Award-winning season, hitting a school-record 31 home runs for the West Coast Conference champion Toreros in 2013. Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dylan Covey played on the 2013 team, and New York Mets pitcher P.J. Conlon played with USD through 2015. A number of other high-round USD draftees who’ve played since Fowler Park opened and are currently in the minor leagues includes shortstop Kyle Holder (New York Yankees), pitcher David Hill (Colorado Rockies), infielder Connor Joe (drafted by Pittsburgh, now with Los Angeles Dodgers), shortstop Bryson Brigman (Seattle Mariners), catcher Riley Adams (Toronto Blue Jays) and this year’s second-round selection, Paul Richan (Chicago Cubs). Fowler Park also hosted two MLB spring training games in March 2014 between the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Indians. The facility got a ringing endorsement from thenPadres Manager Bud Black. “It’s a great ballpark, a firstrate facility,” he said. “It’s wonderful, I think the sightlines are great, the fans are right on top of the action and it plays fair.” — Ryan T. Blystone

[kindred spirits]

PARENT’S HOOD

USD is home away from home for the Busch family

Parents have contributed more than $14 million over the course of the Leading Change campaign. Learn more about the Office of Parent and Family Relations at www.sandiego.edu/parents.

im Busch has one regret. “I really wanted to attend the University of San Diego,” she says. “I thought it would be the perfect place for me. But I grew up in St. Louis, and my parents thought if I moved to San Diego I’d never come back.” It took a few years and a move halfway across the nation, but now Kim and her family are part of USD — in big way. Kim and Andrew Busch’s eldest son, Andy ‘17, is a School of Business alumnus. Their middle son, Will, is a senior, also

majoring in business. And after serving on the parent board, Kim accepted the offer to join the university’s board of trustees. One of the first issues that caught Busch’s attention was the fundraising success for a new School of Business facility. Or rather, the need for it. “The university had been looking for one really big donation, a naming gift, to build a new facility,” she says. “I thought, ‘What if we focus on getting a bunch of smaller gifts to get it done?’” Kim and Andrew Busch (pictured above, alongside their three sons) gave what she calls a “kick-starter gift” to get the ball rolling. And roll it did. The new fundraising strategy resulted in a series of similar donations, creat-

ing the momentum that culminated in the naming gift from current Board of Trustees chair Don Knauss and his wife, Ellie. “We had to have this,” she says of the new School of Business facility. “A top-flight business school is good for everyone associated with USD, whatever their major. It’s something we can all be proud of.” In addition to very generous donations of talent and treasure, Kim and Andy also give USD the gift of time, hosting summer send-offs for incoming Toreros from the Santa Barbara area. “There is a lot to love about USD,” she says, “and the people who make up the USD community are at the top of the list.” — Timothy McKernan FALL 2 0 1 8

USD’s law enforcement and public

L E A D I NG C H ANGE

safety leadership degree is just one example of the options available for those looking to enhance their professional skill set.

[lifelong learning]

SERVING ONE AND ALL

Options are key for Professional and Continuing Education students USD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers a robust portfolio of courses and programs. Learn more at pce.sandiego.edu.

online education programs. “We have students in the master’s degree programs who are in their 60s. They just want to do it for themselves, and I say, ‘More power to them!’ People really do want to learn. For K-12 teachers, how can we improve their learning, not only for them, but for the students they’re impacting? That’s the kind of reach we have.”

PCE degree offerings link to USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and the BurnhamMoores Center for Real Estate within the School of Business. From high school students in the GenCyber Academy of Excellence summer camps to international

CHRIS PARK

he role that Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) plays for USD is to serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers. But PCE’s roster of

choices — certificate programs, master’s degrees, online courses, customized training, elevating K-12 educators’ knowledge, test preparation and much more — demonstrates that virtually anything is possible. “We want to get students at every stage,” says Roxanne Morrison, acting director of PCE and director of its

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[library]

WE’RE GOING DIGITAL

Open source archives shine spotlight on good work

1959 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO COURTESY OF MANUEL CARREÑO

students learning English to those pursuing online degrees, Morrison says the versatility PCE has for lifelong learners is key to the division’s offerings. “We’re very student-centric,” says Morrison, who notes PCEaffiliated programs enrolled nearly 1,900 students, as well as just under 600 for online degrees in 2017-18. “We contribute considerably to the mission of the university, serving the community through outreach to underserved populations. We’re self-sustaining and we give back.” One recent example of PCE’s success is the law enforcement and public safety leadership (LEPSL) degree. Erik Fritsvold, PhD, LEPSL academic coordinator and associate professor of sociology at USD, describes the steps the program took prior to its Fall 2015 launch. “I’m convinced the key to the success of the program is that we listened first,” Fritsvold says. “I originally drafted a traditional criminal justice degree, but after several meetings with key stakeholders, we quickly learned something much more innovative and contemporary was needed to serve the needs of the modern law enforcement community. Subsequently, we did years of interviews with professionals in the field, listened carefully, and developed the themes into the unique skillsbased program we see today.” Upon launch, a 29-student cohort was the goal. “We enrolled 92, more than 300 percent of our goal,” he says. The program, which has a diverse student population, has topped 110 or more students each semester, including highs of 179 in the Spring of 2017 and 177 in Summer 2018. “But it’s not the size that’s been most impressive,” says Fritsvold. “It’s the fact that the quality of our students, and our unique faculty team sets this program firmly as a flagship for USD.” — Ryan T. Blystone

Plans to modernize Copley Library are included in USD’s new strategic plan, Envisioning 2024.

ehind a locked door, in a climate-controlled suite of rooms at the rear of the Copley Library’s Mother Rosalie Hill Reading Room, USD treasures are carefully catalogued and held for safekeeping. The items in the physical archives are irreplaceable: from vintage photographs to personal correspondence to blueprints, our history is available to members of the public — by appointment only. But now, many of these items are available for anyone with an internet connection. Digital USD (digital.sandiego.edu) provides open access to items that showcase the contributions of faculty, staff and students. “Our ultimate goal is to preserve the scholarship, creative work and intellectual output of the USD

community,” explains Amanda Makula, digital initiatives librarian. “We bring these materials to the world and showcase them.” One project that she’s excited about are materials from the San Diego Lowrider Archival Project, which were shared with USD for the purpose of making them digitally available. The effort was made possible in part by a Humanities Center Collaborative Research Grant, which supported goals of the Leading Change campaign, such as collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. “It’s a partnership with the local San Diego community,” she explains. “This collection is exactly the kind of thing that we don’t want to lose.” Dating back to the ‘50s, the materials document the local lowrider scene, and include car club documents, memorabilia, official records, art and more. The idea for digitally archiving the collection came from conver-

sations with USD Ethnic Studies Professor Alberto López Pulido. He worked with local longtime activist and lowrider Rigo Reyes on a book, San Diego Lowriders: A History of Cars and Cruising and their award-winning documentary, Everything Comes from the Streets. Both projects highlight the vibrancy of lowrider culture that builds community and celebrates self-expression. “To share these items digitally shines light on things that might otherwise be buried at the bottom of a file drawer,” says Makula. Next up: continuing to host digitized student work such as honors theses. “Those are some of the most downloaded of all our materials,” she comments. “Our students are doing excellent, timely work, and prospective students are really interested in seeing the caliber of what comes out of USD.” — Julene Snyder FALL 2 0 1 8

Together, We Lead Making a lasting impact is at the heart of Leading Change: The Campaign for USD. Since the fundraising drive began in 2010, the engine to achieve our ambitious $300 million goal has been in overdrive. Every step of the way, one underlying theme has fueled our efforts: to equip our students with the resources they need to become Changemakers who are driven to confront and solve humanity’s most urgent challenges. Now, the numbers are in. Together, we did it.

President James Harris alongside Honorary Campaign Chair and Trustee Darlene Marcos Shiley. Her 2012 gift established the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, which was ranked 12th among engineering schools in 2018’s U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.

Alexis and Ron Fowler cut the ribbon at USD’s new baseball facility, Fowler Park and Cunningham Field.

The numbers are impressive: More than 38,500 donors contributed to reaching this milestone; 233 new scholarships have been created; employee giving increased to 79 percent from 2010’s 21 percent. None of it could have happened without the work of our alumni, faculty, trustees, parents and students.

One early sign that Leading Change was on the right track was the transformative $20 million gift made by philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley in 2012 to establish the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. “My late husband, Donald, was, first and foremost, an engineer,” said Shiley, who joined USD’s Board of Trustees in 1990 and served as its chair from 2007 to 2010. “I am determined that his legacy reflects that beginning.” 2012 was also the year that a multimilliondollar gift from Ron and Alexis Fowler was announced, and ground was broken on USD’s new baseball facility, Fowler Park and Cunningham Field. “The baseball facility at USD wasn’t consistent with the quality of the team and the reputation of the program,” Fowler said

ar exceeding its $300 million goal to benefit USD’s programs, faculty, facilities and students, Leading Change is the most successful campaign in the university’s history. The milestones have been notable. More than $79 million was raised for capital projects such as the Belanich Engineering Center, and the Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advance Practice, and Simulation. In excess of $55 million was raised to enhance the university’s endowment. More than $180 million was donated to support programs, centers and institutes, including the Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action, the Frances G. Harpst Center for Catholic Thought and Culture and the Humanities Center.

