Bridges Academy Lectureship Series
Education is central to the University of San Diego's mission, and
our commitment to education travels beyond campus borders. The Bridges
Academy is a lectureship series which aims to quite literally “bridge” the
gap between the retired community of San Diego and USD through educational
opportunities. Because a sense of community is such an integral part
of education here at USD, the Bridges Academy is designed to foster
relationships with those outside the campus and raise awareness of
university events.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a program fostering life-long learning for those 55 years and older. U3A is a three-week program providing interesting speakers and workshops, and is offered by the Division of Continuing Education at USD, in January and July of each year.
For more information, please visit the University of Third Age Web pages.
While the lectureship series is free to all participants, the Office of Planned Giving encourages growth of the Bridges Academy Endowed Scholarship Fund. We are pleased to announce that in the spring of 2005, this fund achieved the minimum amount of $50,000 and became an “endowed fund”. It will now award two $1,000 scholarships each year. Recipients will be a fine arts student and a general education student. Our goal is to continue to grow this fund to help ensure that students from a variety of backgrounds will be able to enjoy a quality education here at USD. We sincerely thank all of you for your support and interest and look forward to seeing you on campus.

Trust Basics: Rights and Responsibilities of a Trustee
Presented by Rod Hatley, attorney, Strazzeri Mancini LLP
Thursday, February 14, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
The position of trustee is a very important one. Trustees are in a "fiduciary" relationship with the trust’s beneficiaries and this means that they are in a special position of trust and accordingly have a number of significant duties. If you are a trustee, it is vital that you familiarize yourself with these duties. It is just as important to consider these issues when selecting a trustee of your own. Should you select a family member? A professional? What powers should you give the trustee?
Valuing Diversity in San Diego’s Neighborhoods
Presented by Andrew Narwold, professor, USD Department of Economics and Public Policy
Wednesday, February 27, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Ask a realtor what factors determine housing prices and the reply is often location, location, location. Exactly what is it about location that affects housing prices? Join Professor Narwold as he identifies the factors that influence housing prices in San Diego County. The roles of economic and demographic diversity will be highlighted.
Narwold has been a professor of economics in USD’s School of Business Administration since 1990. He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in economics and statistics as well as a course in urban land economics in the USD Masters in Real Estate Program.
Attacking Malaria: The Uganda Project at USD
Presented by Anita Hunter, professor, USD Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Thursday, March 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Malaria kills over 17,000 children under the age of 12 a year in the Mbarara Archdioceses alone. The Hahn School of Nursing was invited to serve as a consultant in the building of a children’s hospital to help address this national crisis. A team of five students and Dr. Hunter spent 7 days in Mbarara assessing the feasibility of building, managing, and sustaining a specialty children’s hospital. Join Professor Hunter as she discusses the results of that consultation and the evolution of this simple beginning to a major university consulting endeavor. USD will be returning to Mbarara this month.
Hunter is an Associate Professor here at USD, teaching in the master’s and doctoral programs; as well as the Director of Master’s and International Nursing. She has lead medical missions since 1995 to Cuernavaca (Mexico), Bani (Dominican Republic), Ghana (West Africa) and Belfast (Northern Ireland); now most recently to Mbarara, Uganda.
Forging Peace with Justice at Home and Abroad
Presented by Dee Aker, Deputy Director and Laura Taylor, Program Officer, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
Thursday, March 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
In 2007, USD’s Institute for Peace and Justice began its sixth year of work with Nepali civil and political groups.The Nepal Project, which strengthens cross-sector communication for inclusive democratic principles, provides participatory workshops and forums, in which participants explore international best practices in conflict transformation ranging from violence prevention, to mediation and negotiation skills. Promoting gender-sensitive decision making in peace and security processes, and educating for social and political change, Dee Aker and Laura Taylor will share stories from the frontlines of global peace building efforts. Having recently returned from a trip to Nepal in the SPRING of 2007, Aker and Taylor will have some invaluable stories and information to share. Don’t miss out on this amazing program!
Buddhism in Asia: A Travelogue
Presented by Karma Lekshe Tsomo, associate professor, USD Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Tuesday, March 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Over the past 2,500 years, Buddhist philosophy and religious practice slowly spread from its roots in India to the four directions. Sometimes called “the glue of Asia,” Buddhist culture has had a powerful influence on people in countries as varied as Nepal, Indonesia, and Siberia. This presentation is a window into the diversity of these traditions. Using images from Buddhist cultures, it illustrates the commonalities shared by Buddhists throughout Asia and the colorful variety of Buddhist lifestyles and traditions.
Tsomo teaches Buddhism and World Religions at the University of San Diego. Over the past 40 years, she has lived and traveled widely in Asian Buddhist societies. A scholar, activist, and Buddhist nun, she focuses especially on the roles of women in the world’s Buddhist traditions.
Wipe Out! A Lesson in Surf Culture and History
Presented by Jerome Hall, professor, USD Department of Archeology
Tuesday, April 8, 10-11:30 a. m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Load your longboard on the woodie station wagon and come join Professor Hall as he examines the historical and socio-cultural components of one of Southern California’s fastest growing leisure activities. Hall will also discuss surfing’s Polynesian roots and their transmission – via the Hawaiian Islands – to Southern California.
Hall, a previous Bridges Academy presenter, is a nautical archaeologist who received his doctorate in anthropology at Texas A&M. In additional to his numerous research projects, Hall is also an avid surfer. When not in class or traveling the world, you will probably find him riding the waves at some of San Diego’s best beaches.
Behind the Scenes – A Look at USD’s Legendary Choral Scholars
Presented by the USD Choral Scholars and director Edwin L. Basilio, Ph.D.
Thursday, April 24, 10-11:30 a.m.
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER, ROOM 120
Join the Choral Scholars and their director, Dr. Edwin Basilio, for some awe-inspiring entertainment. Listen as the group performs some of their personal favorites as well as their most challenging pieces. Following the performance, get the once-in-a-life time opportunity to speak with the group up close and personal and learn about their amazing trip to Europe. What did it feel like to sing in all the major cathedrals? How does this highly elite group recruit members? How do they learn such challenging literature from so many periods?
Discover the University of San Diego: Lecture and Campus Tour
Presented by Iris Engstrand, professor, USD Department of History
Tuesday, May 6
DEGHERI ALUMNI CENTER
Coffee and pastries – 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Lecture – 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Located on 180 acres overlooking the city of San Diego, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, University of San Diego’s campus is a true community treasure. With more than 7,200 students and 2,000 employees, USD continues to gain national as well as global recognition. Join history Professor Iris Engstrand as she speaks about the University’s vibrant history and promising future.
Campus Tram Tour: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
(Tour is limited to 40 so signup early)

