Spring 2015 USD Magazine by University of San Diego

USD MAGAZINE UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO / SPRING 2015

The Enthusiast MITCH MALACHOWSKI

is named Professor the university’s Carnegie Foundation California

PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR

G E T I N V O LVE D

[president] Mary E. Lyons, PhD [vice president, university relations] Timothy L. O’Malley, PhD

[participation]

MOVING FORWARD Board president urges alumni to help Dear Toreros, It has been a wonderful privilege to serve as president of the USD Alumni Association. With the work of our board of directors and more than 1,100 alumni volunteers, the Alumni Association continues to engage alumni in the life of the university. After graduation, my involvement in USD was quite limited, as I focused on building my professional career and raising my family. It took me 20 years to become an active volunteer, but the effort has been a rewarding one. My message is simple: it’s never too late to get involved with USD! If you are reading this but you haven’t taken part in Alumni Association events, now’s the time. If you read our annual report (available at alumni.sandiego.edu), you already know about some of our accomplishments. Highlights of our past year include:

• Significantly increasing the number of alumni volunteers: More than 1,100 alumni served as volunteers on campus, throughout San Diego, around the U.S., and across the globe! • Enhancing our regional programs: Nearly 90 percent of our alumni live within easy reach of one of the 23 domestic Torero Clubs or four international groups. Alumni, current parents, and friends of the university are always welcome to participate in one of the hundreds of Torero Club activities held annually. • Strengthening campus partnerships: Alumni have a very positive impact on the campus community, including such areas as admissions, athletics, career services, student life and university ministry. • And of course, connecting Toreros for life at events such as Alumni Honors!

The Alumni Association’s goals are laid out in our strategic plan, which is now in the process of being evaluated and updated. We have made excellent progress toward attaining our ambitious goals, which you’ll hear more about as we move forward. As my term comes to an end in June, the Alumni Association board will be in good hands under the leadership of Heather (Manly) Dooley ’02, ’05 (MEd). Heather has been involved in Alumni Association activities since graduation, including service as chair of two of the association’s most significant events, Homecoming and the USD Wine Classic. Heather will do an excellent job as president, but she and the board will need your help. Volunteer opportunities abound, from reading scholarship applications to mentoring students. And please, do your part by participating in an event on campus or around the country. Visit our website — alumni.sandiego.edu — to learn how you can be a part of the exciting future of the Alumni Association. Remember, it’s never too late to get involved! — Mark Hoekstra ’86 Alumni Association Board President

[associate vice president, university communications] Peter Marlow petermarlow@sandiego.edu [editor/senior director] Julene Snyder julene@sandiego.edu [editorial advisory board] Sam Attisha ’89 (BBA) Esteban del Rio ‘95, ’96 (MEd) Sally Brosz Hardin, PhD, APRN, FAAN Minh-Ha Hoang ’96 Mike Hodges ’93 Michael Lovette-Colyer Rich Yousko ‘87 [senior creative director] Barbara Ferguson barbaraf@sandiego.edu [associate editor] Mike Sauer msauer@sandiego.edu [writers] Ryan T. Blystone Andrew Faught Karen Gross Trisha J. Ratledge Krystn Shrieve Seth Taylor ‘15 [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. [torero notes] Torero 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: Torero Notes received between Feb. 1-May 30 appear in the Fall edition; those received June 1-Sept. 30 appear in the Spring edition; those received between Oct. 1-Jan. 31 appear in the Summer edition. Email Torero 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.

[0215/64750/ur-15-0714]

ALUMNI GIVE BACK

Make a USD EDUCATION possible for the next generation of

TOREROS

“We give because we truly believe in the mission of education. It lifts people from poverty and builds community. Our families valued education above everything, and we do too. That’s why we give to USD. To whom much is given, much is expected. It’s important to give back.” — Mario ’84 (BBA) and Rosana Ortega ’86 (BA), ’90 (JD)

As donors and alumni, Mario and Rosana know that giving back is important. Please make your gift to support USD student scholars today. View a video of the Ortegas talking about why they give to USD at www.sandiego.edu/giving.

I N V O L V E D .

USD MAGAZINE

L A T E

T O

G E T

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO / SPRING 2015

T O

FE A TUR E

S TO R I E S

STOKING THE FLAMES OF INQUIRY.

12 / F I R I N G O N A L L C Y L I N D E R S

N E V E R

Great teachers don’t just lead students to knowledge; they make them think. Meet a quintet of the University of San Diego’s rock star professors. These stellar educators are

I T ’ S

happily going about the business of inspiring enthusiastic lifelong learners, eliciting critical thought amid a cacophony

U S D M A G A Z I N E

of distractions. No, that’s not hyperbole. Just ask their students.

DE PA R TM E N TS TORERO NEWS 4 / Practical Application Assistant Professor Truc Ngo says using her expertise to help those less fortunate is even more gratifying when working with students and faculty who “have a heart for helping.” 5 / For a Just Cause USD’s Children’s Advocacy Institute has established the Fellmeth-Peterson Faculty Chair in Child Rights. 6 / What Lies Beneath

16 12

INVESTED IN SUCCESS.

ON THE COVER:

USD anthropology student Seth Taylor ’15 gives a first-

Photo of Professor

person account of a thrilling excavation in Bethsaida,

Mitch Malachowski

Israel last summer. What he found there had the whole

ATHLETICS

by Chris Park.

dig buzzing with excitement.

10 / A Global Game USD’s Women’s Tennis is

U SD M A G A Z IN E

8 / A Much-Beloved Tradition

a melting pot of interna-

The annual tradition of honoring the importance of

tional talent, with players

Guadalupe to our region continued in December when

hailing from hometowns as

the festive Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass was held,

far apart from one another

preceded by a candlelit procession.

as 8,000 miles.

PROVIDING PEOPLE WITH EQUAL ACCESS.

24 / L I F E C H A N G E R S

The transformative gift of Tom ’77 (JD) and Karen Mulvaney is all about building relationships. In October 2014, with a gift of nearly

$3 million, the couple endowed what was formerly known as the university’s Center for Community Service-Learning. Now known as the Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action, the center’s mission is truly about making the world a better place.

SHOWCASING THE VERY BEST AND BRIGHTEST.

ALUMNI NEWS 30 / Extraordinary Lives The 2015 Alumni Honors event will honor 12 alumni on Saturday, April 25 at Shiley Theatre.

TORERO NOTES

28 ALUMNI UPDATE 28 / Home Again 2014’s Homecoming and Family Weekend saw thou-

32 / Call of Duty

Maj. General William Matz ’73 (MA) is a strong advocate for veterans’ benefits and helping service men and women re-establish themselves in civilian life. 36 / The Catholic Comedian Judy McDonald ’99 (BA) was called to her work by way of The Comedy Store and a few late-night talks with God.

sands of Toreros gathering

41 / A Person of Excellence

on campus from all parts

Generations of alumni, faculty, administrators and

of the world for a perfect

community members joined the Religious of the Sacred

weekend of reconnecting

Heart in mourning the loss of Sister Sally Furay, RSCJ,

with fellow alumni.

who passed away on Jan. 10, 2015.

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U SD M A G A Z IN E

TORERO NEWS TORERO NEWS TORERO NEWS TORERO NEWS TORERO NEWS TORERO NEWS TORERO NEWS

TORERO NEWS 4

[ideation]

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Engineering professor wants students to think globally by Mike Sauer n a quiet corner office on the western end of Loma Hall’s second floor, Industrial Systems and Engineering Assistant Professor Truc Ngo folds her hands contemplatively as she reflects on her position at the forefront of USD’s efforts to build a better world. “You know, I’ve always had an inclination to find solutions to problems, and I’ve been that way ever since my childhood,” she explains. “This idea of using

the discipline of engineering to help those less fortunate is not a new one, but it doesn’t make it any less exciting or gratifying to be working with students and faculty who have a heart for helping.” Ngo has been a driving force behind the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering’s efforts to educate students on the principles of humanitarian engineering, which, by definition, is research and design to directly

improve the well-being of marginalized and underserved communities around the world. It’s an undertaking near-anddear to Ngo’s heart, and she’s excited about the creative projects her students are developing in the name of compassion. “I was born in Vietnam, which had and has its own share of problems as a developing country,” she says. “This idea of humanitarian engineering — using our research and skill-sets to help

CHRIS PARK

underserved communities — is something I’ve always been interested in. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I’m here at USD.” Charged with creating an elective engineering course that would connect students with the real-world problems facing marginalized populations, Ngo developed Introduction to Sustainability, a class that was first introduced in 2013. Not sure of how students would respond to a course of study where service and conceptual innovation shared equal billing with nuts-andbolts scientific research, Ngo was floored when the course filled within a week — and had a waiting list that seemed to grow by the hour.

“I thought it might be wellreceived, but I didn’t think it would be that popular!” she enthuses. “It shows what I think we all knew; our students are well aware of the problems in the world, and they want to help solve them.” As both an educator and researcher, Ngo is always looking for ways to connect her students with real-world problems prevalent in developing countries — even if that means stepping outside of her comfort zone. Early last year, she traveled to the township of El Cercado in the southern Dominican Republic, a rural community plagued for decades by water contamination issues. Struck by the region’s pervasive poverty, Ngo realized this was exactly the kind of scenario her course was designed for. “Lecturing in a classroom is one thing, but being on the ground and experiencing these issues firsthand is quite another,” she says. “I talk to my students all the time about getting out there in the world and applying what they’ve learned; it was time for me to follow suit.” After meeting with residents to discuss what their primary needs were, Ngo developed a plan to install chlorinators for water distribution, and to build basic cooking stoves to help protect villagers from the ravages of disease brought on by consuming spoiled and improperly prepared food. She returned to the community last month with a host of USD students eager and willing to help execute her plan. “Last year, we had a relatively small group; and by small, I mean two students. This year, we had 21 travel with us!” Ngo proclaims, beaming. “I think it says a lot about our students’ commitment to using their education to help those less fortunate, which is exactly what humanitarian engineering is all about.”

[reformer]

FOR A JUST CAUSE Children’s Advocacy Institute establishes chair in child rights by Trisha J. Ratledge ob Fellmeth leans forward in his chair at USD’s Children’s Advocacy Institute as he makes his point. “I noticed in Sacramento that children were being [victimized]. Bills were being proposed with photo ops and they were dying in appropriations without even a vote,” says Fellmeth. “The children had no juice and the future had no juice, so we created the Children’s Advocacy Institute.” Fellmeth, who is the university’s Price Professor in Public Interest Law and the founder and executive director of the Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), and the Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI), just celebrated CAI’s 25th anniversary with a major development that will help solidify the institute’s future: the Fellmeth-Peterson Faculty Chair in Child Rights. The chair honors Fellmeth’s father, Robert B. Fellmeth, a World War II hero and “an example of what a father should be,” says the younger Fellmeth, and Paul Peterson, prominent San Diego attorney and a longtime CAI supporter, including serving as founding chairman of the institute’s advisory board. With lead funding from Price Philanthropies, headed by President Robert Price, significant additional funding from Peterson and Fellmuth will complete funding for the chair. It will be filled once funding is complete, Fellmeth says. It’s an important step in ensuring the institute’s permanence. The Fellmeth-Peterson Chair establishes a lead faculty position that will work in concert with Fellmeth to continue the work of the institute through teaching, fundraising and directing advocacy efforts. “The

Children’s Advocacy Insitute is very important to us because the work that Professor Fellmeth does coincides with the mission of our foundation,” says Price, whose family has had a long working relationship with Fellmeth. Price’s parents, Sol and Helen Price, were instrumental in helping start the two institutes — CPIL and CAI — and they funded the Price Chair in Public Interest Law. Fellmeth, his CAI staff and clinic students have led a quarter century of policy reform and progress through governance of national organizations as well as successful statutes and litigation in child safety, child welfare, child abuse and neglect, child care regulation and child support collection, and they’re looking at expanding efforts in child health and education issues. Former students span the country, with a substantial number focusing on the work of child rights. A JD concentration in children’s rights ensures many more to come. “Bob Fellmeth is at the forefront of child advocacy rights in the U.S., with particular emphasis in California,” Peterson says. “I like to refer to him as a warrior. Children are really the only large group of people who are tremendously underrepresented in this state and in this country. The young people don’t have a voice.” That’s where Fellmeth and his student warriors come in. “This group represents the future and they’re impotent,” Fellmeth says. “I want to change the rules so they’re more potent. I want to represent their interests, so that even in the current disadvantageous structure, they have influence. And I want to train people who’ll do the same thing.” SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

T O R E R O N E WS

(Right) Seniors Lucas Barmeyer, Dani Serna, Ivana Davila, Rebecca Tortora and Seth Taylor on location in Bethsaida, Israel, in the summer of 2014.

[first person]

WHAT LIES BENEATH

SARAH RICHARDSON

USD anthropology student rolls up his sleeves and digs into the past

by Seth Taylor ’15 f you’re a student in USD’s Department of Anthropology these days, it’s almost impossible not to get wrapped up in the stories about the excavations going on in Bethsaida, Israel. I remember first hearing tales from students and staff a week into my first semester; their seemingly boundless enthusiasm

I 6

U SD M A G A Z IN E

convincing me that I needed to see firsthand what all the excitement was about. And last summer, I, along with seven other anthropology students, got that amazing opportunity — thanks in no small part to our ever-intrepid professor, Jerome Hall. With a long and storied history

dating back to its founding in the 10th century, B.C., Bethsaida is known to yield archaeological finds ranging from Iron Age arrowheads, Greek and Roman coins, and Mamluk pottery, all the way to Syrian and Israeli military artifacts from more recent wartime conflicts. With four open dig sites at

Bethsaida, five of us from USD chose to call “Area T” home for the next two weeks, with Professor Hall at the helm. All this talk of treasures and grand discoveries sounds great, but truth be told, archaeology is dirty, sweaty and physically taxing work. Imagine helping move thousandpound boulders, carrying hun-

dreds of buckets full of dirt and sifting through countless amounts of excavated earth for artifacts and bone in the stifling heat of an Israeli summer. Needless to say, water and shade were at a premium. Area T was uneventful the first week we began our dig, but things got interesting during the second week. After stripping away six feet of dirt, rocks and boulders, we began to see an ancient floor which Dr. Rami Avav, the director of excavations at Bethsaida, believed to be a Roman floor from the first century, A.D. Another section of our site yielded an even bigger surprise — a Syrian military bunker from the Six-Day War. Area T turned out to be a fascinating site, spanning 2,000 years of history, all within a few feet of dirt! By far the most interesting finds were unearthed on our second to last day. Four of us were removing dirt with trowels and small picks when I discovered a small round object. I carefully removed it from the ground and began to eliminate the surface dirt. I had just found the first coin from Area T! Professor Hall was ecstatic and we began the time-honored tradition

of the “coin dance,” letting the other sites know that we had finally found a coin. Then, not even 10 minutes later while sifting a bucket from another area, I found another coin … and then another! We were buzzing with excitement, as no one had ever found three coins in one day in the history of digs at Bethsaida. It was a great way to cap off a great trip, that’s for sure. The field school at Bethsaida was a remarkable experience. I also had the privilege of working with zooarchaeologist, Dr. Toni Fisher, for the Bethsaida Excavation Project. After spending countless hours cleaning and cataloging bones, I found a new passion in the field of archaeology, and I’m looking forward to graduate school where I’ll pursue a career in Forensic Anthropology.

