Celebrating Scholarship, Teaching and Service at the 2025 Faculty Convocation

The University of San Diego marked the start of the academic year by honoring exceptional faculty contributions at the 2025 Fall Convocation in the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Theater.

Nine USD faculty members received top university awards for the 2025-26 academic year, including five University Professorship recepients: 

• • Caroline Baillie, PhD (Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering)

  • Kenneth P. Serbin, PhD (College of Arts and Sciences)

  • Bradley Bond, PhD (College of Arts and Sciences)

  • Adriana Vamosiu, PhD (Knauss School of Business)

  • Michael Rappaport, JD (School of Law)

• Two faculty received Steber Professorships, recognizing outstanding contributions in teaching, research and service:

  • Victor Carmona, PhD (Theology and Religious Studies)

  • Sarah Lyon, PhD (Knauss School of Business)

• In the School of Law, two endowed professorships were presented:

  • Michelle D. Layser, JD, honored with the Herzog Endowed Scholar Award, for meritorious teaching and scholarly productivity.

  • Donald Dripps, JD, named the Class of 1975 Endowed Professor, in recognition of meritorious teaching, leadership and academic accomplishments.

Each of these distinctions celebrates the enduring dedication of faculty who advance USD’s mission through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

About the Awards

• University Professorships are reserved for those whose achievement in teaching and research is particularly outstanding —an accolade that highlights the breadth and impact of a faculty member’s contributions.

• The Steber Professorship, made possible by a gift from Clarence L. Steber, recognizes meaningful contributions in multiple facets of academic life and is honored across designated schools, including Theology and Religious Studies and the Knauss School of Business.

• The Herzog Endowed Scholar Award and Class of 1975 Endowed Professorship are awarded by the School of Law. The former recognizes exemplary teaching and scholarship; the latter, established as a reunion gift in honor of the Class of 1975, honors excellence in teaching, leadership and broader academic accomplishments.

“Convocation is both a celebration and a reminder of the extraordinary talent and dedication that define USD’s faculty. These honorees exemplify the spirit of excellence and community that make this such a special place to learn and work,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Nicholas Santilli, PhD.

— USD News Center