Arts and Sciences Magazine: A Reflective and Jubilant Milestone

Built on a Liberal Arts Foundation, the College of Arts and Sciences Celebrates 75 Years of Innovation, Diversity and Humanity

Seventy-five years ago, in 1949, ground was broken on a hilltop overlooking Mission Bay for a campus that would eventually become the University of San Diego. This year, the College of Arts and Sciences joins USD in celebrating the vision of founders Bishop Charles Francis Buddy and Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill, who fervently believed that the liberal arts were the heart of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

“That’s a value that clearly continues to this day,” says Associate Professor of English Sister Mary Hotz, PhD, who’s been with USD since 1996. “And it’s an important value.”

Today, the college features 20 departments, six centers and an Honors Program. Students can choose from over 57 academic programs and three graduate programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. The foundation laid by Bishop Buddy, Mother Hill and many others guides the college as it reflects on its origins and looks ahead to expanding on the innovation and excellence built on a bedrock of commitment to advancing the liberal arts. 

“The San Diego College for Women was a liberal arts college from the very beginning — and then, it became the College of Arts and Sciences,” says Sister Virginia Rodee ‘57 (BA) ‘74 (MA), who vividly recalls the excitement of those early days. “The thought was if you had the liberal arts, you could advance in any direction with that strong base as the preparation for life.”

Read the full article on page 22 of the Arts & Sciences magazine (Fall 2024 issue).

The USD College of Arts and Sciences released its second annual Arts & Sciences magazine this fall. In the pages of this magazine, you will discover exciting new programs and initiatives, meaningful and impactful stories, and inspiring student, faculty and alumni spotlights. 

— Story by Julene Synder and Leslie Ridgeway