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University of San Diego Digital USD USD Magazine USD News Summer 2021 USD Magazine Summer 2021 University of San Diego Follow this and additional works at: https://digital.sandiego.edu/usdmagazine
USDMAG
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
Summer 2021
MEETING OF MINDS
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00
and USD President James T. Harris
sit down for a wide-ranging
conversation.
USD MAGAZINE
DEAR TOREROS in student government, campus
ministry, community service and
more — all of which allowed me
to meet other wise, compassion-
ate, inspiring individuals. Slowly,
through their mentorship, I came
to understand that the purpose
of JCU was not to field a win-
ning soccer team or to offer the
credentials necessary to get a
good job. Instead, I realized,
the mission of Catholic higher
education is to help students dis-
cover their most authentic selves
while inspiring them to offer
their gifts and talents to make
the world a better place.
My career in Catholic higher
education — including the past
14 years at USD — have con-
firmed that my story isn’t unique.
I’ve had a front row seat to the
ways so many USD students
have been transformed by their
experience as I was by mine.
The vision of our founders, of
the life-altering potential of an
encounter with beauty, goodness
and truth, is alive and well.
Now more than ever, I’m con-
vinced that the mission of this
T
university is precisely what our
he best thing that ever I assumed it was the path to a fascinated me. That class, and world most needs. The holistic
happened to me — be- good job and a prosperous life. that professor, changed my life. education we offer continues to
sides meeting my wife During my first semester of It was the first time I sensed help students discover who God
and becoming a father — was my first year, I was enrolled in that what I most deeply wanted has created them to be and to
the core curriculum in my under- Introduction to Religious Stud- was more than a good job and a inspire them to dedicate their
graduate days at John Carroll ies. The professor was a wise, prosperous life. gifts and talents to address
University. I had decided to at- compassionate, inspirational The second-best thing that humanity’s urgent challenges.
tend JCU, a small Catholic col- Jesuit priest who challenged us ever happened to me was the I can’t think of an endeavor more
lege in Cleveland, Ohio, mostly to consider what the purpose of co-curriculum at John Carroll. meaningful or important. I am,
because the soccer coach called our lives was and encouraged us During my sophomore year, therefore, honored and excited by
and told me I could play on the to explore how religious tradi- while studying late one night in the opportunity to serve the USD
team. That, and the red brick tions could inform the process the student center, I saw a flyer community in the role of Vice
buildings, grassy quad and large of finding our answer to that advertising resident assistant President for Mission Integration.
oak trees made the place look, to question. Beyond what we stud- applications. They must have
my 17-year-old self, like college ied, there was something about been desperate for male appli- Michael Lovette-Colyer ’13 (PhD)
was supposed to look. Besides the professor, an unmistakable, cants, because I got the job. The Vice President for Mission
soccer, I went to college because extraordinary goodness, that RA position led to involvement Integration
U S D M A GA ZI N E
Summer 2021
STAFF BOX
[president]
James T. Harris III, DEd
[vice president, university advancement]
Richard Virgin
[associate vice president, university
marketing and communications]
Peter Marlow
petermarlow@sandiego.edu
[editor/senior director]
Julene Snyder
julene@sandiego.edu
[senior creative director]
Barbara Ferguson
barbaraf@sandiego.edu
[editorial advisory board]
Sandra Ciallella ’87 (JD)
Lynn Hijar Hoffman ’98 (BBA), ’06 (MSGL)
Minh-Ha Hoang ’96 (BBA), ’01 (MA)
Michael Lovette-Colyer ’13 (PhD)
Kristin Scialabba (PhD candidate)
Rich Yousko ’87 (BBA)
[usd magazine]
USD Magazine is published three times a year by the
University of San Diego for its alumni, parents and
friends. U.S. postage paid at San Diego, CA 92110.
USD phone number: (619) 260-4600.
[class notes]
Class Notes may be edited for length and clarity.
Photos must be high resolution, so adjust camera settings
accordingly. Engagements, pregnancies, personal email
addresses and telephone numbers cannot be published.
Please note that content for USD Magazine has
a long lead time. Our current publishing schedule is as
follows: Class Notes received between Feb. 1-May 30
appear in the Fall edition; those received June 1-Sept. 30
appear in the Spring edition; those received between
Oct. 1-Jan. 31 appear in the Summer digital-only edition.
Email Class Notes to classnotes@sandiego.edu or
mail them to the address below.