HANAN SHAFIR, BETHSAIDA ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS

SARAH RICHARDSON

[gifts at work] The Finn Church Aid Foundation, which is the secretariat of the Network of Traditional and Religious PeaceMakers, awarded €38,000 (approximately $47,000) to the Women PeaceMakers program at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at USD’s Kroc School of Peace Studies. The funds contributed to the 2014 international conference organized in conjunction with the program, “Defying Extremism: Gendered Responses to Religious Violence,” held in November 2014. The Linden Root Dickinson Foundation and John Henkel ’77 (JD) have provided $25,000 in support of the Dean’s Scholarship Initiative at USD’s School of Law. The Dean’s Scholarship Initiative funds each of the following: Alumni Honor Scholarships to recruit first-year students who demonstrate exceptional promise; Alumni Leadership Scholarships to retain high-performing students; and supports the Alumni Summer Legal Work grants program. The $25,000 will be used as a challenge gift to encourage others to support the law school. The Fred J. Hansen Foundation funds The Hansen Summer Institute on Leadership and International Cooperation, now based at the Global Center in USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences. The Hansen Summer Institute, established in 2007, provides a unique leadership experience as well as a program in international cooperation and conflict resolution. For three weeks in July, five students from California universities join 15 students from universities in a variety of developing countries and regions to participate in interactive hands-on training and team-building exercises,

and learn presentation skills, conflict resolution, negotiation and intercultural management. The Hansen Fellows learn about the American social, economic and political systems and participate in a two-day social entrepreneurship workshop. USD opened a $50,000 Veteran’s Center in October 2014, thanks to the collective gifts from a dozen individual donors, most of whom were alumni, as well as the Wells Fargo Foundation. The Veteran’s Center, located on the first floor of the Hahn University Center, provides a gathering place where USD’s student veterans can meet, study, or access veteran-specific materials. In addition, the Ahmanson Foundation continues to provide $50,000 annually in veteran scholarship support. The Bill Hannon Foundation has awarded $75,000 to the College of Arts and Sciences for scholarships in art, music and theatre. Previously, Hannon has awarded scholarships for USD students studying in the areas of marine science, nonprofit management, engineering and peace, as well as students who are recognized as USD Changemakers. Otis and Anne Cole created a USD legacy while planning their estate in 1994, through a planned gift that will provide annual scholarships to USD students beginning in 2015. The Otis and Anne Cole Scholarship Endowment was funded with more than $185,000 from the charitable remainder annuity trust created 20 years ago. This type of trust offers significant tax reduction benefits and income payments for life to the donors. SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

F AIT H I N A C T I ON [fantastico]

A MUCH BELOVED ANNUAL TRADITION 2014 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass a festive occasion

he annual tradition of honoring the importance of Guadalupe to our region continued in December, when a festive, bilingual Mass was held at The Immaculata. Preceding the Mass, a special dinner was held in the University Center, followed by a candlelit procession through campus to the church. Co-sponsored by MEChA and AChA, the Mass — which has been celebrated annually for more than 15 years — was followed by a reception that featured Mexican hot chocolate, pan dulce and a performance of ballet folklorico in a celebration of Latino culture. “This special event is one of the most beloved USD traditions. It uniquely expresses the complementarity of our commitments to Catholicity and diversity and inclusion,” says Assistant Vice President for University Ministry Michael Lovette-Colyer. “It brings the campus community together, along with family and friends, to celebrate both our heritage and our mission. The Guadalupe Mass is the University of San Diego at its very best.” The evening included special prayers for the passage of compassionate immigration reform as well as for all families adversely impacted by the current immigration system. To learn more about upcoming faith-based events on campus, go to www.sandiego.edu/um.

U SD M A G A Z IN E

[etc.] Results from the 2014 Alumni Attitude Survey are in; nearly 1,500 respondents completed the survey. Of interest were that more alumni feel connected to the university than was indicated in the 2012 Alumni Attitude Survey; that 94 percent of respondents say that their decision to attend USD was “good” or “great”; and that 96 percent describe their experience as a student as “good” or “great.” Survey respondents also indicated that USD Magazine is a very important and effective method of communication about their alma mater.

NICK ABADILLA

A weeklong celebration of the research activities of the College of Arts and Sciences and each of USD’s schools will take place on campus the week of April 13-17. This multi-faceted showcase will focus on the importance of research at USD, and will include various events, open houses and demonstrations. One element of USD’s first-ever research week is the 25th anniversary of the undergraduate research event Creative Collaborations. To learn more, go to www.sandiego. edu/osp. Correction: An article in the Fall 2014 issue of USD Magazine titled “Ms. De Lara Goes to Washington” stated that Michelle (De Lara) Ibarra ’99 was the first student from the university to participate in a student program at the Washington Center in Washington, D.C. In fact, Gregory Mayers ’84 participated in the internship program in 1983. “I, like Ms. De Lara, found my time in D.C. and with the Washington Center to be an exciting, challenging and amazing experience,” he writes. We regret the error. SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

T O R E R O A T H LE TI C S

USD Women’s Tennis team members hail from all corners of the globe. Pictured (from left to right): Head Coach Sherri Stephens, Mikayla Morkel-Brink, Marta Stojanovic, Colomba DiFilippo, Shani Blecher

[cosmopolitan]

A GLOBAL GAME

and Dana Oppinger.

CHRIS PARK

USD Women’s Tennis program a melting pot of international talent

by Mike Sauer t’s hard not to notice how much fun Shani Blecher and Colomba DiFilippo are having on a sunsplashed afternoon at USD’s Skip and Cindy Hogan Tennis Center. The uniform row of hardcourts adjacent to their position in the stands reverberates with the metronomic beat of ball meeting racquet as their women’s tennis teammates hone their skills during an off-season practice session, but the two friends are busy talking story, and that’s clearly much more interesting than watching forehand volley drills.

U SD M A G A Z IN E

The conversation is so very co-ed; classes, pending exams, trips to the beach and a planned outing downtown to sample a new restaurant are brought up in no particular order, and the constant giggling and ease with which they move from one talking point to the next suggests they’ve been pals since preschool. The fact that their respective hometowns of Shoham, Israel and Santiago, Chile are nearly 8,000 miles apart throws a giant monkey wrench in that theory, however — much to the delight

of USD Women’s Tennis Head Coach Sherri Stephens. “We really try to create a family environment with this team, especially when considering that a lot of our players are far, far away from home,” she says. “I think it’s critically important to make that transition as smooth as possible.” With more than three decades of experience helming the Torero tennis program, Stephens has earned her share of frequent flier miles searching the globe for talents like Blecher and

DiFilippo. Along the way, she’s learned that coaching internationally born-and-raised players successfully requires a delicate balance of discipline and empathy. “Most of them are experiencing major culture shock when they arrive, and it’s really important that they understand and embrace our team concept. But you also need to be aware that these are young women who more than likely have never been this far away from home, and occasionally just need a shoulder to cry on.” Stephens relays a story about a player she recruited from Ireland who would write the number of days she had left before she could return home on her hand; rubbing off and updating the figure every 24 hours. “I was sure I was going to lose her when she went home for the holidays, but she came back and never looked back. She ended up becoming a leader on the team, and one of my best friends.” The 2014-15 roster could easily be mistaken for a United Nations delegation, as five of the world’s seven continents are represented. That type of diversity is exactly what Stephens is looking for, on a variety of levels. “I love the idea that USD is a place where student athletes from all over the world can come and get an amazing education to complement their athletic experience. I think it’s what the university is all about.”

GETTING TO KNOW ... SPORTS B R I E F S

CHRIS PARK

Torero Athletics has had an unprecedented fall season, with each of its four team sports advancing to the NCAA Tournament, a first in school history. Football made its first appearance in the inaugural season of the FCS Playoffs, while women’s soccer, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball made a trip to the postseason. “All of our fall team sports are very successful, but to have each of them accomplish what they have in the same year is tremendous,” said USD Executive Director of Athletics Ky Snyder.

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON

AGE: 22. HOMETOWN: Anaheim Hills, Calif. SUPERLATIVES: USD’s all-time leader in assists (560 entering the 2014-15 season), and assists in a season (216; 2013-14) Anderson is likely to shatter the school record for career steals this year. Not too shabby for an undersized point guard who didn’t draw much interest from the nation’s top basketball programs despite a stellar prep resume. “People tend to write you off in basketball when you don’t have height, but I’ve been small all my life, and I know how to utilize the skills I have.“ THE ART OF THE STEAL: Anderson’s on-court tenacity has established him as one of the most skilled pickpockets in West Coast Conference history, and he’s always looking for his next theft. “Most, if not all of the guys I play against are a lot taller than I am, but I feel like I have an advantage on them because of my quickness and anticipation. If they have a pattern with how they handle the ball, I’ll figure it out, and go get it.” CIAO ITALIA!: Anderson says the team’s overseas jaunt to Italy last summer will stay with him forever. “Oh man, Italy was amazing! We were there 10 days, and saw so many incredible things, my head starts spinning just thinking about it. My older brother Jeremy plays basketball in Europe, and I’d love to get that opportunity as well. I still have some work to do here, though.”

In early December, USD head football coach Dale Lindsey was named the 2014 Pioneer Football League (PFL) Coach of the Year. In just his second season at the helm of Torero football, Lindsey led the program to its first appearance in the NCAA Division I Football Championship. The Toreros recorded a 7-1 record in league play to clinch their third PFL championship in the last four seasons, and finished with an overall record of 9-3. “It’s a nice honor and an award for the entire USD organization,” Lindsey said. “I give all the credit to our coaching staff and players.” Thanks to their impressive 2014 campaign, four members of the USD Women’s Swim Team earned the opportunity to compete at the 2014 AT&T Nationals, held in Greensboro, N.C. The event featured the top collegiate swimmers from across the country, and Keenan Lineback, Taylor Noonan, Sarah Reierson and Jackie Taylor combined for six personal best times while competing in seven events. “I was so thankful to our coaches for making it possible for us to attend,” Noonan said. SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

Firing

on All Cylinders

Great teachers don’t just lead students to knowledge. They make them think.

hey are everywhere, it seems. Scientists and dreamers, educators and health care providers, human rights advocates and branding experts. You’ll find them in the field, in the lab, in the lecture hall, in the workforce, out in the world, behind the podium, roaming the halls. They are among USD’s rock star professors — just ask their students. And their work is the life-changing kind. Years from now, they’ll be remembered. If class is in session, one of them is inspiring someone. That’s not hyperbole; it’s the simple truth. They’re doing their Socratic dance, transforming lives, serving to ignite a never-ending quest for knowledge, stoking flames of inquiry, eliciting critical thought amid a cacophony of distractions. They make it look easy. Pulling up a chair in one of their classrooms is a pleasure, because the place is buzzing with energy. Their students are quite aware that they’re breathing rarified air. Whether it’s about finding the happiness quotient or figuring out how best to fight the good fight, these stellar educators are happily going about the business of transforming students into enthusiastic lifelong learners. A neat trick, if you can pull it off. And they surely can.

U SD M A G A Z IN E

“DR. MARTIN IS VERY laid back and approachable. People respect him and are willing to participate without being intimidated.” — Layne Woollard ’15 (MA)

“DR. GONZALES IS VERY ATTENTIVE and is able to adapt her teaching plan and curriculum based on our needs. She ignited a passion for research in me. She’s a phenomenal instructor and a phenomenal person.” — Amara Altman ’13 (MSN)

“DR. MALACHOWSKI IS passionate about what he teaches in a way that’s accessible while still getting all the big points across. It’s pretty interesting how involved he is on campus. He cares about the whole university.” — Adam Eakin ‘17

“DR. RAPP IS ONE OF THE most down to earth and relatable professors in the whole business school. She relies on real-world examples which are often taken right out of the latest pop culture headlines from around the globe.” — Hannah Nicholson ’15 (BBA)

“PROFESSOR SHARP KNOWS what he is talking about. He’s lived it. He’s seen what works.” — Joshua Behn ’15 (MA)

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“ MOST OF US ARE GOING INTO

the world as practitioners, not theorists, so to be able to hear about the difficulties — and that this is the way the world is — is much more relevant. We get a true sense of what we can expect in the field.” — Joshua Behn ’15 (MA)

“THIS IS NOT A TOUCHY-FEELY CLASS.

We are digging into real issues and talking about some grisly stuff at times. It’s been a very good learning environment. I’ve been very impressed by the amount of detail we are able to go into and the human face we are able to put on it.”

CHRIS PARK

— John Boyer ’15 (LLM)

“IN MY CLASSES, I TRY TO balance the critical theory and the critique of human rights with the hope

and balance of human rights,” says Assistant Professor Dustin Sharp.

