As part of the University Advancement division, the University Events and Partnerships team serves as experience design experts, strategically crafting, producing, and managing events and unique partnerships that embody USD’s spirit of hospitality and excellence.
We are more than a service department. We are creative partners dedicated to delivering events that elevate the university’s mission and strengthen its relationships. Whether we’re supporting the Office of the President, Divisional Vice Presidents, University Advancement, Development, Alumni, or Parent and Family Relations, we bring a centralized standard of quality, professionalism, and innovation to every event we touch.
Our team sets and upholds the university’s protocols and standards for special events, ensuring consistency across all institutional signature ceremonies and gatherings. From full-scale event design and production to consultative support or on-site coordination, we tailor our services to meet the unique goals of each client.
Services We Provide
Our team of experienced campus event planners can assist with the following services:
- Event logistics consultation and planning services
- Special event on-site management
- Event marketing and promotion consultation
- Budget planning
- Campus event resources and guidelines
- Identification of key campus partners
- Post-event analysis
- Event sponsor opportunities
Events We Produce
The University Events and Partnerships team is experienced in a variety of special event formats and has proudly produced many university signature events and ceremonies that include:
- Anniversary and inauguration celebrations
- Groundbreakings and campus dedications
- Academic lectures and symposiums
- Fundraising galas and campaign events
- Donor recognition and award programs
- Private presidential and trustee dinners
- Alumni reunions and athletic tailgates
- New student welcome events
- Commencement ceremonies
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Signature Events
Commencement
Commencement ceremonies are our graduating students’ capstone event and a time-honored campus tradition. Each May we welcome graduates, families and friends to campus as we celebrate student successes and welcome graduates to the USD alumni family.
SCHOLARSHIP APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
The annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon celebrates the generosity that makes a USD education possible for scholars. This event provides the opportunity to bring donors together with the students they support.
WINE CLASSIC
The Wine Classic is the USD Alumni Association’s signature fundraising and social event with net proceeds benefiting USD student scholarships. This community-favorite summertime event features wine tastings, gourmet food, fundraising auctions, and live music in a picturesque setting with a view of Mission Bay. Attendees enjoy tastes from 20+ wineries from California’s wine regions as well as award-winning and reputable organizations that are USD alumni-owned/affiliated.
ALUMNI HONORS
Alumni Honors celebrates the accomplishments of illustrious USD alumni. Recipients may be recognized for volunteer service, contributions to humanitarian causes, and outstanding career achievement. The evening event features a program followed by an elegant reception to celebrate honorees.
EVENING UNDER THE STARS
Evening Under the Stars is the USD Parent Board’s signature fundraising event. USD parents, alumni and families come together for a fun-filled night of entertainment, fundraising auctions, food and beverages. Net-proceeds benefit the Parent Partnership Fund that supports students at risk of leaving USD without completing their degree due to financial hardship.
HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND
Homecoming and Family Weekend is an annual celebration of activities and events that brings together the entire USD community. Highlights include reunions and alumni events, student events, a tailgate and football game, as well as a special Mass.
FOUNDERS GALA
The Founders Gala is the University of San Diego’s signature milestone fundraising event. It draws more than 500 of the region’s most prominent corporate, philanthropic and community leaders, along with university trustees, administrators, alumni, and friends. Net proceeds from the event support scholarships for USD undergraduate, graduate and law students.
Convocation
The University of San Diego's Fall Convocation program provides a ceremonial gathering to commence the new academic year. This annual event includes remarks from the university's Provost, along with a Presidential address and award ceremony to honor distinguished faculty.