Our history
Compassionate service, academic excellence
Mother Rosalie Hill was a gifted educator and administrator and in San Francisco, she met Reverend Charles F. Buddy, the first bishop of the Diocese of San Diego.
The two envisioned establishing a university in San Diego that would provide the best in sacred and secular learning. Mother Rosalie Hill was the founding president of our precursor, the San Diego College for Women, and served as an honorary president until her death on December 12th, 1964. She embodied the compassionate service and dedication to educational equity that is foundational to the mission and vision of SOLES.
Beauty will attract them; goodness will lead them, but the truth will hold them.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide academic excellence, innovation and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. We educate, engage, model, mentor and challenge the campus community to promote social justice and ignite meaningful change in our diverse society.
Our Vision
Our vision is to shape the future by educating and empowering professionals to enact social justice, enhance human dignity and improve the quality of life of diverse individuals, families and communities.
Our Values
diversity, inclusion and social justice
excellence in teaching
care for the whole person and our common home
community engagement
excellence in scholarship
Past and present educational pioneers
As the second oldest academic institution at the University of San Diego, our story has been shaped by a long line of educators, visionaries and community activists whose work and accomplishments mirror the vision of SOLES:
Shaping the future
As a student, you engage in a rich and comprehensive learning experience customized to your professional journey. As researchers and practitioners, students work collaboratively with faculty, combining academic theory with real-world experience, adding a global perspective to our diverse and inclusive community.
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