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THE ROAD TO CHANGE

When the campaign was first conceived, we knew that to continue USD’s upward trajectory, funds were needed to enhance the student experience; to provide endowment support for students in the form of scholarships, graduate assistantships and new programming and to reimagine ways that our physical campus could evolve and grow.

Karen and Tom ’77 (JD) Mulvaney made a gift that will make the world a better place for generations to come. The Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action deepens connections between USD and the local, national and global community.

Scott MacDonald made a gift that established the MacDonald Community Scholars Program.

when explaining what inspired him to make the gift. “With a new facility, I think USD can achieve great things.” In 2015, the opening of the new Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advance Practice, and Simulation was celebrated. A lead gift of $8 million from Betty Beyster and the late Robert Beyster laid the foundation for the School of Nursing’s new 30,000-square-foot facility.

THE FUTURE STARTS NOW

The milestones began to pile up. One hundred named scholarships were created to benefit School of Law students; the MacDonald Community Scholarship was established through the Mulvaney Center

Betty Beyster and her late husband, Robert, made a lead gift to the Hahn School of Nursing in 2015.

due to the generosity of Scott MacDonald; the campus was reimagined thanks to a gift from Kathryn Colachis to create Paseo de Colachis, a new central gathering place for events. Also of note was a $20 million gift in 2017 from USD Board Chairman Don Knauss and his wife, Ellie, which launched the final planning and construction of a new USD School of Business complex. Even more recently, John and Rafaella ’61 (BA), ’77 (MA) Belanich announced a transformative $10 million gift to the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering to create an integrated facility that will be named the Belanich Engineering Center. While the impact of major gifts is huge, we couldn’t have reached our goal without

John and Rafaella ’61 (BA), ’77 (MA) Belanich’s generous gift will create an integrated engineering facility.

Trustee Chair Don Knauss, and his wife, Ellie, made a gift that launched the new School of Business Complex.

the help of the tens of thousands of alumni, parents, students, faculty, trustees and friends who stepped up and contributed every step of the way. Now, as we look toward the 75th anniversary of our founding in 2024, the University of San Diego is poised to help create a world in which our students are prepared to make a lasting and positive impact on society. Our roadmap is the Envisioning 2024 strategic plan, which lays the foundation for the university’s future. As we celebrate the successful completion of Leading Change: The Campaign for USD, we continue to look to the future. There’s really just one thing left to say. Thank you. FALL 2 0 1 8

USD CAMPUSWIDE | $60.5 MILLION

SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION SCIENCES | $48.1 MILLION

ATHLETICS | $41.3 MILLION

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | $36.6 MILLION

SHILEYMARCOS SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING | $35.8 MILLION

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES | $34.6 MILLION

SCHOOL OF LAW | $31.8 MILLION

HAHN SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCE | $23 MILLION

JOAN B. KROC SCHOOL OF PEACE STUDIES | $5.3 MILLION

20,336

FIRST TIME DONORS

3,386

PRESIDENT’S CLUB DONORS

233 NUMBER OF NEW

SCHOLARSHIPS

Annual gift of $1,500 or more

25 $4.8

MILLION

FOUNDERS GALA

VETERAN SUPPORT

10,607

GIFTS/DAY

$3 RAISED FROM

MILLION

$3.1

AVERAGE

EMPLOYEES

GIFTS FROM STUDENTS

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Celebrating Milestones In 2010, the University of San Diego launched the silent phase of Leading Change: The Campaign for USD with an ambitious goal of $300 million, the largest campaign in the university’s history. Thanks to thousands of donors, the quest to gather the resources needed to turn good intentions into good deeds has been achieved. The generosity of alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, corporations, foundations and friends has propelled our high ideals toward reality. Please join us in marveling about how far we’ve come, even as we continue to envision our collective future through the university’s new strategic plan, Envisioning 2024.

PASEO DE COLACHIS,

USD’s new studentfriendly pedestrian mall was the result of a multimillion-dollar gift from Kathryn and James Colachis.

THE FRANCES G. HARPST CENTER FOR CATHOLIC THOUGHT AND CULTURE was

renamed in 2011 as a result of a generous bequest from Frances G. Harpst.

THE SHILEYMARCOS SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

THE KAREN AND TOM MULVANEY CENTER FOR COMMUNITY, AWARENESS AND SOCIAL ACTION was renamed

in 2015 to mark the generosity of Karen and Tom Mulvaney ’77.

was established in 2012 due to the philanthropy of longtime USD benefactor Darlene Marcos Shiley.

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THE JACOBS INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION IN EDUCATION,

a research center housed at SOLES that was named to honor founding donors Dr. Irwin and Mrs. Joan Jacobs, opened in 2017.

THE BELANICH ENGINEERING CENTER is under

construction, thanks to the generosity of John and Raffaella ’61 (BA), ’77 (MA) Belanich.

A NEW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS COMPLEX

is in the works thanks to generous gifts from Board Chair Don Knauss and his wife, Ellie, and Trustee Kim Busch and her husband, Andy.

THE HUMANITIES CENTER

was established in 2016 thanks to a leadership gift from USD parent Carol Vassiliadis ‘08. The center is dedicated to the exploration of the human condition and the limitless ways in which human beings understand and interact with our world.

THE BETTY AND BOB BEYSTER INSTITUTE FOR NURSING RESEARCH, ADVANCED PRACTICE, AND SIMULATION

opened in 2016, made possible by a gift from Betty Beyster and her late husband, Robert.

FOWLER PARK/CUNNINGHAM FIELD a $13.8 million facility that seats as many as 3,000 opened in 2013, thanks to a transformative lead gift from Ron and Alexis Fowler.

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Reverberating Impact When Leading Change: The Campaign for USD was announced, we challenged our community to answer two essential questions: “What do you care about? What are you doing about it?” The campaign was envisioned as the engine that would turn good intentions into good deeds, while investing in individuals and the promotion of our shared core values. We kept this cornerstone in mind every step of the way, taking care to focus on the impact we could make. As we celebrate the successful completion of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in USD’s history — and look to the future — we see new challenges and new opportunities. We are committed to continue to find ways to make meaningful change for the next generation of Toreros and the world we share. Before we move forward, let’s take a moment to look back at the people who made Leading Change so successful. These stories are just a few examples of ways that purposeful generosity and careful stewardship of resources have helped to change the world.

Stepping Up The Torero Renaissance Scholars program provides support to USD students who identify as former foster youth, homeless (or at risk for homelessness), emancipated minors or in legal guardianships. For the past four years, the In-N-Out Burger Foundation has funded internships that fill a much-needed gap during summer months, matching students with programs that align with students’ interests and the needs of the community.

Gathering Place Gregg Warde, parent of Hannah ’16 (BA), made a $50,000 gift through his foundation to name and create the Warde Patio, adjacent to Aromas coffeehouse. The new space is meant for groups of students to study or enjoy coffee or lunch, and includes outdoor seating, special plantings and umbrellas. Seamlessly integrated into existing adjacent areas, the inviting area nicely complements other architecture on campus and enhances our outdoor space.

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Student-Focused USD’s Humanities Center opened in Fall 2016, thanks to a leadership gift from parent Carol Vassiliadis and the generous support of the W.M. Keck Foundation. A home for students and faculty from across the university, the center is a place to exchange ideas, share scholarly work and engage in interdisciplinary, collaborative projects between the humanities and other areas of academic inquiry, including USD’s professional schools.

Academic Rigor A scholarship in memory of John Fendrick, who taught Greek and Latin, was established in early 2018 to honor his 25-yearlegacy at USD. Dr Fendrick is remembered as a compassionate man who showed incredible kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness toward students and colleagues. The scholarship will be awarded to students who are enrolled in Greek and Latin courses or who are pursuing a minor in Classical Studies.

Empowered to Succeed

Mentoring Future Scientists

The current recipient of USD’s Comité México Scholarship, Blanca Hernández ’20 says she wants to “serve those who are marginalized and help empower them to succeed.” The scholarship was established in 2009 by a group of Mexican alumni, parents and friends; in 2015, the group endowed the fund, which supports students from Mexico and of Mexican descent. Hernández plans to honor their legacy by paying it forward.

A 10-year science partnership between USD and Mater Dei, a San Diego-based Catholic high school, was funded by the ALSAM Foundation. Hundreds of Mater Dei students have worked with USD professors and students in a summer camp, a one-on-one summer research experience, or campus visits. Past participants have a higher success rate when applying to prestigious schools, while students and faculty enjoy educating the next generation of scientists.

Hands-On Experience A gift from the Legler Benbough Foundation has allowed University Galleries to create a special acquisitions program. Students create proposals for works they feel should be purchased and added to the galleries’ permanent collection. Much like in an established art museum, these proposals go before an acquisitions committee, which selects the successful proposals. The Hoehn Family Galleries are dedicated to the display of prints and the graphic arts.

Opportunities Rule Every year, students like third-year law school student Erin Lupfer ’17, recipient of Max Gussie Gonick Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence in the First Year, are celebrated at the Scholarship Luncheon. Seven out of every 10 USD students rely on scholarships and other forms of financial aid to cover the cost of their education. She encourages her fellow students to support programs they care about, not just for themselves but for future students.

Creative Thinkers An anonymous donor established the Gwendolyn Brooks Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial support to undergraduate students of color who have declared a major in the humanities. The first black author to win the Pulitzer Prize, Brooks was noted for both her extraordinary mastery of poetic technique and her activism. The scholarship will be available to humanities students, based on merit and financial need.