[mailing address]
USD Magazine
Throughout all the challenges of the past year, alumni, Publications
University of San Diego
parents, employees and friends provided the support 5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
to make this another successful year for our students. [website]
www.sandiego.edu/usdmag
Thank you for proving once again that we are [be blue go green]
#TorerosTogether. USD Magazine is printed with vegetable-based inks
on paper certified in accordance with FSC® standards,
which support environmentally appropriate, socially
beneficial and economically viable management of the
To make a gift, visit: sandiego.edu/give-now world’s forests.
[0521/PUBS-21-3036]
Summer 2021 1
USD MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
14 24
4 7 8
10 12 28 32
2 U S D MA GA ZIN E
Summer 2021
FEATURES
USD MAGAZINE
TORERO ATHLETICS
MEETING OF MINDS Unfailingly Generous
14 This spring, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00 and USD
President James T. Harris sat down for a wide-ranging
12 The Bernie Bickerstaff Diversity and Inclusion Fund will
enhance and expand diversity and inclusion education and
conversation. Topics covered included Gloria’s childhood training, as well as programs proposed by USD athletes.
in San Diego, the first time he visited City Hall as a
10-year-old who devoured politics and news, and his time
on campus as a student. CLASS NOTES
SOCIETY’S SUSTAINING FORCE
28 Strengthening Community Safety
Marcus Friedman ’21 (JD) is turning trauma to action,
18 Each year, USD celebrates women across campus who are
creating positive change, dubbing a select group “women
after witnessing the deadliest mass shooting committed
in modern in modern U.S. history.
of impact.” This group — along with select others — use
their knowledge, expertise and humanity to truly make the On the Front Line
world a better place.
32 COVID nurse Ann Lawani ’18 (MSN) never expected to
face a global pandemic so early in her nursing career.
THE SISTERS ALKSNE While the stress has been tremendous, she feels deep
24 Cynthia ’85 (JD) and Lorna ’92 (JD) imagined one future for
themselves, but life had other plans. Lorna expected to
joy each time a patient is discharged.
become a talking head, while Cynthia dreamed of being a Dare Mighty Things
trial attorney. While in a way, those big dreams ultimately
came true, it wasn’t exactly the way they’d expected.
34 Mechanical engineer Amanda Gates ’16 (BS/BA) has
literally seen her career soar. In the summer of 2020,
she held her breath as the rover generator she helped
build touched down on Mars.
TORERO NEWS
4 Dressed for Success Not Self, But Country
A spacious meeting room on campus was transformed
this spring into a well-organized clothing boutique for
38 Rear Adm.Peter Stamatopoulos ‘88 (BBA) is in charge of
the U.S. Navy’s entire supply chain. He also oversees more
students to “shop” for professional attire, thanks to the than 22,000 personnel and commands 11 subordinate
generosity of donors. organizations around the globe.
Help Just a Click Away RIP Thomas Kelly ’60 (BBA)
6 USD’s Torero Employer and Alumni Mentors (TEAM)
program provides an online space for new connections
40 The School of Business alumnus from the class of 1960
helped lead the effort to recruit players for the first
through networking and mentorship, exclusive to Toreros. football team at USD in 1956, and played for five seasons.
Superhero, Activate!
8 Cailyn Ann Teague ’21 (BA) earned her undergraduate ON THE COVER
degree in only two years, thanks to what she describes Image of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00 (BA) is provided
as her superpower, Autism Spectrum Disorder. courtesy of the City of San Diego.
Generations of Generosity WEBSITE: sandiego.edu/usdmag
10 The legacy of the late James David Power III lives on
through his son, James D. “Jamey” Power IV ’85 (BA). Their
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/usandiego
dedication to education is manifested in myriad ways. TWITTER: @uofsandiego
INSTAGRAM: @uofsandiego
Summer 2021 3
USD MAGAZINE
TORERO NEWS
NICK PORTER
[looking sharp]
DRESSED FOR SUCCESS
mirrors, clothing racks, shelves
and tables offering up an array of
handbags, shoes, dresses, women
and men’s suits and separates.
The Torero Closet was origi-
Torero Closet provides students with professional attire nally the brainchild of Assistant
Vice President for Student Life
A
by Julene Snyder Cynthia Avery, EdD, who led the
spacious meeting room Torero Closet “shop” was staffed set them up for success,” says effort to build a USD Food Pantry
on campus was trans- by members of the Parent Advi- Director of Parent and Family for students in need. Over the
formed this spring into sory Board, who helped advise Relations Renda Quinn. “Our past five years, the pantry mor-
a well-organized clothing bou- students on clothing selection USD Parent Advisory Board phed from a space tucked away
tique, all due to the generosity for a professional look and recognizes the importance of in a hallway of the Student Life
of donors. Temporarily set up for arranged for complimentary first impressions and feeling Pavilion to a large private office
students to visit by appointment alterations if needed. confident in an interview.” space that grants access to regis-
in order to select appropriate at- “This effort truly speaks to the The shop was inviting and tered students with a key code.
tire for interviews and jobs, the desire to lift up every student to well-organized, with full-length “The passion and determination
4 U S D MA GA ZIN E
of current Parent Advisory Board [perseverance]
OPENING DOORS
President Marco Alessio ’84 (BBA),
who is the parent of Alexandra ‘21
(BBA), helped us to secure this
private space,” explains Quinn.