The

Storyteller

Dustin Sharp puts a human face on peace and justice

he searing image lights up the screen on the front wall of Camino 130, instantly eliciting muffled gasps from the class. A Guinean prisoner reveals fresh wounds on his backside so deep and broad from whipping and torture that the outer layer of skin is simply gone. This image — part of a groundbreaking report on human rights abuses compiled in 2006 by Dustin Sharp as a researcher in West Africa — is just one part of the day’s lesson on the work of activists and NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) in Sharp’s International Justice and Human Rights class. Somewhat of an experiment itself, the class is half law students and half peace studies students, loosely replicating the real-world experience of human rights lawyers and policymakers working side by side in the field. It makes sense to train side by side as well, suggests Sharp, an assistant professor in the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. He speaks ably to both groups on the complex realities of human rights work and transitional justice, as a Harvard-trained lawyer who has served in the Peace Corps. He has also held positions at the U.S. Department of State and Human Rights Watch, one of the world’s largest human rights NGOs. “What did you notice when you read the report?” Sharp queries the class about his 2006 missive. “Was it the statistics and tables of data?” “No, the stories,” several students answer. “Yes, the documentation and reporting style is heavily anecdotal, heavily victim-based in terms of testimonies,” says the soft-spoken, swift-talking professor, who opened the class lamenting only half in jest that he has 25 topics he wants to cover this semester, but only 14 class sessions. “One reason is to get around the notion that what is happening is just a statistic. Your victim is an actual person.” One of four core courses required for the Master of Arts in Peace and Justice Studies, Sharp’s International Justice and Human Rights seminar is a mixture of foundational studies on international law and human rights policies as well as skill-building through focused in-class group activities. Every student monitors a country for human

by Trisha J. R at led ge

rights conditions throughout the semester — and the class itself is generously populated with international students — which builds a wide knowledge base for the student participation encouraged by Sharp’s soft Socratic method. Able to draw from his own work in Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere, on this day, Sharp walks the students through the realities of research in the field, from how to gain access to victims for testimonies, to the pros and cons of bribing checkpoint guards, to learning when to push research-gathering methods. Sharp describes to the class, for example, how, after several weeks of taking testimonies at the Guinea prison, he saw his opportunity to sneak in a “clunky, old digital camera” on his last day. He was quickly snapping images of inmates’ injuries when a guard, who had been sleeping on a box spring at the end of the cellblock, saw him. “He looked up at me and all he said was, ‘Tell them that we were not the ones who did it,’” Sharp recalls. The actual torture took place at police detention centers, not the prison. Transfixed, the students pepper Sharp with questions. “Do you budget for bribes?” “How willing were the prisoners to have their pictures taken?” “Did you see a change after your report came out?” Change in human rights is often measured in small victories, explains Sharp, such as the shift from denying that torture exists to debating who is responsible for the torture. In a more concrete triumph after the 2006 Guinea report, new interest from the diplomatic and donor communities led to funding for pro bono lawyers and, in turn, to improved conditions and earlier releases for the prisoners. Among Sharp’s students, change can be measured as they master both the critical thinking skills and the big-picture analysis that leads to transformative work in human rights advocacy. “In my classes, I try to balance the critical theory and the critique of human rights with the hope and promise of human rights,” Sharp says. “I tell my students that they need to be able to navigate between the Scylla of destructive cynicism and the Charybdis of naïve idealism. If you can find the path between the two, you can do some interesting work.” SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

“I CAN TEACH MY STUDENTS how to put sterile gloves on, but it’s much more valuable if I can teach them what

to do when they make a mistake,” says Associate Professor Lucia Gonzales.

The

Team Builder

Lucia Gonzales teaches nurses to embody the art of healing

im Man lies quietly in his hospital bed, his wires disconnected, lungs at rest and speech silenced. He won’t be needed today. His hangout, however — Barcelona, Room 100 — is humming quite nicely with the business of nursing. “Okay, now the ones with the pillows are the patients who just had their gall bladder out,” says Associate Professor Lucia Gonzales, looking over her partnered students in the midst of this lesson on patient comfort and perioperative nursing. “What are some of the nursing diagnoses your patient may have?” Just two months into the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing, this cohort of 16 students not only looks the part with their identical blue scrubs and arctic white shoes, but they live the part. “Acute pain,” calls out one. “Impaired mobility,” says another. “Risk for infection,” adds a third. Clearly at home in USD’s Simulation and Standardized Patient Nursing Laboratory, the students come to the program with undergraduate degrees as varied as art, political science and biology, and all share a desire not only to become nurses, but to serve in leadership positions. It’s up to Gonzales and her skills lab teaching partners — Jackie Close and Raelene Brooks — to provide a solid foundation in nursing practice and skills, and in the master’s-level training they need to learn to become leaders. “You are going to teach your patient deep breathing and how to cough,” Gonzales continues, reminding them that the exercises help to prevent pneumonia after surgery. “What are you doing with all those alveoli in the base of your lungs?” “Filling them up,” the students answer quickly. “Great, now have your patient breathe in through their nose and out through pursed lips,” she says, standing tall before the semicircle of students and demonstrating perfect technique. “Practice once before you teach. Inhale, then hold, two, three. Out.” With more than 40 years as a nurse, administrator and educator — and 20 years as a motivational speaker — Gonzales draws out students’ strengths through her active learning sessions. “For me to be happy, the students have to be engaged,” she says. Paired off with their pillows, the nursing students trade instructions

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and pursed lips, then press against imaginary incisions as their partner coaches them to cough, cough, cough in threes to temper the velocity and reduce the risk of tearing sutures. Gonzales and Close wind through the students, listening and guiding, and they take turns leading the lesson, modeling one of the most important skills these students will need to master. “We want to show solidarity, that we get along very well and that we share,” Gonzales says, pointing out that much of the student training incorporates problem-based learning in groups. “When they work on the nursing floor, very few nurses work in an isolated situation. I want to make sure they can work in group settings with different individuals.” Gonzales also opens her research to student participation so they can develop the skills to stay on the cutting edge of best practices throughout their careers. It’s not enough to just read about research, she says. “If they can say, ‘I’ve performed research, I’ve recruited, I’ve analyzed the data and I’ve made posters to disseminate the results,’ they are very valuable. That’s a motivated nurse who is already plugged into the fact that he or she needs to know the latest, state-of-the-art care.” This philosophy dovetails nicely with the nursing lab itself, the cornerstone of skills training. In this detailed replica of a clinical setting, hospital beds line the room, occupied with mannequins and simulators as sophisticated as Sim Man and his frequent companion, Noelle, which star in intricate computer-aided scenarios such as coding and giving birth. Even better, in keeping with best practices, USD is one of only two nursing schools in the area to incorporate standardized patients — specially trained actors — for much more realistic simulations. The result? Nursing graduates whose training takes them beyond the complex skills of nursing to embody the art of healing. The journey begins with each professor, such as Gonzales. “We have to be good nurses to our students, demonstrating caring, concern and respect,” says Gonzales, who belonged to both Future Teachers and Future Nurses of America in high school. “It’s not just a job for us. We are passionate about nursing and passionate about teaching. It’s the best faculty you can have.”

“WHEN WE WERE LEARNING THE fundamentals of nursing, Dr. Gonzales was one of the first instructors that we had. She laid a lot of layers for my future; it’s a solid foundation and I’m glad that she was a part of it. She’s a great woman.”

CHRIS PARK

— Anthony Rodelo ‘14 (MSN)

“HE’S JUST DOWN TO EARTH and very relaxed. There’s no awkwardness. You can approach him and ask him anything. He’s concerned about us as people. I feel like he’s truly invested in our success in this program.” — Morgan Urbany ’15 (MA)

“DR. MARTIN’S BEEN GREAT. Everything that we’ve learned, we’ve been able to apply in the field. Every time we come to class I know I’m going to learn something new, and that I’m going to be able to use it in my practicum the next day.”

CHRIS PARK

— Husani Whitlock ’15 (MA)

The

“MY STUDENTS KNOW THAT I’M pretty dedicated to what I do, and that I really enjoy them,” says Assistant Professor Ian Martin. “They’re future

colleagues and I really try to treat them that way.”

Motivator

Ian Martin encourages his students to get radical

t’s four o’clock on a Tuesday, and as the sun prepares to begin its slow descent over the Pacific, Ian Martin and a group of his graduate students convene in a mid-sized classroom on the first floor of Mother Rosalie Hill Hall. Martin, an assistant professor in the School of Leadership and Education Studies, is dressed casually in a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt. Seated seminar-style at tables that ring the room, Martin and his students look more like friends or colleagues than professor and class. But this is, in fact, “Applied Theories and Techniques in School Counseling.” And Martin — himself a former school counselor with a doctorate in education — is here to teach, support, advise and humbly share his wisdom with the group, which on this day numbers 15. His low-key style combines practical experience with an array of evidence-based research. ”I think they know that I’m pretty dedicated to what I do, and that I really enjoy them,” he says. “They’re future colleagues, and I really try to treat them that way.” He also wants to inspire them in original ways, because this class comes at the end of a very long day. All of the students have been doing fieldwork at a variety of schools — some since early this morning — and he doesn’t want them to burn out. “This is my sixth year teaching the class and I still do all the planning,” he says. “I need quiet time before I get a fun idea.” For this session, Martin has toted down from his office a pad of giant drawing paper and a box brimming with markers and colored pencils. He’s also got plenty of sticky notes, though he’s forgotten to bring tape. This is important, because as part of today’s exercise, students will hang their work on the walls. But first things first. Each student is asked to share the results of a project conducted at his or her school site. Martin had instructed them to design needs assessments by surveying either teachers or students to learn what kind of support or interventions they require, and then craft special programs based on the results. One by one the students share their surveys and responses. Issues are discussed. Problems are raised. Several reveal that they had trouble convincing teachers to participate. “That’s ok,” Martin assures them. “We can work on strategies to

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get them to buy in.” “The whole idea is to have them work on things they can try the next day,” he explains. “I think that’s where I get most motivated. I get feedback from them about what may or may not have worked in the schools.” He also draws inspiration from other sources, showing them a compelling TED talk by English creativity guru Sir Ken Robinson, a relentless promoter of radical education reform who happens to be one of Martin’s heroes. And then, as he often does, Martin divides the students into groups. He hands out markers, pencils and the giant drawing paper, and asks them to design their “dream school,” based on Robinson’s theories and their own discussions, observations and priorities. “Think about everything,” he tells them. “Do you want walls, or no walls? A kitchen for cooking? A garden for vegetables? Do you even want classrooms?” The students get to work. One group draws a tree, with the counseling department at its center, and each floating leaf a classroom. Another group designs a traveling school that can actually fly to other countries — hardly surprising, since Martin has concentrated his academic research on international school-based counseling models. In fact, he leads students on an eye-opening course abroad every summer. Seeing how things are done elsewhere and mixing with people from other places are key components of his educational approach. “It’s becoming more and more relevant here,” he says. “The large immigrant populations are able to empathize with new arrivals. School counselors are increasingly dealing with families in new situations.” Martin credits his own high school counselor with helping him find focus when he was adrift. And when these students leave USD, Martin wants them to be focused as well: eager and primed to promote change and make meaningful contributions. But he’s a realist. He knows they should be prepared for an imperfect education system where idealism can often collide with reality. Dream schools might only be partially realized. “It’s about recognizing your allies, the path of least resistance, the fights you really need to dig in on and the ones you can let go,” Martin says. “I think we have amazing students. They don’t have to drink my Kool-Aid, but I know they’re going to go out there and do good work.” SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

The

“BECAUSE YOU’RE ON FACEBOOK every day doesn’t mean you know how to market a business on Facebook,”

says Assistant Professor Justine Rapp. “That’s the differentiating factor of my class. It provides that next level of marketing expertise.”

Progressive

Justine Rapp keeps her students well connected

“S

o, If Coke was your friend, what kind of friend would they be? Describe them to me. How about Pepsi? Could they hang out together?” Assistant Professor of Marketing Justine Rapp’s conceptual query is initially met with an unsettling silence, but it’s not for a lack of interest from her captive audience. The nearly three dozen students assembled for her Digital Marketing and Social Media course are clearly familiar with the expectant tone in her voice, and frantically begin scouring their laptops, phones and iPads for an answer that, hopefully, will elicit an approving grin and nod. “Coke has a real job and has a traditional outlook on things, and, well …” comes a halting response from somewhere in the middle of the third row. Rapp knows they’re searching for the right words, but in this particular case, that’s somewhat subjective, and she wants them thinking big picture. “Good. Yes. That’s a start,” she responds, encouragingly. “Anyone else?” “I don’t know if they could hang out, because Pepsi seems kinds of hipster and young, and Coke would probably have a hard time relating to that,” replies another. Determining a corporate brand’s persona and reach is a foundational component of Marketing 340 — a course that boldly endeavors to provide students with a detailed understanding of the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Ascertaining what a brand is, how it works, and what it does goes a long way in helping her students develop innovative approaches to the two main projects for the semester: Developing paid advertising for nonprofits on Google, and website development for realworld business clients. Now that they’re connecting the dots, Rapp is ready to begin the day’s discussion on how corporations like Coke and Pepsi present themselves to consumers in the digital marketplace, and the social media platforms they’re using — effectively, or not — to connect with their target audiences. First and foremost, it’s important for her students to understand the playing field, and she asks for opinions on companies

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that they feel have either strong or weak presences across their respective online platforms. Most importantly, she wants applesto-apples comparisons; companies like Nike and Microsoft may be digital marketing bellwethers, but they’re obviously not targeting the same consumer base. After some spirited group discussion, it’s decided that today’s compare-and-contrast will center on the food retail sector, and how a niche company like Trader Joe’s seems to be hitting all the right notes with its customer base, whereas traditional industry giant Ralph’s seemingly struggles to cement their brand’s online identity. “When you look at Trader Joe’s web presence, what are you seeing? Who are they trying to be?” Rapp inquires as she toggles between the two corporations’ web and social media pages on the media projector. The expectant tone returns. Clearly she’s building toward something, and this time, the class is on the same wavelength. “Friendly. Engaging. Relaxed. Healthy,” reply the students. “Now, what’s going on with Ralph’s? Do you get the sense that they have a strategy, and if so, what is it?” “Boring!” comes the immediate response. Rapp is delighted. “Exactly! Trader Joe’s wants to run away from that corporate image, while Ralph’s just wants you to know they’re there, and happy to help. It’s a weak presence by design … which might actually make it strong.” While the majority of her peers employ a theoretical approach to educating the next generation of marketing professionals, Rapp believes a more hands-on approach is essential. After all, just about every parcel of available marketing data suggests the majority of future jobs within the industry will be digital or social media-based, and she wants her students to hit the ground running once they earn their diploma. “I think you can go to lectures, listen and leave. That’s easy. But I want them thinking, acting, reacting like they would in a realworld business environment. That way they have more stock in the game.”

