View the Announcement
December 3, 2021
Announcing the Knauss School of Business
Dear Toreros:
It is my honor to announce that Don Knauss, chair of USD’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Ellie, have generously agreed to increase their philanthropic giving to the university to $50 million as their investment in educating ethical and compassionate business leaders. In honor of their remarkable gift, our business school will be known as The Knauss School of Business. The new building which will house the Knauss School of Business will be known as the Knauss Center for Business Education. We are incredibly blessed to have Don and Ellie as members of our university community. Through their vision and generosity, we will be able to truly transform business education.
At the heart of their vision is student success. The Knauss School of Business aspires to provide every business student with equal access to unparalleled experiences that enable them to make a positive impact wherever their career journey takes them. Leading-edge practices include consulting on global supply chain projects, apprenticeships and internships to build out their career networks, applied research initiatives in partnership with our outstanding faculty members and equal opportunity to study abroad.
We look forward to bringing all business students, faculty, staff and alumni together in the incredible Knauss Business School complex that will serve as a true collaboration and innovation ecosystem. Through Don and Ellie Knauss’ investment, this new facility will serve as a campus model for the latest in pedagogy, technology and sustainability where students, faculty and business professionals can come together to confront the most vexing challenges facing society.
Don and Ellie’s vision and philosophy of business stewardship through values-driven free enterprise aligns so well with the University of San Diego’s mission. Both Don and Ellie are true servant-leaders, and their lives have been dedicated to making the world a better place.
Our deserving students, distinguished faculty and the entire Torero family now look forward to the Fall 2022 opening of the Knauss Center for Business Education — home of the Knauss School of Business, which soon will be known as one of the most student-centered and innovative schools of business in the nation!
Peace,
James T. Harris III, D.Ed.
President