USD Recognized as Catholic College of Distinction
Inspiration comes from having a vision, especially one that never wavers.
Everyone who steps onto the University of San Diego campus is warmly welcomed by beautiful 16th century Spanish Renaissance architecture-style buildings that maintain university co-founder Mother Rosalie Hill’s vision that started more than 65 years ago.
"She wanted the Spanish architecture. She was criticized for not building in a modern style,” the late Sister Sally Furay said in 2009 about Hill’s edict. “It was the 1950s. If we had built it modern it would be outdated."
Instead, each new building that goes up, from baseball’s Fowler Park to the newest space, the Betty and Bob Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, Advanced Practice, and Simulation that opens this fall, still carries Hill’s vision as a university of distinction.
The University of San Diego of today not only cherishes and showcases the foundation set by Hill and co-founder Bishop Charles Frances Buddy in its buildings, but also USD delivers on its mission of helping more than 7,700 students (5,700 undergrads) succeed at the private Roman Catholic institution with its holistic, liberal arts-based education.
“Because of our Catholic heritage and belief in the Catholic intellectual tradition, we’re well grounded to provide students a place to think, to be curious, learn about the complex nature of the world and universe while, at the same time, consider questions of justice, sustainability, interconnection and value of human dignity. We’re not only going to train you to think critically, but we’re also going to have you do it, experience it,” states Dr. Noelle Norton, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Norton’s latter statement can materialize from a plethora of hands-on activities, everything from undergraduate research and community engagement service projects to studying abroad, discovering your inner entrepreneurial side, starting a social justice organization, going on Search Retreat or being present in one of nine Living-Learning Communities while living on campus.
Students shine when they experience small class sizes, learn from quality faculty members who are supportive, yet demanding, and can be part of a Torero family that cherishes diversity and inclusion, sustainability, internationalization, Greek Life, 17 NCAA Division I sports teams, numerous recreation club programs and military veterans. Solid disciplines within the sciences, art, architecture, communication and ethnic studies as well as business and the always evolving engineering program. The University of San Diego offers robust graduate programs such as peace studies, leadership studies, a highly-ranked MBA program but equally strong in global and executive leadership. The law school is distinguished and respected locally and globally and the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is a graduate-only program that takes very seriously its impact on the local healthcare scene.
And being in San Diego, dubbed “America’s Finest City,” the beaches, hiking, the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are among the highlights for students to explore just minutes from the USD campus. Or, perhaps, check out equipment or sign up for an Outdoor Adventures activity or trip. San Diego seemingly has it all, including a vision in which the sun shines an average of 300 days per year, the temperature is routinely at or around 70 degrees.
Inspired? Visit the University of San Diego, take a tour and see for yourself the vision that Mother Hill and Bishop Buddy started and what new USD President, Dr. James T. Harris III, wants to continue for all Toreros.
— Ryan T. Blystone