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The Future Starts Now Buoyed by the success of Leading Change: The Campaign for USD, the University of San Diego is now uniquely positioned to redefine what it means to be a Catholic university in the 21st century. Sure, it’s a bold statement, but Changemakers are supposed to think big and challenge the status quo, and that’s exactly what the university’s Envisioning 2024 strategic plan asks of each and every Torero. It all starts with USD’s most valuable asset: our students.

hanks in large part to the financial support provided by our ever-growing Torero community, USD students are now equipped with the tools and technologies they need to succeed and thrive in our dynamic and ever-changing world. There’s a buzz about the future, and Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Initiatives Andy Allen couldn’t be more pleased for the support — and momentum — the campaign has provided for our strategic plan. “We are a Changemaker campus; we believe that the world needs Changemakers; we are trying to attract faculty and students here that want to be Changemakers — all of which is consistent with our Catholic heritage,” says Allen.

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From cover to cover, Envisioning 2024 is chock-full of ideas and strategies on how we’ll forge ahead to the forefront of Catholic higher education by the year 2024. It’s a plan that specifies many exciting opportunities, but one simple goal: continued student success. Now the big question: What exactly does this plan look like? In order to reach our collective aspirational heights, we’ve identified six interconnected pathways that will lead us to the forefront of Catholic higher education in 2024, when the University of San Diego will mark its 75th anniversary. The first pathway emphasizes that as an

anchor institution, USD is building lasting partnerships with our neighboring communities, both at home and abroad. From developing education courses for K-12 classrooms in San Diego to leading peacebuilding seminars across the border, collaboration and a shared Changemaker vision are at the heart of what we do. “To be a great global university, we need to be a great local university,” says President James Harris. While those efforts start close to home, they ripple across the globe. Knowledge and research are fundamental components of our academic mission. For nearly seven decades, USD has fostered an educational environment that emphasizes

engaged scholarship. Our students are encouraged to think critically and actively apply their knowledge to build a better world. As Changemakers, we believe in the power of creativity and innovation. Toreros are encouraged to explore solutions to complex social issues while gaining a hands-on understanding of the world around them. This approach to learning turns ideas into action; ideas we believe can change the world. Of course, changing the world is a big idea. But we believe that cultivating a culture of care is the first step. The University of San Diego strives to be a welcoming, inclusive and collaborative community where the rights and dignity of every person are respected

and appreciated. We’re also committed to expanding access to a USD education for students from underserved communities, both in San Diego and around the world. As a Catholic university, caring for God’s creation is a key element of our mission and values. Through sustainability initiatives, peacebuilding efforts, and entrepreneurial ventures, we are heeding Pope Francis’ call to take action against the environmental challenges that threaten our planet. The final pathway recognizes that an emphasis on 21st century liberal arts is at the core of our strategic plan. Today’s employers are looking for ethical, communicative and collaborative graduates. A liberal arts educa-

tion from USD nurtures students’ academic, personal and spiritual development, challenges them to think creatively and creates the foundation for a life of purpose and fulfillment. “This plan sets us on a course to become one of the greatest Catholic universities of the 21st century,” says President Harris. “Envisioning 2024 is ambitious. It promises a lot. But it also asks something of all of us. “We are blessed with a stellar faculty, remarkable students, highly successful alumni and a dedicated team of administrators and staff who do great work to advance our mission. Rather than taking comfort in USD as a well-kept secret, let’s make no secret of the great work we do here.” FALL 2 0 1 8

CLASS NOTES

[above and beyond]

LAWYERING UP!

Pair of School of Law alumni lead campaign success

he two friends having lunch at Cucina Urbana near Balboa Park had known each other for years. There were old times to be relived, to be sure, but their conversation was focused on the future. David Casey ’74 (JD) had recently accepted the challenge of serving as chair of the School of Law’s fundraising efforts, part of Leading Change: The Campaign for USD. Casey invited his friend

USD MA GA Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

and fellow trial lawyer, Virginia Nelson ’79 (JD), to be vice chair. Their conversation quickly moved past the school’s campaign goals. “Of course we had a dollarfigure goal,” Casey says, “but that was just the start of it. We wanted to create ways to engage alumni and expand the community of givers, not just for the campaign, but for the longerrange benefit of the school.” The Leading Change campaign

raised $317.3 million to support scholarships, classroom infrastructure and other essential needs for the University of San Diego. Under the leadership of Casey and Nelson, combined with critical support from Dean Stephen Ferruolo, the law school exceeded its $31.5 million dollar goal — going over the top during the final days of the campaign. The total was generated over many months of breakfasts,

MARSHALL WILLIAMS

lunches and phone calls with fellow alumni and friends of the school. Casey, an experienced fundraiser who has raised millions of dollars for other causes, says finding creative ways for people to give is the key to success. As one example, Nelson focused on the law school’s named scholarship effort, which resulted in an increase from 34 to 118 named scholarships during the campaign. “The key to our success was finding that meaningful point or passion that motivated donors to create a scholarship, whether it be a person, a program, a clinic or a cause.” Nelson, who also serves as an adjunct professor, found through her teaching that it was easy to speak firsthand to the skills, talent and drive of USD’s law

students. “It’s been very easy for me to talk to potential donors about our remarkably talented students; their abilities are right in front of me in every class.” “A crucial element to effective fundraising is showing your own willingness to write a check,” Casey adds. Having long ago established a school of law scholarship in his father’s name, Casey created another in the name of his mother, designed specifically for a USD undergraduate who continues his or her education as a USD School of Law student. Nelson is a generous supporter of a scholarship named for Lou Kerig — a faculty member who had a profound influence on her career — as well as the Class of 1979 Merit Scholarship, the Julianne D. Fellmeth Public Interest Law Scholarship and an endowed graduation prize in Nelson’s name, awarded to the student with the highest GPA in Advanced Trial Advocacy. With the Leading Change campaign goals met, then exceeded, Casey, Nelson and many of their fellow alumni are preparing for the next step in the evolution of what Casey calls “one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States.” “USD’s School of Law currently ranks 30th in the nation for faculty quality, and the quality of the students we attract is so impressive,” Casey says. “While Warren Hall is one of the original campus buildings, we have witnessed increasing interest and support for upgrading technology in the classroom and legal clinics. The clinics are now able to conduct client interviews by video conferencing, which is a game changer for disabled military veterans and the low-income clients who are not easily able to travel to the clinics for services. We are confident these changes are just the beginning.” — Timothy McKernan

1950s [1958] NADINE (ISRAEL TREVORS) THOMAS (BA) wrote and self-published a children’s book, Grandma’s Magic Box, with an e-version available on Amazon. “I did it for my grandchildren and had such fun writing it,” Nadine says. She also went to Kauai with her winning bid at USD’s Founders Gala silent auction.

1960s [1965] LARRY MOYER (BS) enjoyed some rest and relaxation in Hawaii after celebrating the arrival of his 12th grandchild. [1966] VERN SCHOOLEY (JD) received the AIC A. Sherman Christiansen Award at the U.S. Supreme Court and is counselor for the Ball/Hunt/ Schooley Inn of Court in Long Beach, California, and the Judge Paul R. Michel IP Inn in Los Angeles. He blends his professional and social lives, including recent travel with the Long Beach State basketball team to his alma mater, Michigan State University. Vern also plays tennis weekly and took ski trips last winter to Park City, Utah, and Aspen, Colorado. [1967] JAMES WELCH (JD) celebrated the 50th anniversary of his graduation at a dinner at USD. “A wonderful event,” James says. [1969] GARY LANE (JD) is president of the Lane Agency, which is now affiliated with Dignity Memorial and Service Corporation International, North America’s largest owners and providers of funeral and burial services and cremations. “Love to help my friends pre-plan so their families are not faced with that tremendous burden,” he says.

1970s [1972] IGNAZIO RUVOLO (JD) joined the largest private provider of mediation and arbitration services worldwide.

Based in Northern California, he will be a mediator, arbitrator and special master in a variety of disputes, including business/commercial, civil rights, personal injury/torts, family law, intellectual property, and more. He has had a 24-year career as a respected jurist and has served as a justice, a judge, trial attorney and litigator. “Throughout my career, I developed a passion for helping parties resolve disputes,” he says. [1973] JAMES COLLINS (JD) retired from his career as an attorney. PENNY NAVARRO (BA) celebrated her 40th anniversary at USD in November 2017. “Although retirement is on the horizon, I still enjoy providing professional development programs to educators worldwide,” she says. Penny is “Gigi” to her 3-year-old granddaughter, Madeline Oona, and 2-year-old grandson, Anthony Michael. LAWRENCE SYKOFF (MEd), ’88 (EdD) is president of LSS Consulting Group, where he provides strategic solutions to businesses and institutions in health care, education, performing arts, foundations, religious-affiliated centers and more. He also provides mentoring to institution leaders. Lawrence has many current and past board affiliations, including the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, Family and Children’s Services of Monmouth Country and the Independent College Fund of New Jersey. During his career, he has received several U.S. Congressional Service Awards and two New Jersey Senate Certificates of Commendation for community leadership and service. [1974] JOSEPH VECCHIO (MA) has been retired for 13 years. He spends his time with his family and travels frequently. [1975] SISTER KATHLEEN PHELAN (MEd) served a five-year term in elected leadership of the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. She is now enjoying a sabbatical where her time is spent studying, traveling, attending retreats and enjoying life. [1976] GARY WALSWICK (BBA) is in commercial real estate and was

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promoted to director for KW Commercial in Tustin, California. [1977] JOAN STEIDINGER (BA) earned a master’s degree and a PhD in clinical psychology after graduating from USD. Her book, Sisterhood in Sports: How Female Athletes Collaborate and Compete, won five literary awards and is published in hardcover and paperback. [1979] DAVID PARRY (BA) writes, “I support President Trump.”

