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Opening Doors to the World: USD Celebrates Scholarship Impact
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, USD hosted its 36th annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon. Undergraduate and graduate students enjoyed a seated luncheon alongside the generous donors who help make their education possible.
Approximately 80% of USD students rely on scholarships. USD is also ranked No. 2 nationally for study abroad participation, with scholarships playing a critical role in making these transformational experiences accessible.
During the program, guests watched a short video featuring three scholarship recipients that illustrated how their recent experiences abroad broadened their horizons and deepened their global awareness.
Greg Chapman ’92 (BA), the event's featured speaker, reflected on his own experience in USD’s Semester at Sea program, which he said changed his trajectory. It expanded his worldview and inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship. He summarized it simply: “If you change what you see, it affects what you do, which in turn affects what you get.”
He and his wife, Dr. Kristin Chapman, have supported USD for decades. Their leadership and passion towards the Chapman Family Foundation International Program at USD have been instrumental in expanding study abroad opportunities for students and supporting faculty excellence. USD is honored to welcome Greg Chapman to the Board of Trustees this July.
President James T. Harris III, DEd, echoed Chapman's remarks, reflecting on his recent travels to Spain and Ireland and the value of global experiences. He expressed gratitude for the donors in the room and for the philanthropic support that makes these opportunities possible for our students.
“USD has become a global university thanks to our partnership with campuses around the world, and also thanks to those who support our students in making global experiences part of nearly every Torero’s journey,” he said. “To our donors, please know that, through your generosity, you are helping to advance academic excellence. You are helping create a more hopeful world.”
“USD has become a global university thanks to our partnership with campuses around the world, and also thanks to those who support our students in making global experiences part of nearly every Torero’s journey,” he said. “To our donors, please know that, through your generosity, you are helping to advance academic excellence. You are helping create a more hopeful world.”