Judy Rauner

Dear Mrs. Rauner,

I have heard you are not doing well and wanted to send a note.

There are few people in a person's life outside their family who have a profound impact on the direction that person takes in life. You are one of those people in my life and I wanted you to know that.

I still remember walking into the community service office at USD for the first time. You must have just moved in since you were unpacking boxes. Before I could say anything you said, "I have been waiting for you to come." It has always been a mystery to me how you knew I might come by, but walking into that office was the wisest decision of my undergraduate years. The first project I started on was with Children's Activities at St. Vincent dePaul--playing with kids and taking them around San Diego. It was, of course, only the beginning... Los Ninos and Habitat in Tijuana, Viejas Indian Reservation, Helping the Seniors, Storefront Teen Shelter... And then there were the committees you put me on: USD Community Service Committee, Intervarsity Community Service Committee, etc. I came to USD ready for a new beginning after difficult high school years due to my Dad's death. I was filled with ideals and ideas and knew that I was gifted academically but wanted something more than just learning information. You helped me find that through all these activities and it has had profound effects on me as a person and the path I have taken in life.

Of all the things, it is actually one seemingly random event that may have had the greatest impact. In my senior year, I was walking across campus when you came rushing up to me and asked if I would come to a seminar on banking and the poor that was being given by some economist. There weren't many people there and you were worried it would be empty. Now, the last thing I would have wanted to do was waste my time listening to an economist! I decided to go only as a favor to you since you had helped me so much. Of course, the economist was Muhammad Yunus of the Grameen Bank and that was 18 years before he would win the Nobel Prize. By the time he was done speaking, I was practically shaking since I was so excited. I went and spoke with him briefly and then practically ran down to the Dean's office in the College of Arts and Sciences to tell my Mom I was going to get a PhD in Economics. "Economics," she cried, wondering what demon had overcome her idealistic son. But I told her about Yunus and what he did and that I could combine my ideals with my natural abilities with math and numbers. So that is what I did and it has been a great choice. I've been to corners of the world and done things that I could have never imagined. And I thank God that I happened to run into you that day.

One epilogue to that story. I started my PhD at UCSD but had a bit of a hard time. I could understand all the math but didn't get how the economics fit with the math since I hadn't taken any economics courses as an undergraduate. One day I ran into the graduate supervisor at UCSD and told him that it seemed strange they accepted me to the PhD program since I didn't know any economics. He told me that it had been his particular choice. He had seen all the community service work that I had done as an undergraduate and thought that they needed more economists with those ideals and less math nerds. So even that path was opened up with your help.

So I am writing to say thank you. For taking all the time and effort to help me when I was 19 to 21. It has made an impact on who I am at 42. I remember this every semester my first day of lecture when I tell my students the story of how I became an economist--that I was dragged to a lecture by Muhammad Yunus and realized there is a value of understanding the economics of poverty if you wanted to do something about it.

Dear Rauner Family,

When I opened my email today, Wednesday March 23rd, and began to scroll down to the page in the Alumni announcements my heart skipped and I caught my breath when I read the headline “USD Mentor and Visionary Passes Away”. I know why I immediately thought of Judy without first even reading her name in print. She was certainly both a mentor, a visionary, and so much more to me during my years at USD. A feeling of great loss was immediate, followed by regret that our schedules did not match for a lunch date the last time I was in San Diego, and finally immense gratitude for the years I was fortunate enough to know her personally.

I met Judy while I was completing a service learning project for my health psychology class nearly 10 years ago. In subsequent years I worked with her on several other projects for this class or that... and also my senior year when I was a vice-president in associated students. I know without a doubt that two projects that I worked on altered the course that my career would eventually take. I graduated from USD with a BA in Political Science and was rather unsure whatever to do with it. I taught high school for several years, and certainly enjoyed it, but I did not feel that teaching would be a permanent fit for me. The CSL experiences I had working on the Linda Vista Teen Health project and with migrant worker populations stuck with me for years... and eventually the desire to promote health among refugee populations gave me the courage to pursue the field as a career. In 2007 I earned my Master’s of Science in Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and this year I will be starting medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. I certainly owe so much to Judy for her encouragement and advice while I felt so utterly overwhelmed transitioning into such a competitive career field.

Once I walked into Judy´s office and found her lying awkwardly on a small sofa in her office. She said “Finally, I’m so glad someone is here... I hurt my back and I’m stuck”. I helped her up out of the sofa, and after that she would joke how I “saved” her. It really was funny (ironic funny, that is), because I have often felt that she was the one who saved me. I will always fondly remember our chats, our emails, her support, her advice, hearing about her family, and visiting the Rauner home in Mission Hills. Please know how much she meant not just to me, but to countless classmates and friends. I will miss her terribly.