1980s

TOREROS TOGETHER! Torero alumni gifts directly support our students in the classroom, in the community and on the playing field.

[1980] NICHOLAS KRALL (BA) is an investment adviser representative for Primerica Advisors. He recently co-wrote, directed and performed in an Easter musical drama titled He’s Not Here! Nicholas also was elected president of his church council and earned a Series 65 securities license, meeting the fiduciary standard for his Primerica Advisors clients. [1981] COLETTE FRAYNE (MBA) joined the faculty at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. RICHARD HUSSEY (JD) recently published a novel, The Hedgecock Friasko. “It has received numerous awards from various book festivals and contests,” he says. [1982] PAUL HANSON (JD) is celebrating the 31st anniversary of his law practice in Seattle. [1983] KAREN (MEYER) CAMPBELL (JD) writes, “It’s good to have an online business.” She recently had to deal with family matters in another state and was able to continue working on editing legal documents with no loss of productivity.

Alumni and students — Toreros Together! Make your gift to support students today. sandiego.edu/torerostogether

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

CHRIS GUALTIERI (BA) is developing a vineyard in Ramona, California, to grow sangiovese and syrah grapes. He reports that he has been making wine for the past five years and has won awards in the amateur

winemaker’s competition at the San Diego County Fair. KATRINA JONAH (LLM) is the chief abundance officer for Jondewin Consulting Services. “I work with business owners establishing their exit plan, injecting value into their business and successfully transitioning to the successor of their choice.” MARY WILSON (BA) accepted an early retirement offer after 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry. She is enjoying a “gap year,” which is slated to be filled with travel, family, reading and biking. MARC YAFFEE (BA) is a stand-up comedian who tours nationally and internationally, including six overseas tours for Armed Forces Entertainment. He appeared on the premiere episode of the First Nations Comedy Experience on the First Nations Experience Network. His comedy special, Marc My Words, is available on Native Flix: nativeflix.com. [1984] PAULETTE (DURAND) BARKLEY (JD) reports that she is retired and enjoying Colorado. MANUEL GARRIDO (MBA) is a Juez de Plaza (judge at Plaza de Toros) in Queretaro, Mexico. [1985] GUILLERMO LIZARRAGA (BBA) established his business in 1992 and specializes in the import and export of goods and products from Mexico into the United States. DINO MANCINELLI (BBA) started a new company called People Interact, in which he provides human capital management solutions that work together as a system, including human resources, benefits management, payroll, time and attendance, recruiting and talent management. [1986] GREG FLEMING (BA), ’88 (MEd) has been teaching for 29 years and has lived in Wrightwood, California, since 1992. He has owned the Village Grind, a boutique wine and espresso bar, since 2007. NORA (HERMSEN) MIDDLETON (BA) owns and manages an upscale Airbnb in Cardiff by the Sea, California. She reports that she has

[reunion reminder]

achieved “superhost” status and strives to make sure her guests enjoy their stays. F. DANTE SORIANELLO (BA) celebrated 31 years of service with the DEA in February 2018. In 2016, he was promoted to chief of the DEA San Antonio District where he leads federal drug enforcement investigations in 50 counties of central, southcentral and west Texas, including the cities of San Antonio, Austin, Waco and San Angelo. “I credit my success to the education and experiences I had at USD as a young man,” he says. “I was blessed to have outstanding mentors at USD such as Dr. James Moriarty, Father Owen Mullen and Coach Brian Fogarty. They all contributed to my character and the person I am today.” [1987] GREGORY BROWN (JD) has been practicing law in Irvine, California, since graduation. He is a partner with Brown and Charbonneau, LLP, a business litigation and family law practice and he is a state-board certified trial attorney. YVETTE (BATISTA) MAGNAGHI (BA) and her husband, Ron, say they love keeping in touch with USD friends. They were sorry to miss this year's annual Wine Classic, as they were in Europe during the summer, Yvette reports. [1988] DEANA CARTER (BBA) writes, “When I am not working with my clients, I am volunteering in my community on the Library Guild Board of Rancho Santa Fe, California, as well as the board of Rady Children’s Hospital.” She is currently working on a blood drive with Rady and the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary. LAURA CHECKMAN (BA) reports that after teaching for 25 years, she is a graduate student in human services counseling. STEVE CLINTON (BBA) joined Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty in Coronado, California, which he says has the highest volume of sales in the county and markets to buyers and sellers internationally. ANA MARIA ITURRALDE (BA) reports that she and her husband, Roman Vazquez, celebrated their

20th wedding anniversary. They have a daughter in high school. JOSEPH LANZONI (MBA) is with Lightning Eliminators and recently received the Export Achievement Award for Small-Business Exporting from the U.S. Commerce Department. JACQUES NAVIAUX (BA) retired from the Marine Corps Reserve on Jan. 1, 2018, after 29 years of service. He continues to fly for Delta Air Lines on the 767/757 out of Los Angeles International Airport. He reports living in La Jolla with his wife, Jeanine, and their sons Christophe, 18, and Philippe, 16. LORI TOWNSEND (BA) signed a partnership with The Grommet to launch her new product, the Wondrous Oral Care Clean Tongue Wand. The goal was to reinterpret the familiar tongue cleaner with “industry-shaking design and the safest endocrine disruptor-free materials made in the USA.” Lori adds, “We wanted a healthier option. We wanted a better clean.” Learn more at www.wondrousoralcare.com.

1990s [1990] ANDREW HARDY (BBA) is a partner in Twenty Four Seven Hotels, a hotel management company formed in 2004 and based in Newport Beach, California. He reports that he and his wife, Oksana, were married in 2014 and his stepson, Yaroslav, competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in the men’s figure skating program. SUSAN NUGENT (BA) reports that after a 28-year teaching career, she expected to retire on June 12, 2018, from a Title I school. “Five years ago, my class ‘adopted’ USD as their college of choice for a schoolwide program to remind students that college is possible for anyone,” she says. The USD flag waved daily outside of the classroom and the class wore USD colors every Monday. “I was 35 years old when I returned to college all those years ago, and though a novelty, I was accepted and befriended by my classmates,” Susan adds. “I have encouraged many a student to attend USD for the best experience of their life!”

LAURIE (SCHWARTZ) POOLE (JD) joined the law firm of Adams Stirling, PLC, as the managing partner of the San Diego and Carlsbad offices. Adams Stirling represents homeowners’ associations and Laurie has been a community association attorney for 25 years. DENNIS ROSVALL (BBA) is a broker and owner of RE/MAX Prime in Paradise Valley, Arizona. RE/MAX Prime serves the communities of Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro area. JEFF SNYDER (JD) has been practicing employment law in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1990 and is a founding partner of Shuman Snyder LLP. [1991] ANN GRANT (JD) has a family law practice in Manhattan Beach, California. Her upcoming book, The Divorce Hacker’s Guide to Untying the Knot, is expected to be published in the fall of 2018. RANDI (JOELSON) WATSON (MA) is a certified college admissions counselor and independent educational consultant. [1992] KARIN BACKSTROM (JD) renovated a 1920s flat to house her law firm, Backstrom Labor Law. The firm is located in the heart of San Diego’s Bankers Hill neighborhood. “The firm advises and defends companies in all aspects of the employment relationship,” Karin says. PATRICIA CHIN (DNSc) reports that she and her husband, William Chin, were honored at a dedication ceremony to the first named school at California State University Los Angeles: the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. Patricia earned a BS and MSN at CSULA and taught at the university, later serving as director and, upon her retirement, professor emerita. Patricia and her husband contributed a generous gift to the CSULA School of Nursing, which will support updates to the school’s nursing simulation lab, hands-on instruction for students, continuing education for clinical faculty and nurses, and established the Chin Family Institute for Nursing. R. JEFFREY CRANE (BBA) recently celebrated his 25th year as a certified