“SHE’S LETTING US MAKE MISTAKES so we can discover and analyze what we are doing wrong. A lot of professors don’t give you that leeway. The best part is that she gives us the opportunity to learn from those mistakes, and keep the learning process progressive.” — Alexis Sanz ’15 (BBA)

CHRIS PARK

“SHE GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO analyze something that many of us are interested in. So much of our world relies on sites such as Facebook, Google, and Instagram, yet most people don’t know the actual science behind the scenes.” – Chris Barry ’15 (BBA)

“ORGANIC CHEMISTRY is a tough subject. All biochemistry, chemistry and bio majors will say that organic chemistry was the bane of their existence. Dr. Malachowski condenses it down and gives it to us in a way that we can understand and teaches in a fashion that makes it enjoyable to go to class.” — Sydney Smith ‘17

“HIS DEPTH OF EXPLANATION IS KEY. A lot of professors don’t go into detail, and kind of expect you to teach yourself. He doesn’t. He helps you a lot.”

CHRIS PARK

— Charity Millan ‘16

“ONE THING THAT FACULTY should consider doing is being a student,” says Professor Mitch Malachowski, who makes

a point of practicing what he preaches. “See how hard that really is.”

The

Enthusiast

Mitch Malachowski brings a happiness quotient to chemistry b y K aren Gro ss

itch Malachowski is already busy drawing molecules on the whiteboard as his undergraduate organic chemistry students trickle into their classroom, tucked in the basement of the Shiley Center for Science and Technology. By co-ed standards, this 9 a.m. session is early, and you can see it on their faces. Some look just plain tired. Others are discreetly pulling bits of muffin or croissant out of paper bags, munching on breakfast as they tune in to Malachowski’s lecture. “Good morning everyone, how are you feeling today?” the professor’s voice calls from the front of the room. “What are we doing today? Where are we?” The questions are designed to draw them in, forcing them to perk up and focus on the complex concept of substitution reactions. “I’m really lazy today,” he jokes. “So I’m going to let you devise and design the chapter.” What follows is something of a treasure hunt, with Malachowski dropping hints and constantly prompting the class with words and ideas that push them forward. What comes next? Why? What kind of reaction can we expect and how will it look? Sometimes the room stays quiet, and he’s obliged to answer himself. But more often, several hands go up and theories ricochet around the room. None is ever cast aside. Malachowski addresses each one, assessing merits and drawbacks. “There’s a lot going on here, I realize,” he says reassuringly. “I’m just introducing the concepts. We’ll take it slowly.” That gentle yet persistent style is what Mitch Malachowski is known for, and it’s why his organic chemistry classes are the most sought-after among science undergraduates on campus. In his 31st year at USD, Malachowski still comes to every lecture and lab full of excitement and enthusiasm. And his dedication to his students and their success — not only in his class, but also as happy citizens of the world — is legendary. “I believe in a happiness quotient. I really believe that somehow we sap the energy from our students,” he says. “They’re so stressed and pressured and pushed. I want them to enjoy it. When I tell them, ‘This will be the most fun class you’ll ever have,’ they laugh.” Beyond the fun factor, Malachowski makes it a point to be almost always available, either after hours at school, or via email. His door is

open to any and all discussions, whether they involve chemistry or not. And his students get pulled into his lab research as colleagues, not just worker bees, receiving full credit on any paper that gets published with their help. That model is what’s given Malachowski a name beyond the pristine USD campus and across the country. For decades, he’s championed and spread the idea of extending research opportunities to undergraduate students no matter what their field of study. “We’re very much in that mode in chemistry,” he says. “So for us, it’s very natural. But in other disciplines it’s not. I think my contribution is to show other academics why this model can be used in philosophy, or theology or history.” Not surprisingly, Malachowski has won multiple awards for teaching, research and service at USD. And in the late fall of 2014, he became the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Professor of the Year for the state of California. Only one undergraduate professor per state can claim this prize, and Malachowski was up against teachers from powerhouse institutions like Berkeley, Stanford and Caltech. With typical humility, Malachowski was reluctant to take credit. “On a personal level, it’s almost embarrassing,” he says with a chuckle. “To me, it speaks to this department and to what we value. A lot of people had a lot of input into what I do.” In addition to his work in and out of the chemistry department, Malachowski is a competitive golfer whose goal is to compete in the U.S. Senior Open. He also takes guitar lessons. He says that helps him keep in tune with the challenges his students face. “One thing that faculty should consider doing is being a student,” he says. “See what it’s like. See how hard that really is.” In addition to all his existing commitments, in 2014 Malachowski agreed to serve as interim chair of USD’s department of Theology and Religious Studies. Not because he’s an expert in the field, but because it’s a new experience, and he was asked to. It’s a move that fits perfectly with the can-do attitude he shares with his students every day. “I want them to have a rich life full of wonderful experiences,” Malachowski says with a big smile. “I want my students to be passionate about what they do. To me, it’s all about passion. If they’re passionate, they’re going to be happy.” SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

Life Changers

The transformative gift of Tom ’77 (JD) and Karen Mulvaney is all about building relationships

John Egan ’08 has spent many a night on a half-inflated mattress on the floor where his cab driver lives. He sleeps in a tangle of blankets, only half hearing the sounds of dogs scuffling in the street and roosters crowing in the yard. But in that gauzy space between sleep and wake, the tantalizing smell of a special fried dough, called “bammy,” tells him — even though he’s more than 3,000 miles from his house — that he’s home.

hat’s the way Jamaica makes you feel — like you’re at home. The cab driver you accidentally hitch a ride from at the airport becomes a lifelong friend and, seven years later, still lets you bunk at his house whenever you show up. The people you get to know treat you like family no matter how long you’ve been away. The doors on the houses aren’t just open to catch the morning breezes, but beckon you to come in, stay awhile and share whatever meal is on the table. Egan graduated from USD in 2008 with a major in sociology and

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a minor in English. He grew up in Lafayette, Calif., a quiet suburb in the Bay Area. Aside from trips to visit family — and a fishing trip to Canada — he hadn’t traveled much when he first arrived to campus. His sophomore year, a cancelled study abroad excursion to Ireland circuitously led him to Jamaica, and he’s been back more than a dozen times since. While the original plan was to help those in need change their lives, Egan realizes his experiences in Jamaica have changed his. “The lessons I’ve learned are about people and community and relationships,” says Egan, who, after his initial trips to Jamaica, became known as USD’s “cultural attaché” there, organizing projects such as painting murals, volunteering at an all-age school and coordinating essay-writing contests with $100 prizes that covered the entrance fees some Jamaican students pay to move on to high school. “I’ll never fully be able to put into words all that Jamaica has taught me. I just know I’m a better person for it.”

Egan is one of thousands of students who’ve participated over the years in the programs offered by USD’s Center for Community Service-Learning. Founded in 1986 as a nexus for student volunteers, it grew into a service-learning program that allows students, faculty and administrators to expand what they’ve learned in the classroom with lessons that spring from connecting with the world. The center is acclaimed as one of the top service-learning programs in the nation for integrating community service with academic study, enriching learning, teaching civic responsibility and strengthening communities. But its biggest accomplishment came in October 2014. With a gift of nearly $3 million, Karen and Tom ’77 (JD) Mulvaney endowed the center. To honor the gift, it’s now known as Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action. “Karen and Tom are family,” says Chris Nayve ’98, ’06 (JD), ’07 (MBA), who joined the center in 1996 and is now USD’s assistant provost for community engagement. “I have to recognize Judy Rauner, Elaine Elliott, Barbara Peterson, Brenna Hughes and all the

MICHAEL COLLOPY

Now known as the Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action, since 1986 the University of San Diego’s Center for Community-Service Learning has allowed students, faculty and administrators to expand what they’ve learned in the classroom with lessons that spring from connecting with the world. New Orleans, Linda Vista, Jamaica and Tijuana are just a few of the places where lasting bonds have been nurtured and grown.

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people who came before us, because this gift validates their vision and the work they did to get us where we are today. The Mulvaney name means so much to us, because of who Karen and Tom are, and we’re excited to grow into it.” Well before Tom Mulvaney graduated from USD’s School of Law in 1977, his father, Jim Mulvaney, was a professor at the law school, where he taught from 1957 to 1963. A respected civic leader, Jim donated his time and energies to countless local organizations, and worked with the United Way for more than half a century. In 1991, Gov. Pete Wilson named him “Mr. San Diego.” According to Karen and Tom, “The values and lessons we learn from family, flow outward in ways both known and unknown. It has been our unspoken intent to live up to our parents’ lessons, showed by example in small and big ways and what they valued — they believed and acted upon a simple creed: ‘Lighten others’ loads, treat everyone with respect and in an equal manner, leave the world at least as good as you found it, and when you can, leave it better.’ ” The Mulvaneys are proud to see that dedication to service living on in their own children and in the hearts of USD students. “To have made it possible for students to stretch beyond themselves, understand themselves and others with greater compassion and empathy — in essence to blur the lines that separate each of us from each other, to make lasting relationships and impact — well, we often ask ourselves, ‘Why else are we here?’”

Chase Tushaus ’10 has seen all kinds of blurred lines during his many journeys to New Orleans. He thought his first trip, in 2009, would be like other Spring Break trips, where he’d help rebuild a house, then head home and rarely, if ever, look back. But it wasn’t. He kept coming back. Just like the university keeps coming back, returning to New Orleans each year. “God led us through these trips and introduced us to people we needed to meet,” Tushaus says. “It’s amazing to get to know people who had gone through this great tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and its lingering aftermath — and see that, despite everything, they still have a sense of hope and community.” For John Loggins ’95, ’12 (MA), USD’s director for community student leadership and learning, the work of the Mulvaney Center isn’t about how many houses students have built, how many meals they’ve served or how many students they’ve tutored. It’s about the bonds they’ve formed along the way. Those bonds are powerful. They’re in evidence when members of the local Sudanese community show up at USD’s commencement ceremonies to cheer for students who’ve been instrumental in their programs. They’re front and center at places like Linda Vista’s Bayside Community Center and at the San Diego Cooperative Charter School, where so many USD graduates have been hired, following their time as student volunteers. Kate Dickinson ’02, ’06 (MA), who was active with community service-learning as a student, was a classroom teacher and is now an inclusion and differentiation specialist at the Co-Op School. The relationship her school has with the university is one of reciprocity.

“The work I do at USD and the work USD does with us is about collaboration,” says Dickinson. “They’ll do a service project for us — like last summer, when a team of residence assistants from the residence halls came to help our teachers set up their classrooms — but then we’ll help professors with their gender studies and ethnographic research, or people like Dayanne Izmirian in residential life, with her work regarding restorative justice services.” Loggins, who served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica from 1996 to 1998 and was instrumental in launching USD’s efforts there, says there’s more to service than charting good deeds. “We don’t want service to be about the numbers,” he says. “It’s not about padding resumes or doing something because it looks good on grad school applications. Service is the tool, not the purpose.”

At USD, students who truly have a heart for service are known as Changemakers. Eirene Rocha ’13 fits that description to a ‘T.’ Rocha, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a minor in ethnic studies, was part of an immersion trip to New Orleans in 2012. The following year, after graduating from USD, she returned to take a job next door at the Duchesne House, established by the Religious of the Sacred Heart as a place for high school and college students to stay while they engaged in immersion and service projects. Even though Rocha’s back in San Diego, the Community Book Center in New Orleans is her home away from home. It’s filled with people talking about local politics, education and the gentrification of neighborhoods. At the center of the hustle and bustle is Mama J, with her short, salt-and-pepper hair and larger-than-life personality. Then there’s her husband, Baba D, a tall, quiet man, who thinks of Rocha as a daughter. Rocha is drawn to New Orleans. Someday she’ll return to those she left behind. “New Orleans has a way of grabbing you and pulling you in,” she says. “Before I went to New Orleans, I only had a basic understanding of the world. Now I understand the kind of work that’s being done at the grassroots level and what it means to truly be part of a community.” Tushaus agrees. Lessons about community are at the core of what he learned there. “I will forever know people who suffered more than I can ever comprehend. And, despite it all, they have so much love and hope to give,” he says. “My life will always have a focus on service — whether I’m taking care of a family, building a home or working in a cubicle. I’ll always feel called to bring positive change to the world.” Making the world a better place was at the heart of the Mulvaneys’ decision to assure USD’s work would continue for generations. “There will be a legacy that goes beyond our children, our family and friend attachments,” they say. “It will be alive through the work we have done and what we have valued, which will continue to be seen and felt at local levels and beyond those boundaries and borders. Thoughts about a future we can only imagine and will not see … make us feel humbled and grateful.” SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

A L UMN I U P DA T E [celebratory]

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS 2014 Homecoming and Family Weekend a huge success

housands of Toreros came together from all parts of the world for a perfect autumnal weekend filled with reminiscing, tailgating and reconnecting with their fellow alumni. A record 1,538 alumni, students, parents and friends attended the tailgate party alone! Save the date (Oct. 16-18) for 2015, when class years ending in 5’s and 10’s will be celebrating milestone anniversaries.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN RADACK

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Add your voice to the Torero Network.

ALUMNI GET INVOLVED.

63,325

133

U S D A LU M N I

Scholarships distributed by the Alumni Association since 2006

1,150+

In 2014, the Alumni Association hosted 168 events, with 13,231 attendees.

Volunteers who helped out their fellow Toreros last year T H A N K YO U !

23 U.S. Torero Clubs 4 International Torero Clubs

Alumni within easy reach of a Torero chapter or club!

Affinity reunions attracted 625 attendees in 2014.

1,538

Attendees at the tailgate party during USD’s 2014 Homecoming and Family Weekend

A festive Homecoming and Family Weekend. Pictured at the event: 1) Vice President for Student Affairs Carmen Vazquez, President Mary E. Lyons, PhD and Vice President and Provost Andy Allen, PhD; 2) Susan (Monahan) Wachowiak ’62, Judy Monahan Pidgeon ’56, ‘62 (MA) and Agnes West-Kohler ’65; 3) Mary O’Connor ’83, Jim Gase ’73, ‘81 (MEd), Teresa (Liberatore) Gase ’73 and Steve Gauvin ’84; 4) Noel Hall ‘64, Frank O’Dwyer and Brian Fogarty; 5) Kim Kulesh ’11 and Heather Dooley ’02, ‘05 (MEd); 6) Johnny Giangregorio ’08 and Joyce Chua ’09.

