Resilience of the Human Spirit 

Class of 2024 Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Valedictorian Juliet Arizcuren

The University of San Diego (USD) Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering takes immense pride in honoring Juliet Arizcuren as the valedictorian of the class of 2024. 

A poised and inspirational Changemaker, Arizcuren’s remarkable achievements extend beyond her impressive 4.0 overall GPA. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. She also minored in Spanish and Theology and Religious Studies while simultaneously pursuing her Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering in USD’s combined master’s program. She is set to complete her online master’s degree in June 2025. 

“When I found out about being valedictorian, I was just ecstatic and buzzing with pure excitement,” beams a jubilant Arizcuren. “I wanted to share the news with my family as soon as possible, so I texted in a group chat of my mom, dad and sister that I had exciting news to share.”

During her time at USD, Arizcuren embraced leadership opportunities on campus, tutoring fellow computer science students and serving as the treasurer for the Association for Computing Machinery club. These involvements facilitated her personal and professional development while allowing her to contribute to the supportive communities around her.

“The Industry Scholars Program and the Society of Women Engineers conference that I attended the past two years have been particularly beneficial in building career skills and helping me land the internship in software development I had last summer, as well as the job I have now.” Arizcuren secured a position starting in June as a cybersecurity engineer for Booz Allen Hamilton in Los Angeles. 

University Ministry also played an integral part of her journey at USD. She led the Pre-orientation Retreat for three years, led a Search Retreat and participated in the San Diego Immersion. Additionally, she met with a spiritual guide over the Lenten Retreat all four years. “Both the communities within the University Ministry and the computer science department have become home for me here.”

As the first graduating class to start their academic journey amidst the global pandemic, Arizcuren's valedictory address was a beacon of hope and confidence. She encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their unique perspectives and make their presence felt.

“The things that move you, the things you notice that no one else does are way more valuable than a degree or resume, because you hold a perspective our world desperately needs. So give voice to ideas or questions or hopes. Make your presence felt and create a life, a legacy, that holds meaning. We have everything it takes and, indeed, it might take everything we have.”

Juliet Arizcuren's remarkable achievements and inspiring message serve as a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.

— Michelle Sztupkay