2000 and Beyond
2000
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approves seven new credential programs in special education at USD, including the only undergraduate special education credential available in California.
2001
Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science initiates the second program in the nation to train nurse practitioners to work in urgent care facilities such as hospital emergency rooms.
2002
Students perform 52,000 hours of community service, an increase of more than 200 percent in 10 years. Nearly 70 percent of undergraduates participate in community service projects during their time at USD.
2003
Joan B. Kroc bequeaths a $50 million endowment to USD for the establishment of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. Earlier gifts established the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at USD and the Institute for Peace and Justice's Distinguished Lecture Series.
Alice B. Hayes steps down as president of the university. Mary E. Lyons, president of the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota, is named the third president of the merged University of San Diego.
2004
Degheri Alumni Center opens, a three-story, 28,000-square foot facility.