2,353

Remaining number of undergraduate alumni donors needed to participate to reach the 2014-15 goal

$300,000

Amount raised at 6 USD Wine Classic events

(As of 1/9/15)

ALUMNI GET CONNECTED.

Help extend the University of San Diego’s reputation around the world. Go to alumni.sandiego.edu or call (619) 260-4819.

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A L UMN I N E WS

The 2015 alumni honorees will be celebrated at an event that culminates in a starlit soiree on the patio between Camino and Founders Halls.

[remarkable]

EXTRAORDINARY LIVES Al umni Honors celeb rat es a ch iev em en t s o f 1 2 a w ar d r e c i p i e n ts

humanitarian causes, their athletic excellence and their outstanding career achievement. This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Shiley Theatre, will honor 12 alumni. The evening’s festivities will include video tributes and a starlit soiree on the patio between Camino and Founders Halls. The dual recipients of the

Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill Award — which was established in 1991 to commemorate the legacy of University of San Diego co-founder Mother Hill — are Stephen Nasman ’71 (BS) and Victoria Nasman ’74 (BA). For more than four decades, the Nasmans have both been deeply engaged with the university, serving on numerous commit-

LAURA RADACK

ach year, the university celebrates its most notable alumni during Alumni Honors. The University of San Diego’s best and brightest graduates are the focus of the evening’s festivities, which are held on campus and meant to showcase the remarkable achievements of alumni for their volunteer service, their contributions to

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tees and boards and generously volunteering their time and talents, while consistently reflecting the personal values that Mother Hill espoused: loyalty, fidelity, honesty and integrity. Hank Acquarelli ’69 (BS), will receive the Bishop Charles Francis Buddy Award, which was established in 1976 to commemorate the legacy of university co-founder Bishop Buddy. Acquarelli has dedicated his life to improving, enhancing and personifying community and spiritual values since graduating from the university, with a focus on education, athletics and community service. His pattern of blending service to others with academic achievement, all-seasons athletic participation and civic responsibility continues today, even in his retirement. Josh Johnson, who attended the university from 2004-2007, will be inducted into the Chet and Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame. Johnson, a three-time team Most Valuable Player at quarterback, directed the Toreros to two mid-major national championships and three Pioneer Football League championships. Following his senior year, he was named the MVP of the 2008 East-West Shrine Game and was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is currently in his seventh year in the NFL; this

season, he reunited with former Toreros head coach Jim Harbaugh when he signed with the San Francisco 49ers. The Author E. Hughes Career Achievement Award was established in 1995 to commemorate the legacy of University of San Diego President Emeritus Author E. Hughes and is given to recipients from each school to recognize outstanding achievements in their careers. There are two recipients from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2015: Jim J. Parsons ’01 (MFA) has received a total of six Emmy nominations and won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as scientist Sheldon Cooper in the CBS television show, The Big Bang Theory. Parsons has publicly credited the extensive training he received in the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA program with his success. In 2014, Parsons was nominated for an Emmy Award for his dramatic turn as Tommy Boatwright in The Normal Heart. Also, he has appeared on Broadway as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey. He has appeared in numerous feature films and has several projects in the works. Also being honored by the College of Arts and Sciences, Barbara A. Driscoll, PhD, ’78 (BA) has worked diligently to reach the pinnacle of her career at The Saban Research Institute, one of the few freestanding research centers in the United States where scientific inquiry and clinical care are devoted exclusively to children. Driscoll’s lab research focuses on the impact of lung aging; in the case of children and younger individuals, the focus is on how premature aging impacts lung health and function. She has earned numerous awards for her teaching and research, received more than $12 million in funding for her research and published more than 30 articles in various medical journals.

Matthew J. Reno ’80 (BBA), the founder and CEO of Reno Contracting, Inc., will be honored by the School of Business Administration. For more than two decades, his efforts in preconstruction and business development have ensured that Reno continues to be a cornerstone in the San Diego general contracting community. He has developed lasting industry relationships and a loyal client base; his projects in the area include Diamond View Tower, ResMed, the Santa Fe Summit and Marriott Hotels. Reno has been a generous contributor to nonprofits in the region and has received a number of community awards. The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science will recognize Sandra L. Solem, PhD, ’84 (MSN), ’02 (PhD), associate director for patient care services and nurse executive at the VA San Diego Healthcare System, a 304-bed facility providing a wide range of inpatient services at the medical center in La Jolla, Calif. and outpatient care at seven community clinics. Solem has worked in a variety of executive leadership positions in both clinical practice and in the academic higher education arena. She is known for her fresh approach to change management and workforce issue resolution and believes that her experience places her in a unique position to be an advocate for veterans, families and the staff she serves. One Earth Future Foundation Director Lee C. Sorensen ’07 (MA) will be honored by the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies for his efforts to partner with business to prevent mass atrocities. He had a long and successful career as an entrepreneur; upon completing his MA program at the university, So-

rensen moved onto a different path, working to provide volunteer medical services in various African states. His current work focuses on the role of business in helping states to protect their citizens from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing. Karen P. Hewitt ’89 (JD), a partner at Jones Day, will be the recipient honored by the School of Law. Hewitt is a former United States Attorney and an experienced trial lawyer who has successfully litigated hundreds of cases in federal court for more than two decades. She currently represents companies in civil and criminal investigations and in complex business litigation. Before joining Jones Day in 2010, Hewitt served as San Diego’s chief federal law enforcement officer, where she led the federal effort to protect the safety and security of the three million people residing in the region. She is involved with numerous boards and organizations and has earned a number of awards and distinctions throughout the course of her career. The School of Leadership and Education Sciences recipient is Janine Mason ’86 (BA) ’11

(MA), who is the executive director of The Fieldstone Foundation. She has served as its leader since 1999, and is responsible for the overall management of the foundation’s giving program and leadership training programs in Orange and San Diego counties. Additionally, she has served on various boards, including San Diego Grantmakers, the San Diego Blood Bank Foundation and the United Way Government Relations Committee. She has been recognized by numerous organizations for her leadership and service in the community. The Shiley Marcos School of Engineering will honor Emiliano Gallego ‘00 (BA/BS) ‘11 (MS), the general manager of Pagasa Pasta and Molino El Rosal. He is part of the third generation of family members to lead these companies, which were founded by his grandfather. Gallego credits his university education with helping him to make decisions based on metrics and industry standards, rather than intuition and gut feelings. Under Gallego’s leadership, Pagasa is now a multi-national company, with products sold throughout Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. He and his family are major philanthropists in Baja California. Go to www.sandiego.edu/ alumnihonors for more. SPR I N G 2 0 1 5

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CALL OF DUTY The good fight of Maj. General William Matz

by Mike Sauer he young Rifle Company Commander knew immediately he’d been shot; the searing pain ripping through his arm like a thunderbolt. The deafening cacophony of gunfire and grenades made it difficult to focus, but he had a job to do, and as long as he drew breath, he was going to see that job through. Ignoring his injury and the

withering fusillade of Viet Cong small arms and mortar fire that had his unit pinned down and fighting furiously to maintain their position, Captain William Matz ’73 (MA) continued to drag the critically injured infantryman to a protected position away from the enemies’ crosshairs. Once he brought the soldier to safety, he doubled back directly into harm’s way to res-

cue another one. And another. And another. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on that harrowing first day of the 1968 TET Offensive would earn him the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s secondhighest award for valor. “Just doing my job,” Matz says in typically matter-of-fact fashion. “Every soldier showed tremen-

BROOKS KRAFT

dous courage in the face of intense enemy fire.” Frankly, the last person to tell you about Matz’s incredible display of courage is Matz himself, which is exactly what you’d expect from a man whose humility and dedication to his fellow soldiers were the hallmarks of his exceptional military career. “The bravery our infantry men showed on a daily basis in Vietnam, and on that specific day, will always stay with me,” says Matz, who also received the Silver Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge for his valorous service in combat. “I was in awe of them. They showed me what courage and valor were on the battlefield, and what it truly means to be a soldier.”

Ask him to pick a memorable experience from his 33 years of service, and he’ll mention his tenure as executive secretary to two Secretaries of Defense: Casper Weinberger and Frank Carlucci. “A different kind of battlefield, but a battlefield nonetheless,” he says with affected politeness. He’s also quick to credit his educational experience at the university — where he earned a master’s in political science and international relations — with helping him pave a path to the nerve center of the American military. “The education I received at USD went a long way in helping me prepare for the opportunity to work at the Pentagon. I’m especially thankful to Dr. Theil, my research and thesis advisor. He questioned every word I penned, and challenged me to think critically.” Matz retired from the military in 1995 at the rank of Major General, and even though his days on the front line may be over, he continues to make sure no solider is left behind. He remains a strong advocate for veterans’ benefits, and helps returning servicemen and women re-establish themselves in civilian life — a transition Matz knows can be equal parts challenging and frustrating. “The veterans from my age group, the Vietnam veterans, came home to an unwelcoming nation, quite frankly,” he says. “I want to make sure that this generation of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as soldiers of this great nation. They are America’s greatest resource.”

1960s [1963] ART WICAL (BBA) and his wife traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and to northwestern India in January 2014. “So far, we have been fortunate to travel to over 62 countries and look forward to additional trips around the world,” Art says. “We have often been asked about our favorites, which is difficult to answer, as they all have their own unique cultures and histories.” [1965] ALCY (BOSS) NEIDLINGER (BA) has been living in Texas for about five years. She has seen much of the state through her hobby: photography. Alcy has won ribbons for her work and sells prints and photo cards of flowers and other subjects. [1966] ELLISSIA (DARLEY) FAGIN (BA) reported that she and Bruce Fagin were married in July 2014. Ellissia retired at the end of August 2014. VERN SCHOOLEY (JD) was presented with a proclamation by the City of Long Beach, Calif., in appreciation of his leadership in the legal community for the past 40 years. Vern was lauded for his work with legal educators, law school deans, state and federal judges in promoting the cause of the American Inns of Court to enhance civility, professionalism and excellence in the practice of law. Vern founded numerous Inns of Court and served in leadership roles, both in California and in the national American Inns of Court Foundation. He is a partner in Fulwider Patton, one of California’s oldest intellectual property law firms. [1968] MICHAEL WELCH (BA) returned to USD after 38 years to be an adjunct professor in the ShileyMarcos School of Engineering. “Spent an enjoyable six years in that role,” he says. “In May 2010, we moved to Alameda, Calif., and started a family architectural firm. My son continues as an architect on several development projects in the San Francisco area.” DANIEL WILSON (BA) retired after a 47-year teaching career at the University of San Diego and

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Cathedral Catholic High School. Danny taught math, computer programming and journalism. [1969] LAWRENCE LACOMBE (BA) qualified and worked as an expert witness on land title matters in state and federal court, and in arbitration. He appeared in seven cases in the past four years and completed programs at Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute for Conflict Resolution and with the National Conflict Resolution Center in San Diego. He prepared and presented programs for CEB California, Land Title Association, Lorman Education Services, UCLA Extension and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. GARY LANE (JD) recently merged his financial planning, estate planning, retirement planning and associated practices with Premier Financial Alliance. “This now gives me access to some of the most advanced, consumer-oriented and most all-encompassing protection available to anyone,” he says.

1970s [1973] DALE ANDERSEN (MA) has been writing plays and screenplays for the past 16 years. He has studied dramaturgy and taken advanced playwriting courses at the South Coast Repertory Theatre. Dale has a certificate in screenwriting from the University of California, Irvine, and in April 2014 his one-act play, The Hundred Million Dollar Son, was a semifinalist at the 2014 O’Neill Playwrights Conference. In June 2014, his screenplay, Stanley Ishkhanyan’s Next Big Thing, was an award-winner at the 2014 International Independent Film Awards. BRUCE CAHILL (BA) retired in 2013 and spent a month camping on the beach on Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. [1974] VINCENT ADESZKO (JD) retired as an assistant chief deputy district attorney from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Vincent started his career in the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office in 1975. “After 10 years of criminal defense trials, I was invited by the Sacramento district attorney to join the prosecution side in

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1985,” he says. “After 22 years of prosecution, I retired in 2007.” PEGGY DEEGAN (BS, MBA ’82) welcomed her fourth grandchild, Francis Alan, born on Jan. 8, 2014. TERENCE JESMORE (BA) is a field manager for an organic farm. He lives in the Judean Hills about 55 miles south of Jerusalem and he helps grow biblical herbs. KEVIN MORRISON (JD) reports that he has retired. EDWARD THORSON (BA) retired on Jan. 1, 2012, after 18 years as a bilingual (English/Spanish) elementary school teacher. He now works part time as a substitute teacher for the San Diego Unified School District. [1975] GREGORY BIANCO (BS, JD ’79) reports that he recently retired. GILBERT CARRASCO (BA) took a leave of absence from Willamette University to teach Constitutional Law and Human Rights at Kuwait International Law School for the 2014-15 academic year. NEIL TORR (BA) says he has been busy with his special events entertainment company, Epod Talking Photo Booth. “This is career number six, following a sports car restoration business, (work as) an accident reconstructionist/expert witness, partner in a low-speed injury medical analysis firm, computer science middle school teacher and high school International Baccalaureate history teacher,” he says. WILLIAM UBERTI (BA, MA ’78) retired as a captain from the Coast Guard in 2008. He currently teaches college U.S. history classes part time at Miramar MCAS. William is active in his parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program and the Knights of Columbus Council. [1976] JANE L. AUSTIN (BA) is selling real estate. RANDALL KLOTZ (BA) moved to his new law office in La Mesa, Calif., in June 2014. NORMAN QUANDT (JD) retired in 2012 after 35 years of traveling around the country representing manage-

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ment (most recently for airlines) in labor matters. He says that he stays busy working in his yard at his home 50 miles outside of Atlanta. [1977] ANNA ECKSTEIN (BSN) says her grandson, Andrew Eckstein, transferred from the University of California, Santa Barbara, to USD in August 2014. [1978] BRUCE HARRISON (JD) added a new office for his legal services in Olmito, Texas.

