Darlene Marcos Shiley Named ‘Top 50’ donor by The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has named Darlene Marcos Shiley, Chair Emerita of the University of San Diego (USD) Board of Trustees, to their exclusive annual ranking of the 50 donors in the United States. 

For 25 years, the Chronicle's reporters and editors have assembled and analyzed reams of data to learn who gives the most to charity in America. The report reveals trends in giving among the wealthiest donors in the nation and also explores the forces shaping the future of big giving.

In November 2024, Shiley announced a record-breaking pledge totaling $75 million to USD. It’s the largest gift in university history and among the largest ever given to any Catholic university in the country.

The gift will touch several different areas of USD’s campus, with a primary emphasis on creating what will be known as the ‘Shiley STEM Initiative’, expanding innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, and funding new, state-of-the-art STEM facilities on USD’s campus.

“STEM fields touch all different aspects of our lives, and I believe they can be a force for good in our society,” Shiley said. “I was drawn to USD because of its emphasis on a values-based education. This gift fulfills my husband’s and my goals and makes me feel like I’ve made an impact. Now I hope it helps future students take what they learn at USD and make a positive impact of their own.”

View the full list at philanthropy.com/topdonors

— USD News Center