“Within the pantry was a rack of
clothing for students for job inter-
views, but it just wasn’t enough.” MacDonald Community Scholars on giving back
USD Parent Corps Chair Steph-
E
anie Kourie — mother of Nathalie by Elena Gomez
‘19 (BBA) and Pascale ‘22 — took ach year, a new cohort of connect with people from differ- made the switch from having a
the lead for the next effort, which four first-year students ent backgrounds, different ma- physical menu to having QR
was to conduct a clothing drive to become MacDonald Com- jors, different ages — everything. codes printed and put on their
collect enough new and gently munity Scholars. The scholar- It gave me a safe space in which tables for free,” says Arana.
used clothing and accessories to ship’s founder, Scott MacDonald, I felt represented and welcomed,” This effort boosted their
create a complete “shop.” launched this scholarship at she says. businesses and made employees
“We did a clothing drive last USD in 2017, leading to recipi- Over the past four years, she’s feel safer while at work, she
year for these fabulous kids, ents contributing hundreds of taught soccer to students through says. She’s hoping to bring her
so we’ve been waiting for an hours of community service. YALLA San Diego, tutored stu- university experience back
opportunity to get them kitted His recently published book, dents in Linda Vista and, most home to Panama.
out,” Kourie explains. “I really Education without Debt: Giving recently, helped two local restau- “As engineers, we always try to
enjoyed setting up the ‘boutique,’ Back and Paying It Forward, exam- rants during the pandemic make things better. Our educa-
it looked like somewhere I would ines the student debt crisis and through the Logan Heights Com- tion system back in Panama is
enjoy shopping” what can be done to fix it. munity Development Corporation. lacking a lot of tools I’ve been
“It was great to have no re- Shiley-Marcos School of Engi- “Every Friday, I walked around exposed to here in the United
strictions and know I could walk neering first-year student Britta- the community, introduced my- States,” she says.
out with something I liked that ny Espinosa-Arevalo (pictured) self, asked them how they were Espinosa-Arevalo also believes
fit. My favorite outfit I selected moved to the U.S. from Mexico doing and if they had received in paving the way for others to
was a red dress,” says Vicenta City at the age of 11. The move any help, then made sure there pursue a higher education. “If I
Martinez Govea ’21 (pictured). required her to learn a new lan- was follow-up. I was able to con- can do that for others then, I’m
“I also picked out a blazer, dress guage while finding a way to ex- nect with two restaurants and we all for it.”
pants and a few blouses.” cel at her studies. That life expe-
“I loved how a couple of the rience is now helping her to
girls were very concerned for the serve others.
students who were coming after As a MacDonald scholar, she
them and didn’t want to take as receives $5,000 every year while
many outfits as we were giving she attends USD; in turn, she vol-
them. They were so considerate,” unteers 10 hours each week to
says Kourie. “My favorite experi- mentor students and help staff at
ence was helping a visually im- the Barrio Logan College Insti-
paired student to choose several tute (BLCI) — the same institute
suits, shirts, ties, belts and shoes, she attended in high school that
as well as some business casual prepared her for college.
outfits for his new job after grad- “It’s really nice that I can be
uation. I only wish he could real- here for BLCI students, since
ly see how handsome he looked.” I’ve been there before,” she says.
After helping 35 students at the “I tell them, ‘It’s going to be OK,
event, the Parent Advisory Board you’re going to get the hang of it.
has decided to continue this It’s just a matter of time and a
effort each semester in order to matter of consistency.’”
continue helping students in need Melissa Arana ’21 (BS/BA) was
to dress for success. part of the first cohort of USD
MacDonald Scholars. “As a fresh-
DANIEL TELLES
Want to learn more and see how man, I didn’t really know any-
you can help? Email parents@ body,” she recalls. “The Mulvaney
sandiego.edu. Center opened doors for me to
Summer 2021 5
C O U R T E S Y O F D E E KAYA R
[intentionality]
HELP JUST A CLICK AWAY
working prospects and alumni
contacts within their preferred
industries and companies.