1980s [1980] PHILIP LINDSLEY (JD), an attorney with the San Diego Elder Law Center, was appointed to the executive committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the State Bar of California for a three-year term, which began on Sept. 14, 2014. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and one of only two CELAs in San Diego County. He is also a State Bar of California Certified Legal Specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law, and an accredited Veterans Administration attorney. Philip is a member of the San Diego County Probate Bench Bar Committee and a founder and board member of the Probate Attorneys of San Diego. JIM VALENZUELA (BBA) writes, “Looking forward to grandfatherhood, thanks to daughter Natalie, and tennis with son, Nick.” [1982] LORI (HOCK) FOX (BA) reports that Michael Elliot Fox III is the second generation and sixth family member to graduate from USD. “Love those Toreros!” Lori says. [1983] BRENDA BUZBY (BA) graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1987. She is the wife of Dr. Arie Rynders and the mother of five college graduates, as well as the immediate past president of the Kern County Dental Society and California Dental Association Board of Trustees. “I am very passionate about volunteering at CDA Cares events all over California, bringing free dental care to all patients with any kind of access-to-care barriers,” she says.

MARK CHAPMAN (BA) joined Golden 1 Credit Union as vice president and head of marketing. Golden 1 is the country’s sixth largest credit union, serving Sacramento, Calif., and California’s Central Valley. Mark’s 29-year career in financial services includes positions at Bank of America, Visa and Fair Isaac. He recently served as trustee for the Native Sons of the Golden West and is on the board of directors for the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership of Marin in San Rafael, Calif. Mark and his wife of 27 years live in Fairfax, Calif., with their four children, ages 19 to 25.

business. “Been photographing sporting events the last several years, now branching into fine art, event and portrait photography,” she says. Nora was recently named a featured artist for the Art of Pride 2014 in San Diego. She is working on photography for a coffee table book and is also providing art for a charity.

JAMES REILLY (BA) writes, “Recently retired as a colonel from the Marine Corps after having served our nation for over 30 years.”

[1987] GWEN RUTAR MULLINS (JD) was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2015. Gwen specializes in construction law with Howard & Howard Attorneys.

[1984] JACQUELINE AKERBLOM (BBA) was appointed to Grant Thornton LLP’s new senior leadership team and continues to serve as the West regional managing partner. Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. In the United States, the firm operates 56 offices with more than 500 partners and 6,000 employees. KAREN MATIUK (BS) recently changed jobs, from teaching second grade to fourth grade at a new school. “18 years, time for a change!” she says. “Saw a USD sticker on a car in Lighthouse Point, Fla.! Made me think of all the good times!” [1985] JOHNNA (MATRANGA) GRANT (BBA) was married in July 2013. LORI NEWMAN (BBA) writes, “Excited to be back living in the San Diego area!” [1986] THERESA DE LA TORRE (BA) retired from teaching CPA to instructors, fire and medical personnel. “I still run an entomology lab for the USDA Agricultural Research Service doing agriculture research,” she says, adding that she also plays and teaches tennis. GEORGE MENDIVIL (MEd) reports that he got married in June 2013. NORA MIDDLETON (BA) has launched a professional photography

JOHN SLAUGHT (BBA) says his youngest daughter, Kendall, carried on the Torero family tradition when she started at USD as a freshman in August 2014. “Looking forward to returning to USD for Homecoming Weekend as a parent now,” John says.

DONNA STARR-DEELEN (JD) finished her PhD in July 2013 and published a book, Presidential Policies on Terrorism: From Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama, in May 2014 through Palgrave Macmillan. “It includes a chapter on the Obama administration and its approach to the use of force in counterterrorism,” she says. [1988] SHARON MALONEY (BBA) reports that her son, Kyle Maloney, is a freshman at USD. ROBERT REINCKE (MBA) is an artist who has completed a significant body of paintings and sculpture and extensive undergraduate and graduate work in the visual arts. His work can be found at www.robertreincke.com. He also wrote two books, one originally edited and promoted by www.spunkybooks.com. JEFF SILVER (BBA) is the managing partner with Ridgeline Partners, a merchant banking firm. [1989] JACQUELINE BROSELLE (BA) is living in the Northwest, raising four athletic children and working as a physical therapist. “Enjoying gardening, hiking, kayaking, fishing and crabbing in between the driving time running the kids everywhere,” she says. “Can’t wait until our 15-year-old can drive!”

CHRISTINA (VIERRA) McGILL (BA) and her husband, David, recently moved to Seattle, Wash., and celebrated their oldest daughter’s graduation from Gonzaga University and their youngest daughter’s graduation from Judge Memorial Catholic High School. Christina is the principal of AssumptionSt. Bridget School. “I am happy to be back in Catholic schools again after four years in public education,” she says.

A Torero For Life. A Legacy Forever.

MARY ELIZABETH “BETTY” SCOTT (EdD) has a website (www. the-intuitive-self.org), originally created by Bill Taggart, a management professor with Florida International University. Betty says that the site is “insightful and personally and professionally beneficial.”

1990s [1991] BRENDAN GALLAGHER (BBA) was promoted from senior manager to principal at Ernst & Young. Brendan is a member of the firm’s transaction advisory services practice in Los Angeles, where he focuses on retail consumer products, technology, hospitality and gaming, as well as private equity. He joined the firm’s transaction advisory service valuation practice in 2002. Brendan has an MBA from Loyola Marymount University and is an accredited senior appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. DREW HARDY (BBA) reported that he married Oksana on March 31, 2014. Drew, Oksana and Drew’s stepson, Yarik, moved to Irvine, Calif., in May 2014. Drew started 24/7 Hotels, a hotel management company, which has been headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., since 2006. RANDY LASER (MBA) is the vice president of pricing and revenue management at Silver Airways in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CHRISTIAN MAIS (BBA) was promoted to chief petty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve on April 1, 2014. He has been a member of the reserve since 1992. When not serving, he teaches the fourth grade in Pico Rivera, Calif.

Family Legacy Endowment Creating a Family Legacy Endowment for the University of San Diego through your estate plan is a simple, yet transformative way to invest in the success of the university’s most valuable resource: our students. As tuition costs continue to increase, so too does the need for financial support. Your Family Legacy Endowment can make an immediate impact where it’s needed most: the establishment of annual student scholarships that will change the lives of future Toreros. For more information on how to establish your legacy at the University of San Diego, call (619) 260-4523 or visit www.sandiego.edu/plannedgiving.

BRIAN McEVILLY (BBA) is the director of reagent marketing at Inova Diagnostics in San Diego and is raising

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NICK ABADILLA

[sidesplitter]

THE CATHOLIC COMEDIAN For Judy McDonald, humor is a higher calling By Trisha J. Ratledge ith sharp wit, serious insight into Catholicism and an ability to shed her own armor, Judy McDonald ’99 (BA) builds trust with each person in her audience, whether she’s at a local parish or in the center of a 40,000-seat arena. She has a dual message: that God has a sense of humor and that Jesus loves you, and not in a preschool-singsong way, but in a determined carry-you-out-of-the-fire way. Billed as a Catholic comedian, McDonald sees herself as a minister and an evangelist who is called to her work by way of The Comedy Store and a few late-night talks with God.

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Her first audition came on stage as a University of San Diego freshman in 1994, when the opening act for the Associated Students Showcase failed to appear and a faculty member urged her to “just go on and talk for 15 minutes,” McDonald remembers. “I said okay because I was too young and dumb to be scared.” After her impromptu set and a standing ovation, she walked away with $50 and the key to her future. It took her into a world of stark contrasts. After seating her parents and a former teacher, Sister Madeline Fitzgerald, in the audience for her first show at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, for instance, McDon-

ald walked into the green room, where a fellow comedian lifted his head from doing a line of cocaine and offered her some. “No thanks, got my Pepsi,” was her quick response. In a business defined by living on the edge, McDonald kept herself centered and her comedy clean. Mitzi Shore, owner of The Comedy Store, gave McDonald carte blanche to appear any time she wanted in two of the club’s venues. Still, ministry called and after graduation from the university, she spent her days as a resident minister for USD and surf coach for University High School, then as a junior high youth minister for The Gathering in La Jolla, Calif.

When funding for that position ended, she launched into one of her late-night talks with God as she considered pursuing comedy on a full-time basis.“I really felt like I had to give up comedy or my Catholic faith,” says McDonald, who increasingly saw the two as incompatible. “But in his very loud God voice with the white beard and everything, God said to me, ‘Dummy, I made you this way for a reason. You are going to be able to touch people that others can’t. You don’t have to give up on either.’” That marked McDonald’s transformation into life as a Catholic comedian, spreading the Gospel through her stories about life. She set up camp at her parents’ home in Vista, Calif., and began traveling across the country and overseas to youth conferences, parishes, universities, military bases and more. “Humor levels the playing field,” says McDonald about her ability to reach all ages. “After about an hour, there is a certain trust that they have with me because my comedy is very personal; and then I give them the one-two punch about our faith and about Jesus.” McDonald shares philosophies she herself has learned to embrace, especially in recent years while she has dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder as she resolves a long-standing childhood trauma. Daisy, her service dog, is her constant and steady companion, even on stage. McDonald raised the $10,000 she needed for Daisy in just two weeks through a heartfelt letter and crowdfunding on her website, fansite and Facebook page. This lesson in recognizing her own vulnerabilities and accepting help is the closing message of her current show. “God worked through other people’s hearts so I could receive some of his love,” she says. “He hasn’t shown me the answer for how to get out (of this trauma), but he’s shown me how to hold on and get to the next day with Daisy.”

two daughters who are now attending Cathedral Catholic High School. [1993] MARY BETH BURSON-LUDWIG (BAcc) was in a successful career as a CPA when inadequate resources available to her developmentally disabled son prompted her to quit her corporate job and launch a nonprofit to help families in the same situation. She started Anova in her garage in 2000 with her co-founder, Andrew Bailey, three employees and four students. Today, Anova has grown to a $10 million nonprofit with more than 250 employees, three K-12 schools and a treatment center, serving more than 500 children with autism and learning differences in 15 counties in Northern California. KRISTIN BUNKER TILLEY (BAcc) is a self-employed certified public accountant. She and her husband, Brinnon, have been married for 13 years and they have two children, Brinnon Jr., 5, and Raelynne, 1. [1994] KC MARES (BA, BBA ’94) moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Reno-Tahoe, Nev., area 11 years ago to start a data center company and to be close to mountain biking and skiing. After selling that business, KC worked for Google and Yahoo leading data center strategy, operations and development. He now provides his services to many large users of data centers through a consulting company. Over the years, he has helped to lead energy efficiency and renewable energy use within large data centers around the globe. “I am now looking to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area for further life and career enhancements,” he says. “Always thrilled to catch up with USD friends.” [1995] VALESKA McDONALD GUADALUPE (MEd) has been the program supervisor for the adult day training program at Schott Communities since 2011. KRISTEN JANIS (BAcc) was promoted from senior manager to executive director at Ernst & Young. She is a member of the firm’s assurance practice in San Diego, where she focuses on technology companies. Since joining the San Diego office in 1995, Kristen has served a wide range of clients, from venture-backed start-ups, to

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multinational Fortune 500 technology and biotechnology companies. She is a certified public accountant licensed to practice in California and a member of the American Institute of CPAs. She also has served on the boards of the San Diego Software Industry Council and Junior Achievement. VINCE MOISO (BA) recently sold his shares in an international business back to partners after 15 years. He started his own consulting and financial planning business, contracted with Northwestern Mutual and is working out of the Newport Beach, Calif., office. “I get to change lives every day working with like-minded individuals and business owners, helping them protect what’s most important and plan for the future,” he says. “I am absolutely loving it! Can’t wait to give more back to USD!” [1996] JEFFREY LAWRENCE (MIB) reports that he is retired. JENNY (LINDGREN) SERBAN (BA) took a class lesson to heart when she sang the national anthem at the June 2, 2014, Padres game. An English teacher at Steele Canyon High School in Spring Valley, Calif., Jenny gave her students an assignment to write their bucket lists and revealed her wish to sing the national anthem at a baseball game. In turn, they orchestrated her wish when an opportunity to sing resulted from a Class of 2017 fundraiser to sell tickets to the June 2 game. “I was in shock,” Jenny said about the opportunity in a 10News story. “I was speechless, which is hard for me. I couldn’t stop smiling.” [1997] ERIC GARFIELD (MBA) is busy with his children, Kylee, 7, and Morgan, 5. “Soccer, tennis and guitar lessons,” he says. “There is no stopping them.” CURT HARRINGTON (LLM) was confirmed by the California State Bar Board of Trustees to assume the chair of the State Bar’s California Board of Legal Specialization. Curt is a hightech patent attorney and a California Board of Legal Specialization Certified Tax Specialist. In addition to his LLM in taxation, Curt holds a JD, master’s degrees in chemical and electrical engineering, and an MBA. He has prepared and prosecuted hundreds of patents, and has published and spoken widely on legal topics such as pat-

ent, trademark, intellectual property taxation and business start-up.

weighed 10 pounds, 2.5 ounces at birth and was 21 inches long.

WENDY KELLER (BA) was recently named Woman of the Year in Occupational Therapy by the National Association of Professional Women. Wendy owns her own business as an occupational therapist and works as an independent contractor with both pediatric and adult patients. “I have found that I am able to utilize both my music and my music management certificate that I obtained from USD on a regular basis,” she says. “It is funny where life leads you and I am glad to have had my professional start at USD.”

[1999] BRIAN YINGLING (BBA) and his wife, Alisa, celebrated the arrival of twins, Abigail and Bradley, on Aug. 30, 2013. The family lives in Altadena, Calif.

