From Toreros to Trailblazers: USD Celebrates the Class of 2025

Commencement weekends honor achievements of more than 3,100 Torero graduates

Monday, June 2, 2025 TOPICS: Academics, University News

Commencement 2025 at the University of San Diego (USD) featured five distinct events across two weekends to celebrate more than 3,100 deserving graduates. The ceremonies, held at the Jenny Craig Pavilion, recognized students earning undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law degrees.

The graduation events began with the School of Law’s ceremony on May 17, followed by graduate programs from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education on May 18.

The second commencement weekend started with the second graduate ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, the Knauss School of Business and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. The 2025 version of commencement closed out Sunday with two undergraduate ceremonies — one for the College of Arts and Sciences and the other for the Knauss School of Business and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.

Honoring Academic Excellence

USD named three undergraduate valedictorians for the Class of 2025:

Bridget Murphy, College of Arts and Sciences, graduated with a double major in Biology and Spanish and a minor in Chemistry
Dylan Buck, Knauss School of Business, completed his bachelor’s degree in Accounting in January 2025
Jack Berkowitz, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, earned a dual degree in Electrical Engineering

Graduates Making an Impact

The Class of 2025 has already secured positions at globally recognized companies such as MetLife, Procter & Gamble, GE Vernova, Cadence Design Systems and Deloitte. Others are pursuing service-oriented paths with organizations like City Year and FirstSteps for Kids.

Ten of the university’s 16 graduating McNair Scholars are heading directly into graduate programs, continuing their commitment to academic research and higher education.

The university’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) comissioned 39 new military officers — 26 as U.S. Navy ensigns and 13 as U.S. Marine Corps second lieutenants—marking a proud moment of service and leadership for the university community.

USD’s School of Law graduates also made a meaningful contribution, with 124 students donating more than 19,000 hours of pro bono legal services through the university’s legal clinics. Their work, valued at more than $3 million, supported underserved populations throughout San Diego County.

As the Class of 2025 steps into the next chapter of their lives, the University of San Diego celebrates not only their academic accomplishments but also their spirit of service, leadership, and community engagement.