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financial planner at Thrivent Financial and reports that in May 2018, he and his wife, Valerie, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. “My business and family are doing great,” he says. STUART GUSTAFSON (MBA) writes, “In between traveling for fun and speaking on cruise ships all over the world, I am continuing to write travel-based mystery novels. My first three are set in Los Cabos, Mexico; Sydney, Australia; and the Mediterranean Sea. My in-progress novel is set in Paris, France. Come along and enjoy the scenery and the stories!” STEVEN JONES (MEd) is the chief executive officer of Jones & Associates Consulting. In January 2018, he was named among the Top 500 Business Leaders in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal for the second year in a row. Steven serves on the boards for the San Diego chapter of Teach for America and for LEAD San Diego. In September 2017, he was elected to serve as the president and CEO of the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce. ARCHIE MEDRANO (BA) teaches at San Diego State University and San Diego Mesa College. He also tutors, primarily in mathematics. KEN SCHMITT (BBA) is in his 20th year in the executive recruiting industry and he reports that he just celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary. JOEL SELIK (LLM) was appointed to the Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee for the State Bar of Nevada. [1994] PAUL JUNE (BBA) reports that he has kids and is growing a sports and active lifestyle business in San Diego. He writes, “Going bananas!” JENNIFER SCHELTER (MFA) graduated from the post-baccalaureate program at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and she received an alumni studio award. She is completing the first draft of a memoir about identity, intimacy, beauty and the power of finding one’s voice. Jennifer runs her own business, leading team-building retreats that combine company core values and self-care. SANDRA (KREBS) STERLING (BSN), ’95 (MSN) is investigating

starting her own nursing company and is looking for a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a sponsoring M.D. and a medical biller. KATIE WILSON (BA) writes, “After a lengthy international and domestic adoption process, I adopted my son, Kevin, in 2014. He is the light of my life!” [1995] KEITH ALEXIS (MA) writes, “Since graduation, I’ve had the pleasure of working in the high-tech industry, focused on IP data networking. Employed by one of the largest original equipment manufacturers from Taiwan, I’ve had the pleasure of international travel, and joint projects for everyone from Cisco, IBM, HP, LG and Ericsson.” Keith is the chief executive officer of ICC Networking, which was launched in 2011 as an advanced Wi-Fi platform vendor. “ICC networking is focused on connecting communities in the U.S. and internationally. We help bridge the digital divide in under connected regions with our patent-pending wireless devices.” VERONICA (BOWDEN) DERSCH (BA) is a law partner in Morrison Dersch, LLC, a criminal defense and family law firm in Kansas City, Kansas. Veronica is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and she has three children currently serving on active duty in the United States military. CHRISTOPHER HOFFMAN (JD) was named to the San Diego Super Lawyers 2018 Edition. Christopher is the founding and managing partner of Fisher Phillips’ San Diego office. He represents employers in matters ranging from class action litigation to traditional labor matters and also counsels clients on day-to-day employment issues. [1996] FAUSTA ALBI (JD) was named 2017 Lawyer of the Year for Immigration Law in San Diego by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. RAYMOND CAMERON (MA) has been a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in San Diego’s Inland Empire since 2001. He also is a clinical supervisor at the Center Against Sexual Assault of Southwest Riverside County, a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family

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Therapists ethics committee and a lecturer in USD’s SOLES Marital and Family Therapy program. DARIN CHASE (BBA) is an eightyear backcountry ski patrol veteran. “Missing the snow,” he says. RODNEY HATLEY (LLM) was a partner with the Chhokar Law Group, P.C., from which he separated in June 2016. “I’ve been on my own since then and loving it,” he says. BENJAMIN MENDOZA (BA) is selling wireless solutions to businesses to assist with employee efficiency and communications. KRISTIAN PANGILINAN (BA) is a clinical specialist in retina and immunology with Genentech. He reports that he lives in Hawaii, has four kids and enjoys surfing, photography and hiking. MONICA ZENT (JD) is the founder of ZentLaw, an alternative law firm serving Fortune 500 companies. She is also the founder of Foxwordy Inc., a collaboration platform for the legal industry. Monica writes regularly on technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, startups and women in technology for publications such as Inc., VentureBeat, Entrepreneur and more. [1997] DANIELLE ALEXANDER (BA), ’00 (MBA) reports that she recently welcomed her fourth child. She also says that she has owned Alexander Valley Lodge in Sonoma, California, wine country for 14 years. KIMBERLY ARCADO (BA) reports that she married David Arcado Jr. on Sept. 27, 2017. MARNY BASSETT (BA) is a copywriter and provides a variety of creative writing services that support both corporate and personal branding. BETH MARINO (JD) opened Glick Haupt Marino, LLP, a law firm in San Luis Obispo, California, with two partners. She specializes in business transactions and counseling for the firm. Her husband, Jesse Marino ’97, was appointed by California Gov. Jerry Brown to the San Luis Obispo Superior Court after practicing for 20 years as a

deputy district attorney. LUIS MASSIEU (BBA) and his wife, Marta, recently welcomed their third daughter, Valentina. “Sisters Matilda and Flavia are excited to have a new sister home,” he says. JAMES PERKINS (BBA) recently got a new job as associate director of programs and marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area after 12 years in New York. “I look forward to meeting new USD alumni in the Bay Area and reconnecting with old friends!” he says. [1998] MICHELLE (DEASEY) DARNELL (BA) joined the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University as the director of honor and integrity. “My formal interest in ethics started with my coursework at USD, and now I can do my part in encouraging future leaders to act responsibility,” she says. “Many thanks to my great professors at USD for starting me down this professional path!” LYNN (HIJAR) HOFFMAN (BBA), ’06 (MSGL), ’18 (MS-CSOL) reports that she married Steve Hoffman in August 2017. She went back to USD for the third time, earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity operations and leadership. Lynn started Cibernetika, a cybersecurity consulting company, with her husband, who is a lawyer in San Diego. They have been traveling around the world and enjoying it very much, she says. ROBERT PALM (MIB) and his wife, Paola, moved to Athens, Greece, in May 2014 to work at the U.S. Embassy. DAVID SANCHEZ (BBA) started his own marketing and video agency, focusing on the Hispanic market. [1999] JACK BALDERSON (JD) is with Tasker & Balderson and reports that he is “dispensing a little justice here and there.” JOSEPH MOLINA (BA) reports, “My oldest of two boys started kindergarten last fall (August 2017). We are proud parents!” KATIE (BARKLEY) PRICE (BA) reports that she lives in Littleton, Colorado, with her husband and two

daughters. After working in student affairs, college admissions and education consulting, she opened her own company in 2013. Through College Mindset, she provides personalized assistance to students and their families as they navigate the college admissions process. CRISTINA SHOUKRY (BSN), ’01 (MSN) writes “Working in my awesome profession that USD prepared me for: family nurse practitioner!” MARY (KUBOTA) WIEBEL (BSN), ’00 (MSN) is on the board of directors for International Relief Teams with many other USD alumni. She went on a recent mission trip to build homes in Tijuana, Mexico.

2000s [2000] BENJAMIN BORRELLI (BA) is working toward a single-subject English credential from California State University Dominguez Hills. He also has earned a master’s degree in educational administration and an administrative services credential from San Francisco State University, and a single-subject social science credential from Sonoma State University. KELLY CHANG RICKERT (JD) is the founder of the Law and Mediation Offices of Kelly Chang, a family law firm. “Celebrating our 18th year!” she says. [2001] BEAU EPPERLY (BBA) is a partner with Epperly Elam, LLP, a progressive technology and cannabis venture capital law firm in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. [2002] SARA (GONZALEZ) COOK (BBA) reports that she is on a multiyear island hiatus in Guam with her husband. “Enjoying an endless summer of hiking, diving and raising a new baby,” she says. PRENTICE LE CLAIR (BA) is happy to announce the birth of his second son, Julien Prentice Le Clair. “We are all healthy, happy and grateful!” he says. KATIE (LIND) PARKER (JD) is an assistant U.S. attorney and deputy

THANK YOU The planned gift of the late Father Owen J. Mullen assured that financial support would continue to benefit campus organizations he held dear. Over the course of the Leading Change campaign, membership in the Puento de Oro Society — created to recognize those who include USD in their estate plans — grew by 32 percent. Our thanks to those who have remembered the university in such a meaningful way. Please consider including USD in your own estate plan. Call Erin Jones at (619) 260-4523 or email ekjones@sandiego.edu.

[reunion reminder]

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chief in the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego. She reports that she and her husband, Cameron, celebrated 20 years of marriage in July 2018. Cameron is a professor in USD’s mathematics department. Katie says that their daughters Caroline, 13, and Ellie, 11, are doing well. ROGER PEREZ (BA) reports that he and his wife, Deirdre, welcomed Rowan Clare on Nov. 16, 2017. Roger says that they look forward to continuing their travel adventures with Rowan and big sister, Quinn, 5. BRETT PETERSON (MA) was named founding director of High Tech High’s newest campus, High Tech High Mesa, in San Diego. MARV SERHAN (MSGL) previously served as an adjunct professor at USD, teaching within the Master of Science in Global Leadership program from 2010 to 2016. He left that position to write his book in progress, titled The DNA of Ethical Leadership and the Good Society. DEBORAH ZILLIOX (BA) expanded her business, Kheya Holistic Health Care, to two locations with a new office in Carlsbad, California, where she provides massage therapy and Pilates sessions. She reports that she and her husband, Michael, own a home in Oceanside. [2003] RYAN DEMPSEY ARGENTIERI (MA) has been building a project management and stakeholder engagement tool for assessing resilience, risk and preparedness for leaders and building owners at the local level or in coastal and at-risk regions. Her firm is also preparing to launch a DIY strategic planning process for leaders and midcareer professionals across all sectors and backgrounds. She reports that she is looking for apprentices and strategic partners, especially within the Torero community. KATY GARCIA (BA) reports that she married Sergio Rivera on March 24, 2018 at Saint Anthony De Padua in Gardena, California. SABA (KIDANE) HERITAGE (MAPJ) reports that she and her husband, Tim, were married in 2014 and they have a 2-year-old daughter:

