Features
Actor Jim Parsons is living the rarified life of a successful, working actor. The breakout star of the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory is loving life in Los Angeles (not to mention the wonders of his GPS). And while he wasn’t exactly sure what he would say as speaker of this year’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, it was sure to be memorable.
It takes a certain kind of pragmatic optimist to be on the front lines in the aftermath of devastating catastrophe. When lightning strikes and the world splinters, two USD graduates have made it their job to pick up the pieces. Tracy Reines ’94 oversees a team that’s responsible for handling the logistics of every international disaster response undertaken by the American Red Cross. The end result is that she tells time less by strict chronology than by geographical calamity. Meanwhile, Jennifer Gerbasi ’95 (J.D.) works in southern Louisiana, in hopes of insulating communities from future disasters. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it.
Departments
From The President
Looking ForwardPresident Mary E. Lyons provides an update on the university’s financial condition.
Around the Park
Uncertain TimesThe university is not immune to the effects of an unsettling economy. Top priorities are retaining students, employees and hope.
SyllabusA glimpse inside the environs of Jericho Brown’s creative writing/poetry class.
Plain TalkAssociate professor Alan Gin — who releases the monthly Index of Leading Economic Indicators for San Diego County — gives his take on the state of the economy, the stimulus package and more.
Back in the DayThomas C. Ragan ‘68 shares memories of the days when Alcala Park was a wide-open roadway.
Finding ComfortFaith can be a consolation during troubled times. For some, the economic crisis prompts a spiritual awakening.
Legal EaglesThe School of Law’s Legal Clinics step in to assist those most in need, providing a safety net to the public.
At Your ServiceDuring these tough times, USD is stepping in to help those who need assistance with business advice, networking opportunities and training programs.
Gifts at WorkHilton Foundation, Trans-Border Institute, School of Law professorship.
![[etc.]](http://www.sandiego.edu/usdmag/summer09/images/front7.jpg)
[etc.]Shirk on Capitol Hill; 50,000th graduate; School of Business rankings, more.
Point of View
Solving the PuzzleWhen Christopher Yanov ’03 won big on Wheel of Fortune, his winnings helped him to stop the downward spiral in San Diego’s toughest neighborhoods.
Letters to the Editor
Summer 2009Readers weigh in about rock and roll, Bishop Buddy and future alumni.
Torero Athletics
Ready To PlayToreros pitcher A.J. Griffin has high hopes of making it to the big leagues. His spot on the USA Baseball National Team gave him a glimpse of an international stage.
Basketball HeroChicago Bulls assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff ‘68 — a Toreros point guard from 1964 to 1966 and head coach from 1969 to 1973 — receives WCC honor.
Rest In PeaceAfter fighting a valiant 18-month battle with leukemia, men’s tennis coach Tom Hagedorn has passed away.
ALUMNI UPDATE
Beautiful by DesignUSD’s harmonious campus style didn’t happen by accident. Much of the credit for the university’s consistent beauty goes to Terry Whitcomb ’53.
Saving GraceDan McNamee ’89 (J.D. ’94) believes that humans have the ability to innovate and overcome.
Class Notes Articles
2000s[2000]
KRISTIN (McMAHON) COVARRUBIAS (B.A.) and her husband, Eddie, welcomed their third child, Cruz Eduardo, in March 2008. Big sisters Victoria, 4, and Gabrielle, 2, are enjoying helping out with Cruz. In addition to being a full time mom and wife. Kristin works full time as a third-grade teacher and has a party-planning business on the [...]
A Taste of ChocolateFood artist Diolinda Monteiro ’93 pairs her science background with a love for chocolate when it comes to crafting her inspired concoctions.
The Super Bowl of HomebuildingBrothers Ryan ’03 and Brandon De Young ’07 helped transform the housing situation of a family by pitching in to make a dream come true on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
In MemoriamJudith Rauner dedicated her life to family and community service and touched a great many lives with her work.
