School of Law Alumna Debbie Rider ʼ84 (JD) Named a 2025 Girl Scouts San Diego Cool Woman

University of San Diego (USD) School of Law Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Relations Debbie Rider '84 (JD) has been named a 2025 Girl Scouts San Diego Cool Woman. Each year, Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) honors exemplary women whose personal and professional lives make them quintessential role models for girls. 

Since 2013, Rider has been an integral part of USD School of Law, providing visionary leadership as she advances the school’s philanthropic mission. She spearheads all facets of fund development, from cultivating and stewarding major donors to directing strategic annual fundraising initiatives and high-impact special events. Rider is devoted to expanding scholarships, enhancing academic programs, and strengthening the law school’s infrastructure to ensure that students and faculty have the resources necessary to do their best work and achieve all they are capable of accomplishing. 

“Debbie has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to elevating USD and the broader community. Her passion for service is a constant source of inspiration to me and all around her," said USD School of Law Dean Robert Schapiro.
She is indeed an exemplary Cool Woman.”

Prior to joining USD School of Law, Rider was the Chief Development Officer of GSSD, where she directed capital campaigns to build a new cabin on the GSSD Balboa property and named the Leadership Center after former GSSD CEO Jo Dee Jacob and her husband, Glenn. Rider also served as Board Chair for GSSD and was a co-leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.

Currently, in her volunteer capacity, Rider is on the Board of Directors for Cristo Rey High School San Diego and serves on its development committee; serves on the Patrons of the Prado Board of Directors as the Recording Secretary; and is in her eleventh year as a member of USD’s Paralegal Advisory Committee. She is a past President of National Charity League–San Diego del Norte Chapter, Girl Scouts San Diego-Imperial Council and Junior League of San Diego, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA.

This year’s Cool Women Celebration will be held on Friday, March 14, 11:00 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. 

— USD News Center