Madison Leona. Tim is an artist and has an art gallery in Santa Monica, California, called T Heritage Art Gallery and Frame Shop. Saba is finishing her PhD work in conflict analysis and resolution at George Mason University. She has a master’s degree in African area studies with a political science emphasis from the University of California Los Angeles. For more than a year, Saba was a coordinator for the Biased Policing Complaint Mediation Program at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and, prior to that, she worked with a nonprofit organization assistant refugees and asylum seekers. She also handles interpreting for various agencies and immigration courts. DIANA (WOOD) KUTLOW (MAPJ) was senior director for the Joan B. Kroc Distinguished Lecture Series for 13 years, arranging campus talks by peace luminaries such as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Sen. George Mitchell, Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi and more. After serving as director of development from 2014 to 2017, Diana left USD to serve as director of development for Hands of Peace, a nonprofit that brings together Israeli, Palestinian and American youth for dialogue. “I am delighted to have found an organization right in my backyard that is having an impact on the protracted Middle East conflict,” she says. GEORGINA MIRANDA (BBA) is the creator and chief executive officer of She Ventures. “Our event series and platform celebrates and ignites adventure as a way of life for women around the world,” she says. “We bring together rising female founders, leaders, athletes, Changemakers, artists and activists in the adventure, travel, wellness and outdoor space as one with our global community. Beyond a platform, we are a movement and vibrant testimony that women can be anything we want to be. Our voice matters and provides inspiration for others.” BYRON PALMER (BBA) works in restoration agriculture using a method called holistic management with Sonoma Mountain Institute and as the co-founder and chief executive officer of groundedgrassfed.com. They manage and have restored eight ranches in Marin and Sonoma

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counties in California, totaling 4,500 acres. “We also raise organic cattle that end up in the whole foods supply chain as well as direct market to consumers,” he says. “We hire scientists to monitor and review the ecosystem status to make sure we are moving in the right direction.” JAKE RASMUSON (BBA), ’05 (MSRE) reports welcoming a son in 2016. In January 2018, Jake opened Bishop Real Estate Rasmuson & Associates. MEGAN TURNER (BA) reports that she worked for five years in music publishing in Los Angeles and then relocated to Sydney, Australia, where she met her husband, Ilya. “The highlight of my life was becoming a mother last year to future Torero, Mathea, who joined us in August 2017,” Megan says. [2004] PAULINE AMERSON (MBA) received her MBA (marketing and information technology emphasis) from USD in 2004 and is now focused on contract marketing jobs, looking for a full-time role. MICHAEL CRAFTON (BA) reports that he and his wife, Ginger, welcomed their first child, Clara Joyce, in January 2018. In February, Michael started a new position with Ernst & Young in Houston. “We moved to Houston in mid-March and are enjoying a snowless spring in our new hometown,” he says. ZACHARIAH CUSKELLY (BBA) started a company called TechLX that provides in-person, project-based technology education in the K-12 education system through curriculum, instruction and training. “We develop and teach elective, after-school and summer programs focused on robotics, coding, game development and makerspace technology,” he says. CAROLINE (DE ZUTTER) ISAACTOURRE (BA) reports that she got married in 2015 and had a baby girl named Samuelle in 2017. BENJAMIN KUULA (BBA) is in real estate development and has been focused on multifamily development and acquisition since graduation. “In my free time, I am hanging out with my wife and two sons,” he says.

JEFF SPENCER (JD) formed Silver State Law, based in Reno, Nevada. The attorneys at Silver State Law focus on all aspects of construction, litigation and real property. ANNIE WU (JD), ’09 (MBA) joined The Veen Firm, PC, a San Francisco-based law firm specializing in personal injury matters. Annie has represented both the plaintiff and the defense in civil litigation matters involving catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, wrongful death and insurance bad faith claims. Prior to joining The Veen Firm, she worked at Alexander Law Group. [2005] MIKE BEIDLER (MSGL) retired from the U.S. Navy in 2014 after 22 years of active-duty service. After a brief stint with Lockheed Martin as an international business development analyst, he assumed duties as the Department of the Navy’s civilian deputy director for international affairs in 2015. REBECCA (McBRIDE) BUSTAMANTE (PhD) was promoted to full professor of educational leadership in 2017 at Sam Houston State University and is the director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. JAMES FESSENDEN (JD) was named a Rising Star in the San Diego Super Lawyers 2018 Edition. James represents public and private employers for Fisher Phillips in all aspects of employment law in state and federal courts, and before administrative and governmental agencies. AUBREE GREEN (JD) made partner with Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP. She is a member of the firm’s business and corporate and real estate practice groups, and she has extensive experience in commercial real-estate transactions involving hotels, casinos, industrial retail, single-family residential and other commercial properties. She also represents clients in land use and other regulatory matters related to real estate development. LISA (HEINZ) HALL (BBA) passed the California real estate broker exam. JENNIE KLASSEN (BBA) reports that she is enjoying life as a full-time mom to her children, ages 4 and 6.

SONYA (WILSON) SPARKS (BBA) reports that she and her husband, TJ, are pleased to announce the birth of their second son, Erik Sparks, in the summer of 2017. As the owner and curator of Sparks Art Gallery in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Sonya promotes local artists through exhibitions and gallery events. [2006] JACOB BELL (JD) is building an in-house litigation department for a nationwide home design and decor company. Prior to this, he handled construction defect litigation for a decade. MEG HENRY (BA) reports that she met her wife, Emily Kupec Henry, in 2002 when they were college roommates at USD. “Maher Hall is where our love story began, and here we are 15 years later, married and about to have our first child,” Meg says. “We think fondly of our time at USD, particularly because we both got a spouse and a few best friends out of the experience! Thanks to the housing forces that be for setting us up as roommates!” JULIA (MORGAN) JAFARI (BA) reports that she and her husband, Vincent, welcomed a baby girl, Ella Elizabeth, on Oct. 29, 2017. DUSTIN OWEN (BBA) has partnered with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. “Connecting our local office to the largest brand in the world,” he says. JEN SINGER (BA) manages corporate events in San Diego, San Francisco and Boston. “My company is entering its second year and is thriving,” she says. LAURA SMITH (MEd) has taught elementary school for the past 12 years. She reports that in 2017, she and her husband moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. While deciding what to do with her

[reunion reminder]

HOWARD LIPIN/THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE/ZUMA PRESS

She is also a part-time business owner with Rodan + Fields skincare. “The flexibility of my business allows me to be a room mom, baseball mom and travel frequently,” Jennie says. “My favorite part of my business is helping others reach their goals and learn how to dream again! USD set me up for success as a business owner!”

[star turn]

ROLE OF A LIFETIME

Actor Edred Utomi lands dream job

hen last seen in San Diego, Edred Utomi ‘13 (BA) was rocking a bright-red wig as an ensemble member in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Old Globe. Now comes the natural follow-up: A role in the megahit musical Hamilton. As Alexander Hamilton. Wait … what? It’s true: Less than four months after wrapping Grinch and then heading off to New York City in hopes of finding work in theater, Utomi is living a stage actor’s dream. He’s traveling the country as the standby for the title character in the “Angelica” tour of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton — one of the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning show’s two

U.S. road companies. “It’s crazy to say that I get to play Hamilton in Hamilton,“ Utomi says with an amazed laugh. “It’s my dream show; it’s the dream role. It’s really been such blessing.” If Utomi’s chorus-to-stardom story sounds like something out of a Broadway fable, it probably comes as less of a surprise to those who had been following his career in San Diego. While he’d never really had a big, breakout role in his five years of stage work since graduating from USD, the way he stood out in ensemble roles was a clear sign of his talent. Now, Utomi is getting a taste of what it’s like “to be able to be a part of a show like that for hundreds and thousands of other

people. You go to the stage door and the fans are crying or are so happy they can’t speak.” Utomi can’t help but think back to an evening in December 2017 when his sister won the ticket lottery to see the musical in Los Angeles and invited him to go. “I had a show that night,” Utomi recalls. “I was so bummed. But I was in The Grinch, and I was loving it. I told her, ‘Go!’ “But I was always talking about speaking things into the universe, so I said, ‘It’s fine, I’ll be IN it someday, so it’s cool.’ “And then fast-forward a few months. And I’m actually in it.” — James Herbert Reprinted from the San Diego Union-Tribune, which ran a version of this story in its pages. FALL 2 0 1 8

master’s degree and teaching experience, she has opened her own organizational business. “Enjoying life in the South,” she says. DEBORAH TOUPS (EdD) retired on April 20, 2018, from her job as the executive director of special education with Sequoia Union High School District in the San Francisco Bay Area. Deborah reports that she and her husband bought a ranch in Colorado. “I will continue to do consulting and training for districts in special education,” she says. LEIZEL VERGARA-SPAGNOLA (BA) reports that she got married at Founders Chapel. In recent years, she has traveled to Israel, Jordan, Cuba, China, Egypt and Europe. She interned at the United Nations and worked for nonprofits such as the American Australian Association and New York University. She has volunteered in Haiti and New York City through New York Cares.

WE PROMISED TO SUPPORT, AND WE DELIVERED! USD received the 2018 Operation Hat Trick Excellence in Service Award for its support of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans. In recognition, OHT donated $10,000 to the Travis Manion Foundation on behalf of USD.

BUY YOURS TODAY! Your purchase of an OHT-branded ball cap supports the recovery of wounded service members and veterans and provides additional funds directly to USD’s Veterans Center. Shop online at usdtorerostores.com

$10,000 donation being presented to Travis Manion Foundation’s Derek Abbey by USD’s OHT team.

