Students Deliver at 2026 Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge
USD hosted the global finals of the 2026 Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge on Saturday, May 2. The event brought together student entrepreneurs from 15 countries to pitch business models designed to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Mechanical Engineering Student Grace Morgan Awarded Prestigious SMART Scholarship
Grace Morgan '27, a mechanical engineering student at USD was named a recipient of the Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship. The SMART Scholarship-for-Service is a highly competitive U.S. government program that funds students in STEM fields.
USD Introduces New Men's Basketball Head Coach JR Blount
A new era for USD Men's Basketball has tipped off, after the introduction of new head coach JR Blount. The campus welcomed Blount to his new home on March 24, at a press conference in front of the Palomar Health Student Wellness Center.
Opening Doors to the World: USD Celebrates Scholarship Impact
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, USD hosted its 36th annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon. Undergraduate and graduate students enjoyed a seated luncheon alongside the generous donors who help make their education possible.
After Return to Earth, NASA Astronaut Makes Return to USD
USD alum and NASA astronaut, Matthew Dominick '05 (BS/BA), was recently recognized as part of Alumni Honors for all that he's accomplished since graduating. During his talk on campus, Matthew spent the night providing a glimpse into something only a handful of people have ever experienced – going into space.
USD's College Corps Selected to Receive $5.5 Million To Continue Program for Three More Years
Hundreds of our students will have the opportunity to continue volunteering and serving their community through the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program, thanks to USD being selected to receive an additional $5.5 million in funding from the California State Legislature and Governor's Office.
Biochemistry Major Shukriya Osman Recognized for Excellence with the Kyle O'Connell Memorial Scholarship
USD student Shukriya Osman, a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Biomedical Ethics, has been named a recipient of the Kyle O'Connell Memorial Scholarship. This prestigious award honors students who demonstrate academic excellence and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those affected by cancer.
USD Student Lila Fowler Becomes University's First Marshall Scholar
USD is celebrating a historic achievement as fourth-year student Lila Fowler has been named a 2026 Marshall Scholar. This highly prestigious award, which fully funds up to three years of graduate study in the United Kingdom, marks the first time a USD student has received the honor since the scholarship's inception in 1953.
USD Dedicates Angels Unawares Sculpture with Mass and Blessing
USD dedicated Angels Unawares, a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, during a campus ceremony on Dec. 18 — International Migrants Day — marking the installation of a permanent work of sacred art that reflects the university's Catholic mission and commitment to human dignity.
New Facilities for Shiley STEM Initiative Take Shape
Thanks to a historic gift from Board of Trustees Chair Emerita Darlene Marcos Shiley, USD is developing exciting new spaces for students and faculty in the STEM disciplines. The new three-story facility will feature approximately 70,000 square feet of space.
Record-Breaking Torero Tuesday Raises $3.4 Million
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, USD held its annual day of giving: Torero Tuesday. This year, more than 3,300 donors gave a whopping $3.4 million, eclipsing the previous year's mark by more than $1 million. The money raised from Torero Tuesday helps fund more than 115 initiatives and scholarships across campus.
Epstein Family Champions Military-Connected Students
The Epstein Family Foundation committed $10 million to establish the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence at USD — a challenge match to inspire an additional $10 million in support.
Building on a Legacy of Generosity: Virginia Nelson ’79 and Mark Andrews
As the University of San Diego celebrates its diamond anniversary and the School of Law its 70th, Virginia "Ginny" Nelson '79 (JD) and her husband Mark Andrews continue to light the way forward with their philanthropy.
At USD, our students and faculty make a difference every day on our campus, in our community, across the nation and around the world. It is through the generosity of alumni, parents and friends — like you, who believe strongly in USD — that this institution is able to meet the most urgent challenges facing our world.
Your annual gifts allow us to provide critical, current-use scholarships to students who need help more than ever before. Additionally, with your help, we are able to recruit high-caliber faculty, fund academic research, support our Torero student-athletes, and serve the community in countless ways.
Your gift may be the difference in a student’s decision to continue their education at USD, and go on to become Changemakers at a time when the world needs them the most.
Giving By The Numbers
Your appreciated contributions at work.
90%
Over 90 percent of the gifts to our scholarships are made up of annual gifts ranging from $50 to $250
$1M+
The Alumni Association's scholarship endowment recently exceeded $1,000,000.
Top 100
We are the youngest private institution ranked in the U.S. News and World Report's top 100 national universities.
2nd
#2 Undergraduate Study Abroad Participation (among Doctorate-granting Universities) by the Institute of International Education.
Make a gift
Every contribution to USD is viewed as important. Whether it is great or small, donations like yours help build our Torero future.