Dear Ms Elliott,

Judy Rauner stands out as a visionary and mentor in my history. Judy was still figuring out the term "service learning" when I was a student at USD. When I walked into her office on the top level, side of the student center, I felt at home. As one of the students in Judy's "student volunteer" program before it became an official and integral part of USD, I learned to stretch and challenge myself by not only helping others, but leading my fellow students in doing so. Judy gave me the opportunity to combine leadership development, community service, and learning skills. Wow. I still benefit from this experience. It was a rich four years working with Judy. Not always comfortable -- definitely rich.

I worked with Judy at USD from 1989 - 1993 when I graduated from USD. Upon graduation, Judy involved me in local San Diego activity to the extent that I took my first job at the United Way in the United Way Volunteer Center. I wrote grants and helped fund and run a new program for an after school grant writing and award program for kids. Kids and adults shared the responsibility of reviewing and rewarding funds to community projects. It was an incredible combination of service and learning in life beyond college.

While at USD, I worked with Judy on the "Linda Vista Kids Project" which helped me understand the value of an afterschool program for keeping middle school kids occupied and focused on being constructive and not destructive; launched the volunteer program with the nearby Indian Reservation which helped me appreciate the different roads a person walks to help their family and the value of a helping hand; and participated in Judy's development of the service learning program. I learned project management, leadership, and empathy. Skills I use in my professional and volunteer work today.

What I learned from Judy is the true value of service and learning -- that they are intertwined and integral to a happy life, a strong character, and a complete sense of self. How can we recognize, live, and appreciate our blessings without sharing them with others? Judy taught me to believe in myself and to believe in others to build community strength and achieve more than we can do individually.

To me, Service and Learning go hand and hand. I only hope and pray that I find the right opportunities to provide to my daughters to learn the same value and appreciation for giving that Judy taught to me.

I'm speechless that Judy is gone. I worked with Judy in the early 90's as an undergraduate student and the impact the Community Resources Office had on me will always be a large part of who I am. The impact she had on so many students was deep and powerful, she brought the best out of all of us. I am so sorry for our loss.

Christine Morvillo Lusk (Class '92)

Dear Ms. Elliot,

I am thankful for the information you have posted on the website about Judy's passing. As I ponder my own career path and where it has taken me now - to Swaziland where I  work with HIV nonprofits - I cannot fathom that I would be here without Judy and the wonderful community service programs offered at USD in the early 1990s. The community service center, guided by Judy's expansive vision and gentle "touch", was undoubtedly the launching point for what has proven to be an inspiring, provocative, and extremely fulfilling career.

I am sure that the loss is profound for everyone on campus. But it is safe to say that Judy's spirit lives on in hundreds, if not thousands of souls who, like me, have chosen paths that may be humble, but are infused with the desire to make the world a better place. I will be keeping Judy's family, friends, and the USD community in my thoughts.

I think the Judy Rauner website is a great idea and a wonderful way to honor her memory, her commitment and her worry.  I'd be honored to have my Feb 5th letter to her added as a testimony.  I copy it below for your convenience.

Judy -

How does one know where to begin?  I labeled the subject of this email message "regrets" but, as I try to capture my thoughts, I think that is a poor choice of words.  I do regret the thought of losing a dear friend but that is so outweighed by the regrets I would have had had I not had so many chances to work with you, to share thoughts with you and to share our mutual passion for enlightened service. 

As you know, I am drawn to bold people, people who are not stymied  by convention or all the reasons we give ourselves for inaction in the face of life's many injustices.  I was drawn to you by your ever-present optimism in the face of often over- whelming odds.  You pioneered service-learning in San Diego, not from the comfort of a large public institution but from the privileged school on the hill.  You mentored Elaine and a generation of female student leaders into a new style of collaborative-based leadership.  You helped found probably the biggest and most successful inter-institutional collaborative service efforts in the nation, a collaborative that continues to cooperatively link together service efforts to more effectively serve the region.  And beyond service, you integrated that service into the academic lifeblood of the university, thereby grounding service in a deeper understanding of the root causes that led to the need for service (and enduring financial support for your program as it is a part of the life blood).

I could go on but, in documenting your successes, I only wish to make the case that you have had a profound impact on me and so many of our colleagues and demonstrated the power of love in the work we do.  Far too often, society's model of leadership is drawn from the military or the competitive corporations of our country.  You have been bold enough to model a mode of leadership that the nation so desperately needs.  Those of us who knew you and had the opportunity to work with you can regret your fate but we celebrate your life, your many accomplishments and the effect your work has had in this world.