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

[2007] CHRISTOPHER DE YOUNG (BBA), ’08 (MSRE) led his company’s effort to design and build California’s largest zero-energy community of single-family homes, each designed with the potential to produce as much clean energy as they use in a year. The 36-home community is called EnVision and is located in Clovis, California. JOSEPH GAGGERO (BBA) works for CrossLead, a leadership software and services company. “It’s exactly what I wanted to do after USD and the Student International Business Council. I started in 2014 and it’s been incredible,” he says. CATHERINE HANNA-BLENTZAS (JD) has been selected to the Rising Stars list in San Diego Super Lawyers for the second time in the insurance coverage and construction litigation areas. Her construction law experience spans both public works and private projects, and her practice includes such issues as breach of contract, contract interpretation, performance disputes and more. JULIE (PAYNE) NEWARD (IMBA) was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered program titled “She Can’t Tell Us What’s Wrong” on Jan. 10, 2018. The story focused on the sexual assault of those with

intellectual disabilities. The piece highlighted Julie’s sister, who has “the cognitive level of a 10-monthold and was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease due to ongoing sexual assault at an outside caregiving facility,” Julie says. She is an advocate for her sister at www. NataliesVoice.net and co-founder and president of the California chapter of the Sibling Leadership Network, www.californiasibs.org. [2008] LOGAN GELBRICH (BBA) is a former USD baseball player. He owns Deuce Gym as well as several gyms under the same brand name. He currently travels the world teaching a leadership culture seminar called the Hold the Standard Summit. ANTHONY MEJIA (BBA) is a student at USD in the Master of Science in Health Care Informatics program. MARC PIRO (BBA) of Piro Wine Company received Editor’s Choice and 95-point scores from Wine Enthusiast magazine. The company specializes in pinot noir from Santa Barbara County. VINAY SATHE (JD) has been promoted to partner at the Perkins Coie law firm in San Diego. He is a member of the firm’s intellectual property practice, where he emphasizes patent prosecution and patent litigation in wireless communications, mobile devices, telecommunications, software and semiconductor technologies. Vinay has an extensive engineering background in building products for the digital cable, satellite and wireless markets, and he has participated in several standards-setting organizations, including MPEG, U.S. broadcast HDTV (ATSC), MoCA and OpenCable standards. ALANNA STREI (BA) was promoted to lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserves and was awarded the 2017 Silver Production Award by the San Diego Association of Realtors. She serves military, veteran and VA buyers and sellers across San Diego County. [2009] BROOKE LEON (BBA) writes, “After graduating in 2009 after the ‘crash,’ it was difficult to figure out what I was going to do with my

[reunion reminder]

double major in business and marketing with a minor in management and an emphasis in real estate.” She entered the digital marketing world but realized event marketing was a better fit for her, and she started her own company. “In two years, I had doubled our annual sales and was seeing gross sales in the millions,” she says. Life changes led her into the real estate industry and she spent two years working for a group of investors. In the fall of 2017, Brooke and her business partner started Lion & Lumber Consultants and they are developing their own real estate investment firm with a focus on nationwide acquisition of multifamily properties. DANIELLE MARCHIORO (BA) started a new job as executive director of the Highline Medical Center Foundation. “In my new role, I am raising funds and engaging our community in Southwest Seattle, so that everyone has access to exceptional health care close to home,” she says. TOM NASH (BBA) reports that he has been married to Anne (Perera) Nash ’11 since 2014. He is working toward an MBA at California State University Dominguez Hills. ERIC ROSENBERG (BA) was promoted to medical office administrator for Kaiser Permanente. LIZ (BUCKLEY) ZITO (BA) reports that she and her husband, Josh, welcomed a baby boy, Joseph Buckley, on Feb. 4, 2018, who joins their 2-year-old daughter, Lucie. Liz is studying to become an international board-certified lactation consultant and Josh is a longtime employee of Nike in Beaverton, Oregon.

2010s [2010] DAVID ARSCOTT (MSRE) cofounded Baycrest Capital in 2015, where he performs real estate valuation, consulting, analysis and related services in support of real estate debt buyers, lenders and investors. DANA GORDON (MA) started a private educational therapy practice called Lotus Learning, which specializes in helping elementary through

college students who struggle in school. Dana designs individualized programs that highlight students’ strengths and skills while building their confidence and maximizing their potential. WYATT HARRISON (BA) moved to Maui, Hawaii. “My fiancé got a job here, so we decided to make the move and I will be remotely running my business back in Maryland,” he says. “Hoping to connect with some other USD alumni on the island!” VIC MERJANIAN (JD) is a cofounder of the Kalfayan Merjanian law firm, which recently secured a $4 million wrongful death verdict for the family of a teen who was fatally injured when a delivery van ran into the bike lane where he was riding his skateboard. RYAN MULVEY (BA) reports that he and his wife, Olga, welcomed the birth of their first child, Emilia Marie, in November 2017. In February 2018, they moved to Kyiv, Ukraine. Ryan continues to work for his public interest law firm in Washington, D.C. INNA ZOZULYAK (MS) is the owner and principal of Level Up Talent Consulting, which focuses on the talent needs of growing organizations. “We help our clients bring their talent game to the next level with the latest technology and best practices,” she says. [2011] DONALD BARNES (BA) finished three years at Amazon, and now works at Microsoft. ALANA CALISE (BA) is a programs and impact coordinator at Pathfinder International in Watertown, Massachusetts. Her projects include providing sexual and reproductive health services in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique. JEREMY DAY (BA) and fellow USD alumnus Alex Carone have created a plant-based food manufacturing company in Denver called The Honest Stand. Their products are sold in grocery stores and universities across 18 states. ROBERT ERMICH (IMBA) was an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in

2017 and placed fifth in Germany’s fastest-growing startups. CAROLINE GALLOGLY (BBA) reports that she married U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Koehn in 2016. They live in Georgia, where Kevin is stationed at Fort Benning. Caroline started Crafted Occasion, a fullservice event planning company. LUCRECIA IRUELA (LLM) is a seasoned leadership coach and human resources consultant in Europe, the United States and Latin America. She also teaches leadership skills to business owners and executives around the globe, provides support to startups, and has developed a program for entrepreneurs in educational and professional environments. Prior to focusing her career on coaching, Lucrecia worked as an attorney for law firms in Madrid, Spain and California; directed human resources departments and founded her own business. ASHLEY (RENTZ) KERINS (JD), ’12 (LLM) has been selected to the Rising Stars list in San Diego Super Lawyers for the second time in the areas of tax, real estate and business/corporate. As a member of the business and corporate transactions and tax practice groups, she focuses her practice in the areas of real estate, corporate, partnership, business transactions, tax planning and more. EILEEN LOFGREN (BA) celebrated the fifth year of business for Child of Wild, her jewelry company. “We have just opened our first retail location down the street from USD!” she says. “This year, we were honored to have our jewelry featured in Vogue, Glamour UK and our fourth year of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue!” SHANNON (CAJKA) PATEL (BA) reports that she and her husband, Sameer, welcomed their first child, Devan, on Sept. 13, 2017. [2012] EMMA GORDON (BA) has been Scripps Health’s event coordinator for the past three years. She moved to Colorado to be the manager of events for Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation in Denver.

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SHAIDA OMID (BA) moved to Boston to be a research assistant at Harvard Medical School after graduation. “I fell in love with the medical sciences and decided to complete a Master of Science, graduating from Boston University Medical School,” Shaida says. “Now I am in my second year of medical training at Creighton University and will be completing medical clerkships at St. Joseph’s Hospital at our satellite campus in Phoenix, Arizona. I look forward to being closer to home!” KRYSTAL PARREIRA (BAcc) was promoted to manager at M Green and Company LLP, an accounting firm in Visalia, California. In February 2018, she bought her first home in Tulare, California. SARAH TULLGREN (BBA) launched her own company, Set & Stones, which was inspired by a box of her grandma’s costume jewelry. “After years of working at a local bead store and selling pieces to friends just for fun, I finally realized this passion could be turned into something more,” she says. Her company’s jewelry is sold by retailers in Southern California, Colorado and online. DOMINIQUE (ALJABI) WILLIAMS (BA), ’12 (BBA) finished law school in May 2016, took the bar exam in July and learned in November that she passed. In December 2016, she was sworn in as an attorney and has been practicing in criminal law. [2013] DILLON CHECKAL (BBA) writes, “Using the relationships built and knowledge gained through USD, I’ve formed a successful real estate business in the San Diego area.” NATASHA DALE (BA) has been working in the craft beer industry and accepted an offer to pursue a master’s degree in archaeology at University College Cork in Ireland in the fall of 2018. CLARK FLEMING (BS/BA) has lived in Sacramento, California, for more than two years. He works for an engineering firm in the renewables sector in Folsom, California. HANA PRUZANSKY (BA) is a part owner of an eco-friendly surf fin

company called Huckleberry Surf Co. and is in the process of getting her MBA at USD. [2014] SARAH BRIDGES (JD) completed Officer Candidate School in August 2017 and then took the Oregon Bar exam in February 2018. She learned that she passed the bar in April and was sworn in on May 17, 2018. GEORGIE BULLOCK (BA) taught for two years in Chula Vista, California, completed a master’s degree in special education at the University of Washington and now teaches first grade at St. Joseph School in Seattle. BENJAMIN COMPTON (BA) just moved back to San Diego after living in Ireland and Australia for a few years. PAMELA CRANDALL (MA) is a school counselor in a K-6 charter school in Fontana, California. MARTIN DALY (MS) finished a Master of Science program at Columbia University in New York. “I’m enjoying my free time since my studies have ended,” he says. DENNIS DIENST (MS) started his first project in Malaysia. He writes, “English is a main language, so communication is much easier than other Asian countries.” DEREK FLOYD (MA) celebrates four years since founding Writing for Good, a growing grant writing and management consulting practice. He was awarded a $500,000 grant from CalRecycle for the Imperial Valley Food Bank, which took the organization to 87 percent of a $6 million capital campaign. Other clients include The Old Globe, Art of Elan, The New Children’s Museum, Home Start and GenerateHope. Derek also co-founded the San Diego County Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association.

