USD Welcome Grandparents, Parents to Campus this Weekend

The University of San Diego will welcome 400 grandparents and parents to campus for the 16th annual Grandparents Weekend and Parent Summit gathering Feb. 21-23.

Numerous activities and special events await those who attend and get to spend quality time with their USD student. Online registration has closed, but in-person registration is available from 12-5 p.m. Friday in front of Degheri Alumni Center; Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in front of Degheri Alumni Center; and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hahn University Center Foyer.

There is a cost of $60 per non-USD student and $10 per USD student to attend the weekend events. This cost includes access to all events except those with an asterisk which requires an additional ticket purchase during registration or at the venue. Please email the Office of Parent and Family Relations at parents@sandiego.edu or call (619) 260-4808 with any questions.

Friday Schedule

Classes without Quizzes, 1-3:45 p.m., Degheri Alumni Center Room 120

Taught by expert USD faculty and staff, this is a chance to learn about interesting topics in a classroom environment without exams and grades. Three class sessions: 1-1:45 p.m. (How Did the Bible Physically Survive its Earliest Years?), 2-2:45 p.m. (Sleep: Why We Need it and How to Get More of it) and 3-3:45 p.m. (Non-Native Parrots of San Diego’s Urban Jungle).

Kickoff Reception, 4-5:30 p.m., Hahn University Center Forums

A welcome reception for the 16th annual Grandparents Weekend and new addition, Parent Summit. Listen to music, have photo opportunities, festive food and refreshments and hear from top USD administrators about what’s on the horizon for the university.

*Toreros Baseball Game: USD vs. Nebraska, 6 p.m., Fowler Park

The 2020 USD baseball team is off to a 3-1 record entering this weekend’s Tony Gwynn Legacy Tournament. The Toreros open against the Cornhuskers at Fowler Park. The San Diego Padres mascot, The Swinging Friar, and the team’s Pad Squad will be on hand at the game. Between the third and fourth innings, the Swinging Friar and USD’s mascot, Diego Torero, will compete in a race. *Tickets are $5 each, but USD students can request complimentary tickets by presenting their Torero ID card.

*Dining Option: La Gran Terraza

Make a reservation at La Gran Terraza, USD’s flagship restaurant and pub. The restaurant features fresh, local California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. View the menu and reserve a table at lagranterraza.com or call (619) 849-8205.

Saturday Schedule

Behind-the-Scenes Athletics Tour, Jenny Craig Pavilion, 9-9:45 a.m.

Enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the USD Athletics facilities. Tour the Jenny Craig Pavilion, which is home to volleyball and men and women’s basketball, and Fowler Park, home of Toreros baseball, to see where our athletes train and compete.

Founders Chapel Tour, 9-9:45 a.m., Founders Chapel

Designed by Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill, co-founder of USD, Founders Chapel is a replica of a 16th century Spanish Renaissance chapel and is a jewel of the campus. Sister Virginia Rodee, RSCJ, ’57 and ’74, will lead the tour.

Study Abroad Information, 10-10:45 a.m., Degheri Alumni Center, Room 120

The university has been one of the nation’s top-ranked institutions for undergraduate student study abroad participation. USD prides itself on cultivating globally minded citizens. Learn about the process of study abroad and opportunities available to students.

Culinary Demonstration, 10-11:30 a.m., UC Forum

Attend this Food Network-worthy cooking demonstration by a member of USD’s award-winning team of culinary masters. Using fresh, local and organic ingredients, the chef will present a step-by-step process for making a delicious multi-dish meal, including dessert. Get a taste of the chef’s creations and receive recipes to take home.

Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Open House, 11-11:45 a.m., Belanich Engineering Center

Explore the unique spaces of the recently remodeled Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and hear about the innovation happening within from the ASML Ideation Space to Donald’s Garage and the Fabrication Lab.

USD’s Renaissance Plan, 1:30-2:45 p.m., Degheri Alumni Center, Room 120

The Renaissance Plan is the most ambitious long-term building maintenance plan in USD’s history. It will provide a rebirth for some of the university’s original and most-cherished spaces on campus as well as add new buildings to enhance learning and the overall student experience. Top administrators will provide news on the Copley Library renovation, the new Learning Commons building and the USD School of Business’ Knauss Innovation and Collaboration Ecosystem.

Campus Tram Tours of Alcalá Park, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Depart from in front of the Hahn UC)

Get to know USD from the comfort of a USD tram. These 45-minute tours will be narrated by USD student guides. No walking is required and all trams are handicap and wheelchair accessible.

*Dinner Option: Tacos for Toreros (Blanco Tacos)

Dine just two miles from campus at Blanco Tacos, a fresh twist on Mexican food, in the Fashion Valley Shopping Center. Twenty percent of your meal tab will go to the Parent Partnership Fund to help students in need by mentioning USD to your server. View the menu and reserve a table at blancotacostequila.com or call (619) 810-2931.

Sunday Schedule

Mass, 10-11 a.m., Founders Chapel

Celebrate a very special Mass in USD’s beautiful Founders Chapel.

Torero Brunch and Bazaar, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hahn UC Forums

Gather the family for a buffet brunch at USD. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy with your student and recap the fun you’ve had during the weekend. In addition to the food, there will also be various vendor booths and a chance to purchase tickets for a fabulous drawing of prizes. A percentage of your purchases will support the Parent Partnership Fund.

San Diego City Tour*, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Meet in front of the Degheri Alumni Center

*Advance tickets required for all participants (tickets are $25 per person and seats are limited). Enjoy an informative and entertaining tour of San Diego on a chartered bus. The three-hour narrated tour (travel time included) will cover such points of interest as a tour of the coast, Balboa Park, Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter. The bus will stop at Seaport Village for time to explore, shop and grab a snack on your own.

— Compiled by Ryan T. Blystone