Director of International Engagement and Alumni Outreach
- MA, University of San Diego, Practical Theology
- BA, University of San Diego, Art History/Religious Studies
- CETP, Certified Educational Travel Planner
Claudia Iracema Gonzales joined the Office of Alumni Relations in September 2014 and has been a continuous member of the USD community since August 1996. As director of International Engagement and Alumni Outreach, Gonzales serves as USD’s primary point of contact in University Advancement for alumni, parents and friends of the university who are living and working abroad. Gonzales works with our international Torero Club programs, in Europe, Asia, Mexico and local Comité México activities, among others. As such, the director travels locally, nationally, and internationally, as required, to facilitate strategic plans, events, and relationships on behalf of the goals and objectives of the university. Moreover, she serves on the International Center Advisory Board, working with faculty and staff whose initiatives are designed to leverage the resources and interests of our global USD family. In addition, she oversees the Traveling Toreros - the USD Alumni Association travel program. In this capacity, she works with travel operators to curate custom trips/pilgrimages and hand selects additional journeys with the goal of reinforcing the University’s traditions and values. USD pilgrimages include:
El Camino de Santiago - June 2022
Saints and Sanctuaries - November 2023
Focus on St. Francis - March 2024
El Camino de Santiago - June 2024
Recently, she was selected to serve on USD's 75th Anniversary steering committee and the USD HSI Advisory Council's Communications Sub-Committee. Gonzales is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Educational Travel Consortium (ETC). In 2024, she was a participant of the inaugural international cohort awarded certification as a CETP (Certified Educational Travel Planner).
In addition, Gonzales works with the Office of Alumni Relations Volunteer Coordinator, in managing the Alumni Association's 1,000+ alumni volunteers. Gonzales also works with the Office of Alumni Relations Assistant Director of Marketing on all things marketing, tech, and social media as it pertains to the Alumni Association.