I met Judy at the beginning of my sophomore year in high school.  She was remarkably loving, accepting and giving and grew more so every day of her life.  And even more remarkable, she inspired all she touch to be likewise.  Her death is a deep, personal loss for her family, for me and all who knew her.

Rita Johnson
Flower Mound, TX

I have just learned of Judy's passing. Words cannot express how I feel right now. I can honestly say that God blessed me when I met Elaine, Chris and Judy. It was you three that introduced me to Casa del Migrant and then Mark Twain High School through AmeriCorps at a time when I was lost, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. My time with working with you and Judy led me to Michigan to work at a non-profit Migrant Legal Assistance while in Law School. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to work with, and be counseled by Judy and you during that time. I can honestly say that my life has been blessed by having you three guide me during a period of my life when so much was uncertain.

Roger Chapa
Class of 2000

I read Judy's obituary in the paper this morning. Although I am truly saddened by her passing, I find peace in knowing she and her family no longer have to suffer from her illness. Judy had a huge impact on both my personal and professional life. Years ago, when I first started in my role as the district's service learning coordinator, I spent many hours learning from her. She was never hesitant to share her knowledge and passion with me. I found myself quickly realizing that Judy didn't just "talk the talk," she was one of the few who really "walked the talk." Her words and actions supported and inspired me in many ways.

I know all of you at USD are deeply saddened as well, but in a much more broader sense. I know you will miss her vibrant spirit and passion for service learning. She definitely has left a wonderful legacy behind her. However, I know Judy's spirit will live on through all of you and the work you do. She created a solid foundation for service learning at USD - I know she had great faith in all of you to carry on a new work in bringing service learning to new heights. I know she was proud of the work you all do and that she's smiling down upon each and everyone of you.

Nancy Hemmings
San Diego City Schools
Partnerships in Education

Dear Rauner Family,
I received an email from my sister in law that Dr. Judy Rauner had passed away. I felt so much emotion and tears because I was sad yet grateful that I had known her and for all the things this woman had done for me. I was a sophomore at USD taking Business and Psychology courses. One of my assignments was a 30 hour service learning project and I needed to select a place. I walked into the Community Service Learning Center and met Dr. Rauner. I actually knew her as Mike Rauner's mom. Mike and I went to school together in the 4th grade. I was surprised to see her after all those years and we spent some time talking about her children and the great things they were doing. She steered me in the direction of Catholic Charities and I volunteered in their single mother's and adoption program. I wrote about the experience because it was a moment in my life that made me realize I wanted to work with people. I was not sure if I wanted to be a counselor or a social worker but that experience made me feel great and so I changed my major and the direction of what I wanted to do in my life. Judy recommended me for the President Hughes award and I was acknowledged in the President's annual report for the work I had done at Catholic Charities. I was the first female in my family to go to college and getting this recognition made my parents so proud. Two years later I stopped in to see Judy because I was graduating. She told me she had a friend and colleague, Susan Davis that was the Director of the Aaron Price Fellows Program and she was looking for a facilitator that was culturally competent and could assist with outreach to Latino students. This youth leadership program was in it's early development and was in honor of the Price Family's eldest son (grandson) who had passed away from Cancer. Judy gave Susan Davis my name and telephone and I was called for an interview. I never knew that this new job opportunity would change my life. I worked for this program for many years and then worked for SUDS foundation with the City Heights Educational Collaborative another program funded by Price Charities. I opened a Parent Center and one of our priorities was a Parent Volunteer Program. I decided to go back to USD and see Judy. I told her about the job and we talked about the development of a volunteer program in City Heights. Judy shared ideas and resources me. She pumped me up and said you can do it. I turned to her and said you are my mentor and you have helped me so much in my life. She looked a little surprised and said she would be honored to be my mentor. I last saw her at the Kensington library reading children's stories to little toddlers and their moms. She was so happy and showed me pictures of the grandchildren. Today I work at Price Charities and oversee Parent Engagement and Social Service programs in City Heights. I can't help but feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude for Dr. Rauner. I have tried my best to help link people to resources and she modeled that for me from the beginning of my journey in college to my career path. She linked me to people and organizations that also cared for me, gave me opportunities and a sense of belonging to a family and community. I am thankful to God that she was such an important part of journey and development and that I was privileged to have known her. I will never forget her words of advice. She said find a career path that you enjoy what you do and feel alive. If you volunteer working with families in the community and love it maybe that is what you are called to do. Thank you USD for having the Community Service Learning Center and selecting Dr. Judy Rauner to create and carry forth that vision and USD tradition.

Rosario Martinez Iannacone