John Trifiletti '78 is USD's assistant vice president for development. He is known on and off campus for his incredible ability to recall names, faces and — watch out! — personal information.

I honed my skills as USD's "human Rolodex" during 12 years as alumni and parent relations director. A particular challenge is large social events, where I sometimes meet graduates - or worse yet, spot them across the room — and realize I can't remember their names!

As my heart races, I'll first run through the alphabet to see if a letter triggers my memory. Then I'll frantically rhyme syllables, switch consonants and search my internal database of major donors, former students and discipline cases from my years as a resident director — all while trying to carry on a meaningful conversation with the person in front of me.

As the "unknown" moves toward me, I'll first try spotting a nametag. As the clock ticks and the person approaches greeting distance, the name usually comes to me. If it doesn't, I recommend one of two things: ask politely for their last name, which usually triggers the first name; or, if all else fails, panic and run!

To avoid such desperate measures, carry a pen and, as you meet people, jot down names on a cocktail napkin or business card for future reference. Of course, it won't help if you find those items among the dry cleaning a week later, so that part of your memory is up to you. It's work, but you'll find, as
I did, that you get better with practice. As I run into USD graduates and friends in my travels, I find it extremely gratifying to remember their names. That pleasure is the true key to the Rolodex in your head.