USD Career Development Center's Career Champion Award

The University of San Diego (USD) Career Development Center is delighted to announce Dr. Tim Randell as the inaugural recipient of the Career Catalyst Award. This new award recognizes a USD community member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting the Career Development Center's mission through innovative and forward-thinking contributions that significantly enhance student success. Dr. Randell's dedication perfectly embodies the spirit of this award. His consistent collaboration with the Career Development Center, leadership in organizing the Careers in English alumni panel nearly every semester, and his commitment as Internship Coordinator and leader of the Southeast San Diego Tutoring Program have made a lasting impact on USD students. These initiatives provide students with invaluable professional insight and hands-on opportunities for growth, exploration, and career preparation. The Career Development Center celebrates Dr. Randell's inspiring commitment to career readiness and student development. We are honored to present him with this inaugural honor. The Career Champion Award will be presented to Dr. Randell on April 25, 2025.

The University of San Diego (USD) Career Development Center is thrilled to announce Gabriella Rangrej, Nathen Ortiz, and the Student Onboarding - New Student Programs team as a recipient of the inaugural Career Catalyst Award. This award recognizes USD community members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the Career Development Center's mission through innovative and forward-thinking contributions that significantly enhance student success. The Student Onboarding - New Student Programs team's work has set a remarkable example. They led a creative and collaborative approach to a new, consolidated Career Readiness Program (CRP) transfer student orientation sessions for Fall 2025. Their changes will make it easier than ever for incoming students to engage in meaningful career development from the very start of their USD experience. The Career Development Center celebrates the Student Onboarding - New Student Programs team's adaptability, strategic mindset, and deep commitment to student success. We are proud to recognize their efforts with this inaugural award. The Career Champion Award will be presented to Gabriella Rangrej, Nathen Ortiz, and the Student Onboarding Team on April 25, 2025.

The University of San Diego (USD) Career Development Center is excited to announce that the Global Market Navigator Program has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Best Career Readiness Program Award. This student-nominated award honors a program or event with exceptional impact on students’ career exploration and development through USD’s Career Readiness Programs (PASSPORT, COMPASS, & CONNECT). The Global Market Navigator Program truly stood out for its innovative approach to career readiness. One student shared the program's profound impact: The Global Market Navigator Program was one of the most significant and rewarding opportunities I had during my time at USD. It influenced the trajectory of my career, clarified my professional goals, and provided invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities that helped me secure an important internship. This program effectively helped students apply classroom knowledge to real-world consulting projects and offered a unique lens into global markets, bridging theory with practice and expanding students' perspectives on international business. The Career Development Center also extends a special acknowledgement to Dr. Eileen Daspro, whose leadership and mentorship were instrumental to the program’s success. As the student described, Dr. Daspro was more than an advisor—she was a dedicated mentor who empowered students with career guidance, encouragement, and a global mindset. The Career Champion Award will be presented to the Global Market Navigator Program on April 25, 2025.

The University of San Diego (USD) Career Development Center has named Dr. Jena Hales as the 2025 Career Champion Award recipient. This prestigious, student-nominated award honors a USD faculty or staff member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering students' career development.   Dr. Hales was selected for her outstanding mentorship and support of students. A nominating student emphasized the transformative impact of Dr. Hales' guidance, particularly in providing hands-on research and professional development opportunities within the Hales Neurobiology of Memory Lab.   One student shared this about Dr. Hales: “Dr. Hales is not only an incredible professor, advisor, and P.I., but also an amazing mom and athlete. Her ability to manage so much at once while staying composed and joyful is remarkable—I aspire to one day possess even an ounce of her energy.”  Dr. Hales helped students plan their academic paths, explore careers in neuroscience and medicine, and build the confidence to pursue advanced degrees. Her impact on students and the broader USD community is truly inspiring. The Career Champion Award will be presented to Dr. Hales on April 25, 2025.