lowed me to use everything I have ever learned about leadership, and I am really enjoying it,” she says. “Sometimes it takes playing in a new arena to really test your skills!” JESSICA McCARTHY (BA) moved back to San Diego after completing her master’s degree in theology and ministry at Boston College. “I am working as the youth minister at St. Mary Magdalene, right across Tecolote Canyon from USD!” she says. LESLIE WILSON (BBA) moved to Washington, D.C., three years ago to earn a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Leslie now handles trade and investment policy work on Mexico and Canada at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. [2015] KATHRYN BINGHAM (PhD) conducted two presentations at the Women in Defense Leadership Summit hosted by the Palmetto Chapter: “Growing through Disruption: Leverage the Power of Change for Career Success” and “Elevate Your Presence: Stand Up and Stand Out When Speaking and Leading.” JASON GERIN (MSGL) is in his third year with Corrpro: An Aegion Company. He leads the company’s business development effort across the Department of Defense and the local commercial market, providing stronger, safer infrastructure. CHRISTINE HACKETT (BA), ’15 (BA) graduated in May 2017 from the University of San Francisco with a Master of Arts in Public Affairs. KIRSTEN (MONAHAN) MORRIS (BA) reports that she was married last summer and started taking classes to prepare for a graduate program in physical therapy.

AMELIA GENTILE (BA), ’14 (BBA) is the program manager for the Against Sexual Assault Campaign at Goldsmiths, University of London.

REGINA (VERDUZCO) NICHOLSON (BA) reports that she is married, backpacked in Europe with her husband and purchased a home in San Marcos, California.

LORI LORENZ (MSEL) left a large, publicly-held high-tech company to lead a marketing team in the healthcare field. “The opportunity has al-

MADISON POPE (BA) is starting a new job as an advocacy supervisor at Voices for Children, a nonprofit that supports foster children by providing

U SD M A G A Z IN E | Sp ecia l C a m p a ig n E d ition

them with trained volunteer court appointed special advocates. LAUREN VEGA (JD) is a labor employment attorney at Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, LLP. She reports that she met her fiancé, Nicholas Ferraro, at USD’s School of Law. REID WAGNER (BAcc) writes, “I have designed a new iOS app that reverses the way all other weather apps work. Users select the type of weather desired and travel time, and are presented with a radius of available options,” making going outdoors seem possible no matter what. SolCaster (www.solcaster. com) has been available for download since April 2018. [2016] NICOLE ARTINIAN (BBA) got her real estate license after graduating from USD. She lives in Toluca Lake, California, and works in Beverly Hills. “I have had a very successful first year in real estate, and I look forward to the future,” Nicole reports. NICHOLAS BIHR (BA) was hired by the ONE Archives Foundation, the oldest active LGBTQ organization in the United States. “I am assisting in the expansion of their LGBTQ history education initiatives and their community engagement programs,” he says. KRISTION GRBAVAC (BA) founded GRBCON Inc., a pipeline contracting business, during his last semester at USD. In the past two years, the company has won a number of contracts, established a reputation of professionalism and technical ability, and constructed projects in the public and private sector. “I credit much of the firm’s early accomplishments to USD and the skills I acquired during my time there,” Kristion reports. PETE GREENE (BAcc) joined the startup Asana, where he works on the finance team as a financial planning and analysis associate. ALEC HARTMAN (BA) is a graduate student at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. He is also a graduate assistant in the Office of Campus Ministry with hopes of working in university ministry after earning his degree.

KAITLIN MEYER (BA) is the government affairs specialist at California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. MILES MITCHELL (BA) moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, after graduating and start working as a creative assistant at Regis Corporation. He also is developing a new arcade game, Galactic Battleground, and is preparing for a national convention tour. KENDRA MORAVEK (MS) is the regional director of supply chain at a for-profit healthcare organization in Phoenix, Arizona. KRISTEN OBANA (BA) is a customer success manager for the financial services and insurance industry at Adobe. She manages a portfolio of top-100 accounts as their post-sales account manager, responsible for product adoption, retention and growth. COLLIN SHAW (MSGL) started a new business in the service and trade industry and is about to start another in importing. Collin writes, “I miss San Diego, USD and the people!” PHIL SILVER (MSEL) writes, “Taking what I learned and applying it to building a great consulting practice.” [2017] KATHERINE HAMILTON (BBA) works for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, a nonprofit organization that champions homeownership for the Hispanic community. TYLER HENRY (BA) manages creative ads for two national public health campaigns. One campaign is centered on LGBTQ young adults and the other centers on multicultural youth. MARK JONES (BA) is raising three children and building his business, LegalShield, through the expansion of his network, focused on relationship marketing. STEVE MAKELY (BBA) is a financial adviser with Edward Jones Investment in San Diego. KRISTA PINYAN (BA) reports that she returned from working in Shanghai, China, and is now working in sales for Broadridge

[reunion reminder]

in San Diego, a global financial technology company. AURORA RODARTE (MA) is a kindergarten teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She is also seeking a doctoral degree. BONNIE SMITH (LLM) is in India working with the Human Rights Law Network in conjunction with a second LLM she is pursuing with Northeastern University School of Law. XIAOYE YANG (BA) is in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania. [2018] ZHENXIAO WANG (BAcc) writes, “I just started my first job.”

In Memoriam FATHER LARRY DOLAN, '62 (BA), OFM passed away on May 15, 2018. A beloved member of the USD community for decades, Father Larry, 78, had been a priest for 53 years. His funeral Mass was well attended by USD alumni, including Rich Yousko ’87 (BBA) who remembered Father Larry as “an engaging, brilliant, peaceful man and priest.” PATRICK McCARTNEY ’70 (BA) passed away from heart failure on Nov. 14, 2016. He was 68. Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and journalism from USD and a master’s degree in print journalism from USC. In his lifetime, Pat traveled to many countries, worked as an editor on a number of newspapers and was near completion on a book about California’s medical-marijuana law. He loved hiking and skiing, and had a cadre of friends throughout his life. PATRICIA (MCNAIR) SCOTT '58 passed away in November 2017. She spent her life as an educator and was very involved with her community. JOHN WALTER SWANKE passed away in July 2018. He began teaching in the philosophy department of the College for Men in 1968 and retired in 1993. He established the Anne Catherine Swanke Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for his daughter, who would have graduated from USD in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in music.

THERESE TRUITT WHITCOMB ’53 (BA), who was professor emerita of art and the first graduate of the San Diego College for Women, passed away on August 11, 2018 at the age of 87. She was born in Illinois and came to San Diego as a transfer student when the College for Women opened in February 1952, earning her bachelor’s degree in art in one year. The mother of six children, Whitcomb began teaching in 1961 as a part-time art instructor in the College for Women and became a full-time professor in the Department of Fine Arts in 1969. She chaired the department for a decade and taught in the College of Arts and Sciences for 35 years. Whitcomb — who founded USD’s art history program, established Founders Gallery (now Hoehn Family Galleries) and served as the university’s first-ever director of institutional design — was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by then-President Mary E. Lyons, PhD in 2015. “The loss of Terry Whitcomb will be felt by generations of alumni, friends and former colleagues at the University of San Diego for years to come,” said President James T. Harris III, DEd.

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IN REMEMBRANCE 40

WE RECOGNIZE NOVEMBER AS A SPECIAL TIME OF REMEMBRANCE. During this month, we invite our community to join us in prayer for the repose of the souls of family and friends. We will add these prayer requests to the Book of Intentions at Founders Chapel, remembering your loved ones at Masses offered throughout the month. Please share your special prayer intentions at www.sandiego.edu/prayer.

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M ARK YO UR CAL ENDAR

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Volleyball USD v. BYU

Friday, October 5 7 p.m. Jenny Craig Pavilion USD Toreros.com

Homecoming and Family Weekend

October 11-14 USD campus www.sandiego.edu/hfw18

Homecoming and Family Weekend Football Game USD v. Dayton

SOLES Open House

Saturday, October 13

Saturday, October 20 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m. Mother Rosalie Hill Hall

USDToreros.com

www.sandiego.edu/soles

Lessons and Carols

Saturday, December 1 5 p.m. Founders Chapel

Saturday, December 8 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 2 p.m. Founders Chapel

alumni.sandiego.edu

www.sandiego.edu/cctc

Alumni Christmas Mass

All Faith Service

Thursday, January 31 12:15 p.m. Shiley Theatre www.sandiego.edu/all-faith

Coming Soon! There are many Torero alumni events happening around the globe! Check them out at alumni.sandiego.edu

Check out more USD events at www.sandiego.edu/events.

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WELCOME PARTY & CASINO NIGHT

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