TOM MACK (BS/BA) has transferred to the Navy Communications Satellite Program Office at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. LUIS MASSIEU (BBA) and his wife, Marta, have a new baby girl named Matilda. Luis continues working as founder and chief executive officer of www.apostille.net, a leading company offering apostille document authentication services. ROBERTO REYES (BAcc) writes, “Investing in technology companies and helping the craft beer industry prosper in San Diego.” TODD SCHMIDT (BA) completed his EdD studies through the University of Southern California and graduated with a doctorate in K-12 leadership. Todd is an elementary school principal in Corona del Mar, Calif. [1998] CHRIS KUJAWA (BAcc) was promoted from senior manager to partner at Ernst & Young. Chris is a member of the firm’s transaction advisory services practice in San Francisco, which he joined in 2004. Chris focuses on financial diligence in the health care and life sciences industries. He has an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and is a certified public accountant licensed to practice in California and a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

2000s [2000] CHRIS BRUSCA (BA, MSGL ’06) reports that he is still in the U.S. Navy and was recently selected to command a ship. JOHN CURRAN (BA) graduated from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine with an MD degree on May 10, 2014. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the U.S. Navy on the same day. John began his medical internship at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia on June 27, 2014. REBECCA HAYES (BA) is the owner of e3 Consulting, which offers specialized academic tutoring, consultation and therapy for students from kindergarten through college. The practice is opening a second location in Encinitas, Calif. The e3 educators work to create a close-knit collaborative team with their clients’ parents, schoolteachers, school administrators, therapists and pediatricians. [2001] HILDA ECHEVERRIA (BAcc) was promoted from senior manager to partner at Ernst & Young. Hilda is a member of the firm’s assurance practice in Los Angeles, where she serves clients across a range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, software and professional services. She is a certified public accountant licensed to practice in California and a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

DAVID SANCHEZ (BBA) and his wife welcomed their first son, Diego, on March 11, 2014.

GAIL NOLAN (BA) was promoted to senior legal analyst with the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.

ADRIANNA (CORREA) SCHUSTER (BBA) and her husband welcomed their first child, Max Joseph, into the family on April 22, 2014. Max

[2002] JUSTIN ALMEIDA (BA) is working at the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center, a peace and justice non-

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profit organization. He also is studying for a master of divinity degree in chaplaincy at Seattle University’s School of Theology & Ministry. ANNE ONGYOD (BA) reported that she was married in December 2013. TRAVIS ANDREW VOWLES (BBA) reported that he married Alton Earl Major II on May 17, 2014, in Bonsall, Calif. [2003] DAVID BRENNAN (LLM) is in his fifth year of teaching at USD. “Looking forward to another great year as the coach/advisor to USD Law’s VICAM organization and its international commercial arbitration competition teams going to Vienna and Hong Kong.” BASIL CONSIDINE (BA) completed his PhD in music and drama at Boston University in 2013. His opera, The Frat Party, was performed at the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival. Basil accepted a faculty position at Walden University in Minneapolis, where he says that magnificent lakes and winter wonderland half the year are no substitute for San Diego’s balmy climate. DIANA KUTLOW (MA) was promoted to director of development and alumni relations for the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. KEVIN READE (BA) reports that he has three children.

Spirit never goes out of style! Get your gear at the USD Torero Store. Whether you’re headed to class, to the beach or to cheer on the Toreros, the USD Torero Store has everything you need to show your spirit! Shop in store and online for textbooks, Torero apparel, study supplies, technology and

[2004] CHRISTINE CARRILLO-VINCENT (BA) writes, “We welcomed our third miracle into our family. Aurora Leigh, born Feb. 22, 2013, joined big brothers Emerson Diego and Atticus Quinn. We feel so blessed!” JILL (PASQUALETTO) HAMAKER (BA) is director of government affairs for Emergent BioSolutions, a specialty pharmaceutical company in Washington, D.C. She and her husband, Delk, live in McLean, Va.

more. The USD Torero Store is being reimagined into a modern, experiencedriven retail destination. A brand new campus store is now being built adjacent to the Student Life Pavilion and will open this summer. Visit our website for more information.

(619) 260-4551 / www.usdtorerostores.com

U SD M A G A Z IN E

LEIGH (DONOVAN) LINCOLN (BA) and her husband, Davin, welcomed a baby on March 17, 2014. LAURIE ROWEN (JD) and her husband, Kyle Rowen ’00, live in Irvine, Calif., with two daughters, ages 4 and 6. Laurie is a co-owner of Montage

Legal Group and Kyle is an attorney at Wesierski & Zurek. SUZANNE (WARREN) SKOV (JD) launched Skov Law Corp. in 2013. She handles commercial real estate transactions and advises clients on land use and CEQA-related issues. AARON UNIS (BS/BA) works at Lockheed Martin in San Diego. He earned a master’s degree in architectural engineering at UCSD and lives in San Diego with his wife, Jenna Yezarski-Unis ’05, and son, Hayden, 2. HENRY YORGEY (JD) reported that he married Adalberto Mendivil, on March 31, 2014, at the Inn at the Park in San Diego. [2005] ROBERT BARBER (MSGL) retired after more than 20 years of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps and he accepted a position with CNI Advantage in Jacksonville, Fla., conducting strategic logistics planning for the Marine Corps. KRISTOPHER CARTER (BA) is a family medicine resident at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. He anticipated graduating in Dec. 2015. PAUL MISLEH (BBA) co-founded Fortis Capital Management, an investment management firm focused on building people’s wealth. GARY MYERS (MSSCM) retired on Dec. 1, 2013, after 39 years with Southern California Edison. NADI WILLIAMS (BA) published Seal the Deal, a book about learning to accept the person in the mirror in order to facilitate healthy relationships with others. Using examples from Nadi’s life, the book guides readers through their own personal journey, exploring areas in which they feel confident and examining areas in relationships that can use work. [2006] MANUELA AGUIRRE (BA) is in her fifth year as the U.S.-Mexico border director for Wildcoast, a San Diegobased international conservation nongovernmental organization. Manuela is working toward a master of advanced studies degree in marine biodiversity and conservation at UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

[reunion reminder]

MARITZA DIAZ (BA) finished the paralegal program at USD and then decided to pursue a certificate in translation and interpretation at the University of California, San Diego. She expected to complete the program in October 2014. ANGELICA GONZALEZ (BA) was married recently at Founders Chapel. “It had always been a dream of mine to be married there, since the first day my momma took me to orientation,” she says. “Not only did I get the man of my dreams, I got the wedding of my dreams! It meant so much to me to have my family and friends come see the gorgeous campus where I studied. I may always be an Orange County girl, but my heart will always belong to San Diego.” CAMILLE PATERSON (BA) writes, “I met the man of my dreams from Australia and recently celebrated a year of marriage and a year for him in the States.” Camille and her husband, Christopher, live in Seattle, where they launched a life coaching company. The website for more information is: www.camillepaterson.com. [2007] JULIA (NOVAK) COLWELL (BA) is a PhD student in fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University in Lansing. In July 2014, she was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to carry out dissertation research in India, where she will study the social and environmental impacts of a closed fishing season on different segments of the fishery-dependent population. “I really valued my undergraduate learning experience in the environmental studies department at USD!” she says. HEATHER CURRY (BA) oversees the external affairs of a free-market think tank in Washington, D.C. “On a personal note, we just welcomed our first daughter, Lindsay, to the world, so I’m on the hunt for a USD onesie!” she says. “Go Toreros!” TANNER ENGSTRAND (MBA) reported that he married Lauren on May 30, 2014. GRACE GIL (BBA) was promoted to learning program manager at Petco Animal Supplies in San Diego. She is in charge of all product training across 1,300 retail stores.

RAQUEL (ROWLAND) MARTINEZ (BBA) reported that she married Juan on May 10, 2014. KATELYNN McBRIDE (BA) began a new career as assistant director of career development at Notre Dame Law School in July 2014. JENNIFER MILOSCH (BA) completed a PhD in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in May 2014 and joined California State University, Sacramento, in the fall of 2014 as assistant professor of economics. TONY O’NEILL (MSRE) and current USD MSRE student Jon Mesa partnered under Tony’s Wolverine Ventures Inc. to pursue opportunistic and value-add note and property acquisitions throughout the western United States, such as multifamily, retail and hospitalityrelated notes and REO assets. Tony oversees the organization’s asset management, acquisition and business development activities. Thanks to the strong real estate law and finance components of his MSRE training, Tony says he is able to analyze and price risk in situations not often embraced by traditional investors. RYDELL TODICHEENEY (MSN, PhD ’14) accepted a post-doc fellowship at Arizona State University’s College of Nursing & Health Innovation and Mayo Clinic’s Transdisciplinary Training in Health Disparities Science program, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research at the National Institutes of Health. “My area of interest focuses on hepatitis C and liver cancer research among American Indian/Alaska Native peoples,” he says. ANNIE TOTH (BA) reported that she married Drew McIlvaine on June 15, 2013, in Founders Chapel; a photo from their wedding was published in the Fall 2013 USD Magazine. The couple bought a home in the Rolando area of San Diego, where they live with their three dogs. Annie is working in a global operations role for the Center for Creative Leadership and volunteers as a member of the USD Alumni Board of Directors. [2008] INDRANEEL BHATTACHARYYA (BBA) completed his MBA from the

Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles, and started a general management training program at Amazon.com in Seattle. His wife, Megan (Nearhoff) Bhattacharyya ’08, was promoted to senior marketing manager at Intuit. Neel and Megan moved to Seattle, adopted a dog and are enjoying life in the Pacific Northwest. MIKE BOROUGHS (BAcc) cofounded Fortis Capital Management, an investment management firm focused on building people’s wealth. STEPHEN GALANIS (BBA, BA ’08) is a human resources generalist at Fandango/NBC Universal and lives in Los Angeles. In December 2011, he graduated with an MBA from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. He is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society and has been a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) since June 2013. During his time at CGU, Stephen studied abroad in Hong Kong. While at USD, he studied in Madrid. LAUREN (GYLLENBORG) GOLDEN (BA) and her husband, Justin, welcomed their second child, Henry James, on March 29, 2014. “Big sister Daphne is so excited to teach ‘Baby Honey’ everything she knows!” Lauren says. Lauren is director of public relations and alumni affairs at Notre Dame de Sion School in Kansas City, Mo. SHANNON GREEN (BBA) is an interior designer for AVID Associates, a firm specializing in high-end residential interior design, interior architecture and construction. JUSTIN KURN (BA) joined the Yoga Six management team in March 2013 to help grow the firm’s yoga concept nationwide. Yoga Six has four studios in San Diego, one in St. Louis and three under construction in downtown Chicago. Each location has its own connection to the community around it and offers nine to 14 classes a day with a wide range of options. The firm’s website is www.yogasix.com. ERIC OAKLEY (BAcc) reported that he married Jacklyn Brown on April 20, 2013. “We have been enjoying our time fixing up our house, walking our dog, Chase, and taking

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our boat to Catalina with friends,” he says. Eric expected to travel to Croatia in the fall of 2014 and Munich, Germany, for 2014 Oktoberfest. Eric is CEO and founder of Local Lighthouse, an Internet marketing firm with more than 10,000 clients across the country (www.locallighthouse.com). TRAE REICHERT (BBA) graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2014 with a JD degree. CHATCHAI SIRISUTH (BBA) and his brother, John, represented Thailand in the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships in Denver in July 2014. After making the cut for the national team in 2013, the brothers had been competing in contests against teams from China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. This was the first time Thailand qualified for the world championships. Chatch was a four-year starter for USD’s lacrosse team, team captain in 2008 and a member of USD’s MCLA Division II national championship teams in 2005 and 2006. [2009] ANA BRAVO-ROMERO (MA) has a new counseling faculty position at Kapi’olani Community College in Oahu. She says that she and her husband, Nelson, have been enjoying Hawaii. KATHERINE GAEDE (BBA) is in the marketing department of Rockefeller & Company, a wealth management firm in the New York City area. Katherine has been with Rockefeller & Company since moving to New York in 2012. AMANDA (RAUSCH) KNAPP (BA, MA ’11) reported that she married Thomas in May. TRACY LOGAN (JD) spent five years in Washington, D.C., where she was a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) and worked at the U.S. Department of Energy supporting alternatively financed renewable energy projects on federal land. As a PMF, Tracy completed a four-month assignment at the International Energy Agency in Paris and worked at the White House Council on Environmental Quality in the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive. In 2013, Tracy was awarded a Fulbright Professional Scholarship in Climate Change and Clean Energy and she spent five

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months conducting energy research in Sydney, Australia. The Australian beach lifestyle inspired Tracy in 2014 to return to Southern California, where she works for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Pacific Region Office as the lead for offshore renewable energy projects in Hawaii. SARAH MANAHAN (BA) started an organization in 2014 to help youth and adolescents stay off the streets and get out of violent situations by surfing. “We are beginning our work in El Salvador, and hope to spread through Central America promoting emotional, mental and physical wellness to combat the growing problem of violence and emigration,” she says. NATHAN MATHEW (BA) is on deployment in Ethiopia to manage operations in South Sudanese refugee camps. SYDNEY McRAE (BA) moved to Washington, D.C., where she started a graduate program at George Washington University and interned for all three branches of the federal government. She finished her master of public administration degree in 2011 and became a contractor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. From there, she moved into a nonprofit organization and then started law school at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clark School of Law. Sydney now works for the Department of Defense’s Freedom of Information Act Litigation Office. BLAKE MILLER (JD) is an associate attorney at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, and is secretary of the Southern California American Immigration Lawyers Association. BRITTANY (PURVIANCE) NORDIO (BBA) recently launched BeJarred, an online gift subscription service where customers schedule gifts once and the gifts are updated automatically every year for the recipients (www.bejarred.com). “After working 10 years for small business and personally experiencing the challenges of a working woman, I wanted to start my own business, not to become rich but to create jobs and a fun and supportive working environment for women,” Brittany says. LORENA SAUCEDO (BA) was named the communications coordi-

nator in February 2014 for St. Cecilia Elementary School in Tustin, Calif. SHAYNA (HERSKOVIC) TOBIN (BA) reported that she married Shane Tobin ’09 in April 2014 in Las Vegas. Shane is in the JD program at USD’s School of Law and Shayna has returned to USD’s campus as a staff member in the parking services and university scheduling department.

