USD Opens Highly-Anticipated Palomar Health Student Wellness Center

New facility a ‘symbol of holistic wellness’ at Alcalá Park

The University of San Diego officially opened the Palomar Health Student Wellness Center with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Tuesday, April 22.

The plaza outside the new center, located adjacent to the university’s main entrance, was packed with students, faculty, staff and community members, all who came out for the historical event and a chance to explore the impressive three-story, 80,000-square foot facility. 

“This is a proud, proud day for USD,” Vice President for Student Affairs Charlotte Johnson, JD, said while throwing up her arms in celebration. “To the students gathered, we’re finally here. This is a symbol of holistic wellness on our campus, and a commitment to support you — mind, body and spirit.”

Along with Johnson, the assembled crowd heard from Vice President of University Operations Ky Snyder, Associated Student Government Morgan Pheng, U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, USD President James T. Harris III, DEd, and Palomar Health CEO Diane Hansen. Monsignor Dan Dillabough provided a special blessing, drawing on words of inspiration from the late Pope Francis, who died on Monday. 

“This building sends a clear message: student well-being matters,” said Pheng. “But it’s more than a wellness center — it’s a sanctuary.” 

USD and Palomar Health announced a transformational partnership in September 2024. The collaboration leverages Palomar Health’s expertise in healthcare services and the university’s dedication to academic excellence and student well-being. 

The new wellness center will redefine the student experience at USD. 

In addition to setting a new standard for inclusive wellness resources and NCAA practice facilities for scholar-athletes, the facility provides accessible indoor and outdoor spaces where the entire campus community can find connections between physical activity, diet and nutrition, mental health, inner self, engagement and belonging.

“I know we’ve all watched this building rise with great anticipation — and I look forward to experiencing it with all of you today,” said Harris. "Student wellness was a priority at USD even before the building behind us was conceived. We are proud that USD is regularly among the top five schools nationally for quality of life. We’re also very proud of the excellent work of every person on this campus to support student success.”

As Harris and Hansen gathered to cut the Founders blue ribbon strung across the middle of three towering archways that comprise the new center’s facade, a slew of smartphones shot into the air from students in the crowd eager to record the monumental moment.

Once the ceremonial  ribbon was snipped, throngs of enthusiastic onlookers walked through the open doors for the first time, eager to explore the newest addition to Alcalá Park; one that will help USD continue to grow its national reputation as an institution focused on helping students thrive not just academically, but also emotionally, physically and spiritually. 

— Story by Matthew Piechalak; photos by Piechalak and Jeff Ernst; video by Alé Delgado