USD Launches New E-Newsletter

If you are receiving this email, you are among the first to read The Torero Town News, a community newsletter from the University of San Diego to friends and neighbors with information and upcoming events on campus, which will be shared on a quarterly basis.  It is the intention of USD to encourage our neighbors to explore the campus, participate in activities, and be better informed about the cultural resources available at the university.

Please feel free to check-out the full public listing of Campus Events, the sports calendar of all Torero Athletics, and the USD News Center for the latest media coverage and announcements.

Resources Available for DACA and International Students, Plus Local Immigrant Community

With new policy and enforcement changes being explored or implemented by the Trump Administration, much confusion and concern has increased on the University of San Diego campus, as well as the surrounding community of Linda Vista.  In response to this uncertainty, USD President James Harris issued a statement of support on November 21, 2016 for students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and immigrant families effected by federal policies.  USD also created a webpage, National Dialogue on Immigration: Impact on Higher Education, with on-campus and external resources for those seeking information and assistance

Among these resources are the Legal Clinics operated by the USD School of Law and staffed by law students under the supervision of law school faculty.  In addition to matters of immigration, the USD Legal Clinics can assist lower income individuals with other issues. If you are interested in obtaining free assistance from USD Legal Clinics, or have any questions, please call (619) 260-7470.

Also, USD will host a community forum in immigration and inclusion in the Peace and Justice Theatre of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies on Wednesday, April 19, 6:00-8:00 PM.  Please check the Campus Events webpage for additional details and information.

Congressman Scott Peters Visits USD, Meets with Vets, Students and Trustees

During the latest legislative recess, Congressman Scott Peters visited the campus of the University of San Diego to meet with a cross section of interests and discuss a variety of issues.  He sat down for a brown bag lunch with several veterans and dependents attending USD under the Post -911 G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon program.  As a new recent appointee to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Congressman Peters heard about some of the challenges veterans at USD have encountered in obtaining the education benefits.

The Congressman also addressed the Associated Student Senate and met with undergraduate leaders to talk about college affordability.  In particular, Congressman Peters spoke about a bi-partisan bill, HR 795, he co-sponsored that will extend the tax exclusion provisions so employers can help pay-off an employee's student loans.   

USD and San Diego Diocese Announce New Partnerships

The University of San Diego (USD) and the Diocese of San Diego today announced several initiatives to enhance and strengthen Catholic education across San Diego communities. This unique collaboration between USD and the Diocese of San Diego will provide a pathway for students at the Diocese’ Catholic high schools to continue their Catholic education at USD. Speakers at the press conference included: The Most Reverend Robert McElroy, Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego; Dr. James Harris, president of USD; as well as other diocesan and university leaders.
 
"Our vision is to set the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative Changemakers confront humanity’s urgent challenges," said James T. Harris III, president of the University of San Diego. "We want Catholic students from across San Diego to be major contributors to this vision. Close collaboration between USD and the Diocese of San Diego will open new doors for Catholic students and uncover new ways to enhance our engagement at the center of Catholic life in San Diego."

(Click here to continue reading)

In January, USD began construction along Marian Way on the Colachis Plaza project, which will create a beautiful new pedestrian plaza stretching from the Immaculata to Copley Library. 

This project, which was made possible by the generosity of the Colachis family, is expected to be completed in August  2017.  For more information, please visit the Colachis Plaza project.

The USD Campus Master Plan Update Moves Forward and Seeks Continued Support

Since 1996, the University of San Diego has operated under a campus master plan approved by the City of San Diego and granted through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).  This master plan and CUP have been the vision and guiding principle for the university in reaching its current student enrollment and developing buildings, classrooms, offices and living quarters across campus.  The plan provides direction, and in most cases specific details, but the building construction and city approval process remains the same like any other development project.  USD must conform to the conditions and limits articulated in the municipal code and spelled out in the CUP.

The current campus plan is about half complete, has taken 20 years to implement, and is contingent largely on the university raising the funds from alumni and private donors; rarely are any government grants provided for such construction.  It is intended that the master plan update will see USD through the next 20 years or so.  