2010s [2010] AMANDA (THEIS) ACCIOLY (BA) and her husband, Guilherme, welcomed a baby girl, Gabriella Clare, on April 29, 2014. JOE HAGGERTY (BA) began medical school in August 2014 at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. SPENCER HAYES (BBA) writes, “I have been working as the sales manager at Matuse Wetsuits in Del Mar and living in La Jolla; enjoying what San Diego has to offer (still)!” MICHELLE KAUNANG (BA) left for Suriname as a Peace Corps volunteer after graduating from USD. “I spent two years working in a rural community with the women’s group to train women in small business management and entrepreneurship, water and sanitation projects and youth advocacy.” She returned from Suriname in July 2013 and has been working in the Washington, D.C., area since then. DANICA OLIVER (MBA) is an email marketing manager at Doner Advertising, which is headquartered in Detroit with offices in Los Angeles and London. “I am stationed onsite with one of their main clients here in San Diego, The UPS Store corporate headquarters,” Danica says. SIMI (BUMIA) RUSH (MA) joined United Through Reading as data manager in 2013. United Through Reading is a nonprofit organization with a mission to unite military families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together. As a military spouse, Simi is thankful to work for an organization that recognizes the unique skillsets military spouses can bring and regularly employs them.

ADAM TYDINGCO (BBA) is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “While working in residential real estate nearly full time, I have also been working on several business develop ment opportunities back home in Guam, as well as looking into potentially finding a fun part-time marketing/ sales position elsewhere,” he says. [2011] NATALIE ANDREWS (MBA) is the social media editor for the Washington, D.C., bureau of The Wall Street Journal. ERIN ELZABETH DOWNEY (BAcc, MAcc ‘11) reported that she married Andrew Charles Alton at Founders Chapel on May 17, 2014. After their sunset reception on Mission Bay, the bridal couple vacationed in Maui. The bride and groom met while Erin was in her senior year at USD. She is a licensed CPA and senior audit associate, working at KPMG, LLP. Andrew completed his degree in Global Supply Chain Management at CSUSM in Dec. 2014. He works as a machinist in Escondido. Erin and Andrew plan to live happily ever after in San Diego. WILLIAM HARTLEY (BA) is a graduate student in technical direction at the Yale School of Drama. WILLIAM HOWENSTINE (BA) spent almost three years working his way up the Yelp sales ladder, then left his position to pursue web development full time. “It was fun watching a company grow from an office of 70 in New York to over 500, and thousands across the globe,” he says, and adds that he’s excited to put to work the full-stack development skills he’s learning in programming boot camp. “Can’t wait to finish and get out there and build things for people.” MOLLY JONES (BBA) is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is enrolled in Coldwell Banker’s Journey to Mastery program. At USD, Molly was a Presidential Scholar and received the California Homebuilding Foundation/Ernest Hahn Scholarship and the Woodruff Scholarship. JUSTIN SHIFRIN (MSRE, MBA ’13) joined Strata Equity Group as an acquisition manager. Strata is a privately held real estate investment firm

[reunion reminder]

[rest in peace]

A PERSON OF EXCELLENCE by Michelle Breier ister Sally Furay was a professor, university provost, academic dean, lawyer, theater education visionary and active nonprofit board member. At the same time, she devoted her life to her Catholic faith as a devout member of the Society of the Sacred Heart. “She was a sophisticated woman with a profound spiritual faith,” said The Old Globe Theatre historian Darlene Davies. Sister Furay arrived in San Diego in 1954 to teach literature and drama at the San Diego College for Women, and it wasn’t long before she became a leading figure on the campus that would become the University of San Diego. “Her signature is indelibly imprinted on this university, and her legacy is seen and felt everywhere,” USD President Mary Lyons said. Sister Furay died on Jan. 10, 2015 at Sharp Memorial Hospital of complications from a stroke. She was 88. Sister Furay was USD’s provost and vice president for 25 years, retiring in 1996. She was instrumental in the 1972 merger of the College for Women and the San Diego University College for Men and School of Law to establish USD. She saw the unification of the colleges as an obvious move for a better university, said Society of the Sacred Heart provincial Sister Barbara Dawson. “She was really a person of excellence and I think she wanted to … have the best possible educational opportunity that she could create,” Dawson said. Sister Furay’s passions were diverse, and with them she “epit-

omized dedication and commitment,” Lyons said. An interest in college administration inspired Sister Furay to enroll in law school at age 42, while she was academic dean at the College for Women. A champion of equal rights, she helped to implement courses on genderbased discrimination into USD School of Law curriculum. She taught the course “Sexual Harassment and the Law” from 1974 to 1992. In 1994, she established the university’s Trans-Border Institute, which focuses on bringing greater attention to U.S.-Mexico border issues. Sister Furay was an avid supporter of The Old Globe Theatre, serving as president of its board of directors and working closely with founding Director Craig Noel and former Artistic Director Jack O’Brien. “This woman made my life possible as an artistic director,” he said. Soon after O’Brien joined The Old Globe from Broadway in 1981, he shared with Noel and Sister Furay his frustration over a dearth of classically trained actors. Noel had long wanted to establish a master of fine arts program with a university. “I said it would be great if we could … build our own. Sally took the ball and ran with it,” O’Brien said. In 1987, Noel and Sister Furay established The Old Globe/USD Graduate Acting Program, now one of the most prestigious and competitive in the country. Sister Furay worked with Noel to create an endowment for the Old Globe. “Because of her stature as a provost, attorney, religious leader, she took all that and used it to benefit the community,” said

CHRISTY SEAVER

Sister Sally Furay, RSCJ, 1926-2015

Bob Kelly, retired CEO of The San Diego Foundation, another local institution that benefited from Sister Furay’s leadership. “She was instrumental in making The San Diego Foundation what it is today,” Kelly said. In particular, Sister Furay worked closely with Audrey Geisel to set up the Dr. Seuss Fund at the foundation, and the fund has granted millions to San Diego. Sally Marguerite Furay was born on June 12, 1926, in Omaha, Neb. She joined the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1944, making her first vows in 1947 and her final profession in 1952 in Rome. She earned her bachelor’s in English at Duchesne College in Omaha in 1949. She continued her education with a master’s in English from San Francisco College for Women, now a part of the University of San Francisco, and a doctorate in English and American literature from Stanford University in 1955.

Sister Furay’s involvement in community and educational organizations was extensive. She served as board chair of the National Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities; vice president of the San Diego County Bar Association; chair of Sen. Barbara Boxer’s Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee for the Southern District of California; and was the first female president of the Western College Association. She also served on higher education accrediting commissions for 12 years; the California Student Aid Commission; and the Legal Services Review Panel for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Contributions can be made to the Sister Sally M. Furay Endowed Scholarship Fund. To learn more, go to www.sandiego.edu/giving. Reprinted with permission of U-T San Diego © 2014 The San Diego Union-Tribune, LLC.

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specializing in land development and multifamily acquisitions. Justin sources, underwrites and conducts due diligence on future investments. Justin’s prior experience includes positions with InterWest Capital Corporation, Fairfield Residential and JMI Realty.

KUAN TSE TSENG (IMBA) began working for ESUN Bank in Taipei, Taiwan, after graduating from USD. The bank has been developing offshore branches, including in China and Los Angeles. He married Kai Wen Liu in 2013.

ALEXA STROBRIDGE (BBA) is an event manager at Life Time Athletic Events.

DOMINIQUE (ALJABI) WILLIAMS (BBA, BA ’12) reported that she married Scott at The Immaculata on March 29, 2014. Dominique is working full time and is a part-time law student at Thomas Jefferson School of law. She is at the halfway mark of her law studies, she says.

LUIS GUSTAVO TOSI (BA) launched his own business. KURT WHITMAN (JD) and his wife, Suzanne, have moved back to California with their children, Alexander, 3, and Thalia, 1. Kurt transferred from Dorsey and Whitney’s Minneapolis office to join the firm’s trial group in its Costa Mesa, Calif., office. ERIN (SCHNEIDER) ZIMMERMAN (BA) reported that she married Tim Zimmerman recently. Erin and Tim met in high school. Erin also recently celebrated her three-year work anniversary with B&B Theatres. [2012] DIANA RODRIGUEZ AGISS (BAcc, BBA ’12, BA ’12) is in law school and expects to graduate in December 2014. ALEXANDRA BITSIMIS (BA) works for Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, a small research lab in San Diego’s Sorrento Valley. EMILY CULLEN (BA) is working as a production chemist for Hologic in San Diego. Her projects typically involve formulating tests that screen donated blood for viruses such as HIV and West Nile Virus. JESSICA HAGENS-JORDAN (BA) is enrolled in graduate school at Georgetown School of Foreign Service, where she is working toward a master’s degree in Latin American studies. SAM HARTFIELD (BA) is an executive risk management and management liability insurance broker. WARREN HEATON (LLM) published an article in the Mexican Law Review and joined the Arizona State Bar. KATIE KUCICH (BA) finished her second year of Teach for America and is now in her third year of teaching high school math.

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[2013] MICHAEL BLUMEYER (BBA) previously worked as a settlements analyst, risk management analyst and pricing analyst at Brandes Investment Partners in San Diego. He developed experience working in the trading department, matching equity trades and other DTC contracts, and working in risk management. MICHAEL CAMPAGNA (BBA) earned his California real estate license in May 2014 and was hired by Partners Trust Real Estate Brokerage & Acquisitions. CHRISTIAN FETTERS (BS/BA) was named a deputy program manager for Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in San Diego. He is training with the manufacturing engineering department and the finance department before becoming a regular program manager. LUCAS HASSETT (BA) is working at the options desk at Raymond James Financial. SARAH JORGENSEN (BA) graduated in May 2014 from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism with a master of science degree. She works in television news and lives in New York. KELLY LA RUE (BA) has been working in sales at Oracle Inc. in Austin, Texas, since graduation. CHRISTINE LIOU (MA) is an undergraduate advisor at the University of California, San Diego, Division of Biological Sciences. GENG LIU (BA) is in graduate school at Pepperdine University.

ABBY MALCHOW (BBA) is in the MBA program at the University of Maryland. LAURA McNAUGHTON (MA) works at Occidental College. DANIEL MEADE (BA) returned to England after graduating from USD. “I must say that Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook have made me continuously envious of all California friends who seem to spend all day in and around the beach area. My former (soccer) teammate and roommate has recently launched a company we had been working on since graduating. Check it out: www.pleymkr. myshopify.com.” KATLYN PARTYNSKI (BA) finished the first year of her master’s program in genetic counseling at the University of Michigan. She also completed an internship at USC’s cancer genetics clinic during the summer of 2014. DAVID TRIEU (MBA) is working in sourcing and supply chain at CareFusion. RAE VALENCIA (BA) is preparing for graduate school. [2014] HARMONIE EDELSON (BS/BA) traveled in London, Paris, Venice, Rome and Barcelona after graduating from USD in May 2014. She joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in Carlsbad, Calif., as a senior associate business excellence specialist in the Operations Rotation Program in July 2014. DEREK FLOYD (MA) recently launched Writing for Good, a consulting practice to help nonprofits advance their missions through grants and more. His website is www.writingforgood.org. PHOEBE GURROLA (BA) is a post-production assistant on the TBS sitcom Your Family or Mine. TYLER HANSON (BBA) learned about USD’s real estate program when he was a freshman at the University of Montana, and he quickly transferred. During the fall semester of his junior year, Tyler and three classmates took a leave of absence, pooled funds and purchased a distressed property in

Tacoma, Wash. They then obtained financing, managed renovations and sold the home for a profit in 85 days. Tyler returned to school and was selected for USD’s team in the 2013 National Association of Industrial and Office Properties University Challenge. Currently, Tyler works at Cushman & Wakefield, where he has his sights set on tenant representation. SHANNON MEYERS (BA) recently started a cleaning business while she looks for a full-time position. “I’ve been improving my skills in various areas while I search for a place for myself,” she says. DANNY OCA (MSEL) was promoted to hardware engineering manager with Cubic Defense Systems in San Diego. ABDON PADILLA (BA) is a financial leadership program staff accountant at Sempra Energy. MARGARITA VARGAS PATRON (BA) plans to dedicate a year of service to Workers Defense Project in Austin, Texas, as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. DANIEL ROMERO (MA) was promoted from a program manager to a director at the San Diego Futures Foundation, overseeing the education and training department. “Here, I have opportunities to incorporate the learning that I was afforded at USD through the master’s in nonprofit leadership and management program,” he says. JAMES WRIGHT (MA) graduated from St. Anthony High School in 2005 and from The George Washington University in 2009. He recently received his master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management at USD. James reported that he married Samantha Peterson on May 31, 2014.

In Memoriam ELBERT J. BOONE ’66 (JD) died in September 2013 at age 84. He was a retired San Diego lawyer and is survived by his wife, Betty (Evans) Boone ’64, and by sons Evan Boone of Portland, Ore., and Karsten Boone of Temecula, Calif.

[reunion reminder]

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U SD â&#x20AC;&#x2C6; M A G A Z IN E

CHANGEMAKER CHANGEMAKER CHANGEMAKER CHANGEMAKER CHANGEMAKER CHANGEMAKER

CHANGEMAKER 44

THE CHANGEMAKER FACULTY CHAMPION award was created in recognition that receiving the Ashoka U Changemaker campus designation would not have been possible without the active participation of faculty contributing through their teaching, research, and service. The 2014-15 champions are (clockwise from left): Associate Professor of Marine Science Ron Kaufmann; Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering Truc Ngo; Associate Professor of Leadership Cheryl Getz; Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies Emily Reimer-Barry; Professor of Economics Kokila Doshi and Associate Professor of Management Jennifer Mueller.

M A R K Y OU R C A LEN D AR

Friday, Feb. 20 – Sunday, Feb. 22 Grandparents’ Weekend www.sandiego.edu/parents

Friday, March 20 – Friday May 22 Thursday, March 19 Kyoto Prize Symposium 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Rembrandt: A Decade of Brilliance, 1648-1658 Hoehn Family Galleries www.sandiego.edu/galleries

www.sandiego.edu/kyoto

Thursday, April 16 Creative Collaborations-Undergraduate Research Conference 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Hahn University Center

ANNIE CONNORS

www.sandiego.edu/cc-urc

Saturday, April 25 Alumni Honors 6 p.m. Shiley Threatre www.sandiego.edu/ alumnihonors

Tuesday, May 5 Baseball 6 p.m. USD vs. SDSU Fowler Park USDToreros.com

Saturday, May 16 (Law) Saturday, May 23 (Graduate) Sunday, May 24 (Undergraduate) Commencement Ceremonies www.sandiego.edu/ commencement

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/about/news_center/events.

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