When they go to the flash men-
toring connections functional-
TEAM networking platform keeps Toreros connected ity of the platform, they can
actually use advanced search
T
by Elena Gomez functions to filter down alumni
he University of San Torero just a click away from are shared with the community by where they work, where they
Diego’s Torero Employ- reaching out to one another and users can connect directly live, what they’ve majored in
er and Alumni Mentors and seeking support,” says the with job posters; the peer-to- and what industry’s they’re
(TEAM) program is USD’s ver- Career Development Center’s peer function is a place for stu- working in, so they can identify
sion of a LinkedIn-meets-Face- Assistant Director of Alumni dents to connect with one an- those networking prospects
book platform. Career Engagement, Dee Kayalar. other and share experiences; and connect with them directly,”
TEAM provides a space for The platform has five differ- and the discussion forum pro- adds Kayalar.
new connections through net- ent functions to help users vides a space to post events, The platform makes those con-
working and mentorship, exclu- make connections within the campus updates and more. nections easy to develop. Users are
sive to the Torero community. USD community: Flash mentor- “What essentially makes a able to reach out openly to other
One major difference from big- ing connections allow alumni difference in the job search is not users by connecting in the way
ger social sites is that all TEAM and students to connect and only working on your personal that they’re most comfortable —
users volunteer to be a part of it share career advice; the group branding or applying for jobs, but via text, video conference or mes-
and are open to providing sup- function lets users join commu- coupling that with very intention- saging. Users can also join and use
port and career advice to cur- nities based on shared inter- al networking,” explains Kayalar. their LinkedIn or Facebook pro-
rent and past USD students. ests/industries; the alumni job “TEAM gives students the files to connect.
“This platform makes every board is where open positions access to connect with net- There are currently more than
6 U S D MA GA ZIN E
4,000 Toreros on the platform, [big-hearted]
THE FUTURE IS COMING
an increase of more than 600%
since the platform was created
in 2017. Out of this group, more
than 2,000 are alumni and more
than 1,300 are students.
The platform has become
an essential part of networking Major gift to School of Business for finance
for the Torero community.
T
Since its creation in 2017, by Julene Snyder
TEAM has become an essential his spring, the School of
networking tool. The numbers Business received a major
are impressive: There are cur- gift toward the creation of
rently 685 users — USD stu- a finance lab as part of the new
dents, alumni, faculty and staff — Knauss Center for Business Edu-
engaging back and forth via cation. The gift was made through
more than 3,500 messages. the generosity of Board of Trust-
To add to that momentum, ees Treasurer Robert R. Dean ’94
more than 40 job opportunities (BBA) and his wife, Trina (the
were posted or referred by couple is pictured at right).
alumni from January through “We made this gift for many
March 2021. reasons, but primarily as a way
“People are considering tran- to show appreciation to, and
sitioning industries or transfer- belief in, the future of USD,” says
ring skills to other areas because Dean, whose daughters, Macken-
they may have been furloughed zie ‘20 and Madison ‘21, are both
or laid off as a result of the pan- Toreros. “I received so many ben-
demic,” explains Kayalar. “Also, efits from my USD business de-
our more established alumni — gree, and the fact that my college
ANDERS CARLSON
who might be in career transi- tuition was almost [entirely]
tion due to the current circum- covered by financial aid. It was
stances — can look to see what important to pay it forward.
else they might do with their We also wanted to build positive
talent and skills,” says Kayalar. momentum in the hope other
USD’s Admissions and Stu- alumni would join the effort.” them,” Dean says of what will be majors gain better skills with the
dent Affairs divisions are now The new 84,000-square-foot known as the Daniel Rivetti and latest technology and resources.
also using the same hub, under Knauss Center for Business Edu- Dennis Zocco Finance Lab. This will not only make USD
a different name, to connect cation will unify all School of He says when looking back at business graduates more attractive
with future Toreros through Business functions, tripling the his time on campus, what still to hire, but will attract the bright-
the Torero Ambassador Net- size of the school’s space. Among stands out are the people he est and best students to pursue a
work. That network was the offerings will be the finance bonded with. Above all, he trea- USD business degree.” Ground-
launched as a direct response lab, active learning classrooms, sures “the friends and amazing breaking for the center took place
to the pandemic as a way to seminar rooms, a graduate lounge relationships built during that in April of this year; it’s scheduled
welcome prospective students and team collaboration space. extremely meaningful time.” to open in August of 2022.
and transition them to the As a first-year student, Dean Dean is effusive about the Dean, who is the vice chairman
TEAM platform once they knew from the get-go that he benefits the finance lab will have of the San Francisco Giants, is
become students, supporting would be majoring in business for School of Business students. heartened that the university will
them from day one of their with an emphasis on finance. “A modern business school will provide business students with
academic journey. “Two of my favorite classes, fi- better prepare USD graduates the tools they need to succeed.