While the generosity and names of philanthropists like Joan Kroc, Jenny Craig, Doug Manchester, Betty and Bob Beyster, Kathryn and James Colachis, Helen and James Copley, Catherine and George Pardee, Jean and Ernie Hahn, and Bert Degheri '61 may adorn buildings across the USD campus, these gifts are often few and far between.  It takes years of working with donors and collecting financial pledges before a shovel of dirt is ever turned.  USD has grown and benefited from contributors who come from all walks of life, prominent as well as modest, but it is the earnest reputation of this institution that now carries it forward with various achievements and rankings (see standings here). 

On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, the zoning and land use subcommittee of the Linda Vista Planning Group approved the master plan update and CUP with a recommendation of 5-0.  The full Linda Vista Planning Group approved the plan by a vote of 8-0-1 on Monday, February 27, 2017.  The plan will next go before the City Planning Commission in the spring, and eventual to the full city council.

For more information on the master plan update and the CUP, please visit USD's webpage dedicated to the Campus Master Plan.  

USD Creates Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy

The University of San Diego announced on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 the creation of the Center for Ethics, Economics and Public Policy (CEEPP). The center, established with $1.8 million in gifts from seven donors, advances rigorous, interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship on the impact of social norms, markets, and public policies on human freedom, well-being, and justice.

Read more here.

USD's Tom Cleary takes helm of Linda Vista Town Council

Over fifty members and visitors attended the passing of the gavel from outgoing president Tom Kaye to the incoming president, Tom Cleary, at the January 19, 2017 monthly meeting of the Linda Vista Town Council.  San Diego City Concilman Scott Sherman (District 7) performed the swearing-in of the new officers and board members, in addition to giving residents an update on his priorities and upcoming projects including the new skatepark.

Mr. Cleary has previously served as an LVTC executive board member, most recently as vice president.  He has also served as the chair of the Linda Vista Planning Group (2015-2012), which advises the city on land use and zoning issues. He has worked at USD as director of community and government relations since 2004 and joined the planning group in 2006.

 See more about the Linda Vista Town Council at https://www.lindavista.org/

USD Participates in Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The city of San Diego celebrated and honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade downtown on Sunday, January 15, which is the late civil rights leader’s birthday.

The University of San Diego contingent walked along with thousands of parade participants — including school marching bands, local organizations, colorful floats and other academic institutions — and interacted with the many spectators who lined the street along the Embarcadero on a very nice, sunny, blue-sky day. Click here to continue reading.

Duncan McCosker, 1944-2016: A Memorial Exhibition
Thursday, March 16, 5:00-7:00 PM
Fine Art Galleries, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice

Grief, Mortality and Loss: Working through our own and with others
Saturday, March 18, 10:00 AM-12:00 p.m.
Hahn University Center, Forums A and B
Cost: $20 General Public, $10 w/ USD ID

Winners of the 2017 Music Teachers Association of California's Concerto Competition perform with the Greater San Diego Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, March 19, 2:00-4:00 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall
Cost: $10 public, $8 seniors, $5 with USD ID

Vices of the Political System of the United States (Part 2 of 2)
Tuesday, March 21, 12:30-2:00 PM
Humanities Center, Serra Hall, Room 200

Bridges Academy Lecture Series: Environmental Justice in the Flint Water Crisis
Wednesday, March 22, 10:00-11:30 AM
Degheri Alumni Center, Room 120
Registration is required for this free event.

Men's Tennis; USD vs. Wisconsin
March 22, 2:00 PM
Skip & Cindy Hogan Tennis Center

Men's Tennis; USD vs. Princeton
March 23, 11:00 AM
Skip & Cindy Hogan Tennis Center

Women's Tennis; USD vs. Princeton
March 23, 2:00 PM
Skip & Cindy Hogan Tennis Center

Illume/Knapp Lecture Series - Kimberly Tanner, PhD
Monday, March 27, 6:00-8:00 PM
Humanities Center, Serra Hall, Room 200

Humanities and the New Political Landscape Series
Tuesday, March 28, 4:00-5:30 PM
Humanities Center, Serra Hall, Room 200

Bishop Ferdnand Cheri of New Orleans
Tuesday, March 28, at 5:00 PM
Warren Auditorium, Mother Rosalie Hill Hall

Women's Tennis; USD vs. Gonzaga 
March 30, 1:30 PM
Skip & Cindy Hogan Tennis Center

Bridges Academy Lecture Series: The Energy Challenge — Here and Beyond
Tuesday, April 4, 10:00-11:30 AM
Degheri Alumni Center, Room 120
Registration is required for this free event.

Power of the Powerless - Discussion Group
Tuesday, April 4, 12:30-2:00 PM
Humanities Center, Serra Hall, Room 200

Concert with Friends
Sunday, April 9, 2:00-4:30 PM
French Parlor, Founders Hall
$10 general admission

Softball; USD vs. Pacific
April 8 - 9, 12:00 PM
USD Softball Complex

An Evening with Karl Marlantes, New York Times Best Selling Author and Marine Veteran
Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall

Women's Tennis; USD vs. Pepperdine 
April 15, 1:30 PM
Skip & Cindy Hogan Tennis Center

Easter Break
April 13-17, 2017
No classes

Restoring Respect: Sixth Annual Conference on Restoring Civility to Civic Dialogue — "Rebuilding Civility"
Tuesday, April 18 – Wednesday, April 19
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
No cost, but registration requested.

Bridges Academy Lecture Series: Fact, Fiction, and Filter Bubbles
Wednesday, April 19, 10:00-11:30 AM
Degheri Alumni Center, Room 120
Registration is required for this free event.

Engineering Research Week
Wednesday, April 19, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Cymer Ideation Space, Loma Hall

Creative Collaborations Undergraduate Research Conference
Part I: Tuesday, April 18, 12:00-2:00 PM
Part II: Thursday, April 20, 12:00-2:00 PM
Hahn University Center, Forums A, B and C

Baseball; USD vs. BYU
April 20 - 22 
Fowler Park 

USD All County Middle School Band and Orchestra
Saturday, April 22, 2:00-7:00 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall

Softball; USD vs. Santa Clara  
April 22 - 23
USD Softball Complex

Men's Tennis; USD vs. Santa Clara
April 23, 1:00 PM
Skip & Cindy Hogan Tennis Center

Illume/College of Arts & Sciences Lecture Series - Michael Kelly, PhD
Monday, April 24, 6:00-8:00 PM
Humanities Center, Serra Hall, Room 200

Final Exams
Law School
May 1-12, 2017

USD Strings and Chamber Music Ensembles
Thursday, May 4, 7:30-9:30 PM
French Parlor, Founders Hall
$10 general admission

Gamelan and Mariachi Ensembles
Monday, May 8, 7:30-8:30 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall
$10 general admission

Song & Dance! (USD Wind Ensemble)
Tuesday, May 9, 7:30-9:30 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall
$10 general admission

Jazz Ensemble
Wednesday, May 10, 7:00-10:00 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall
$10 general admission

Shiley-Marcos Engineering Showcase
Friday, May 12, 2:30-5:00 PM
Loma Hall, 1st Floor

Faure’s Requiem
Friday, May 12, 4:00-9:30 PM
Shiley Theatre, Camino Hall
$10 general admission

Final Exams 
Underdraduates and Graduates
May 18-24, 2017

Law School Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 20, 2017, 9:00-11:00 AM
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Expect heavy traffic in the area

Naval ROTC Commissioning
Friday, May 26, 2017, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Jenny Craig Pavilion

Graduate Schools Commencement Ceremony 
Saturday, May 27, 2017, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Expect heavy traffic in the area

Undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 28, 2017, 9:00-11:00 AM
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Expect heavy traffic in the area

Undergraduate School of Business & Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 28, 2017, 2:00-4:00 PM
Jenny Craig Pavilion
Expect heavy traffic in the area