Moving forward, the Career nance and investments, and two for the workplace environment,” “A Bloomberg terminal would
Development Center team is of my favorite professors — Dan- he explains. have been an amazing tool to
looking to create specialized iel Rivetti and Dennis Zocco — “Office buildings and working have in a finance classroom when
communities within the plat- helped me find my career path. environments have changed so I attended,” he notes. “I can’t
form for different regions, such Funding and putting their names much over the years; the new imagine how much more learning
as in the cities where Torero on the finance lab is a small token Knauss Center for Business could be accomplished with a
Clubs are located. of appreciation and way to honor Education will help more business finance lab today.”
Summer 2021 7BARBARA FERGUSON
[fortitude]
SUPERHERO, ACTIVATE!
older honorary sister Camille and
her friends Zoe and Stephanie for
getting her to the point where
she’s embraced the disorder.
“It was scary at first,” she ad-
mits. “I didn’t know anything
Cailyn Ann Teague is in a league of her own about it. They taught me it’s
really awesome. They recognized
S
by Allyson Meyer ’16 (BA), ’21 (MBA) me for me.”
ometimes there isn’t a Since she was 9 years old, This is made even more remark- Focusing on the positive is
roadmap forward. For Teague has known she wanted able by the fact that the 19-year- what drives Teague to claim au-
Cailyn Ann Teague ’21 to become a prosecutor, moti- old Teague is one of only two tism as her superpower; especial-
(BA), that’s not a barrier, but vated by her interest in law USD non-transfer students, ever, ly because she sees it as some-
rather, an opportunity to chart and her desire to help others. to have earned an undergraduate thing that’s played a prominent
her own path. Access to faculty members in degree in just two years. role in her educational path.
Pursuing a political science the USD School of Law — as What does she credit for “I’m really academically
major with minors in psychology well as the chance to observe this success? focused. It helps me a lot with
and economics from the Univer- a law class — made USD the “My superpower is my Autism my memory, with concentration,”
sity of San Diego, Teague’s edu- right school for her. Spectrum Disorder,” says Teague, she says. “I can be in a zone for a
cational achievement is admira- In fall 2019, Teague officially who was diagnosed with the dis- very long time and basically tune
ble if one were to stop there. became a Torero. Much to the order during her senior year of out everything around me. I can
However, this native San Diegan amazement of faculty and fellow high school. “I have this super- stay studying for hours at a time
raised the bar with the determi- students, Teague is set to gradu- power and it’s really cool.” on the same subject without get-
nation she’s exhibited in achiev- ate this May, earning her under- Teague credits the support ting bored. It’s what helps me a
ing this success. graduate degree in only two years. she received early on from her lot in school.”
8 U S D MA GA ZIN ETeague, who’s completing her [cutting-edge]
PRACTICALLY REAL LIFE
bachelor’s degree with a jaw-
dropping seven classes this
spring, is already setting her
sights on a new educational
journey: law school. She sees
it as a natural next step in her
desire to protect people. Having Virtual reality tools for nursing students
experienced bullying when she
A
was younger, she’s motivated by Julene Snyder
to help others. unique challenge has aris- inside the exam room,” she says. best thing.”
“I don’t want other people to en during the COVID-19 These virtual reality learning Growdon liked the experience
feel this way,” she says. “I want pandemic: How to find a tools augment the use of “stan- of using the new tool in one of
to make sure people follow the way to give nursing students train- dardized patients” — people her on-campus labs. “There was a
rules and no one gets hurt.” ing in hospitals and clinics in or- recruited and trained to take little bit of pressure, which I
This mission is spurred on by der to complete clinical require- on the characteristics of real liked. I also liked that I had my
her desire to share her own jour- ments at a time when such facili- patients, giving students the classmates here to give me help
ney with others, hoping to in- ties are closed to them? opportunity to learn and to be when I needed it.”
spire people through her accom- A 2020 Song-Brown grant of evaluated on learned skills in a Learning in this type of 3D
plishments, and more important, nearly $100,000 from the Califor- simulated clinical environment. environment allows students to
the challenges she saw as oppor- nia Healthcare Workforce Com- Students like Elizabeth Grow- learn and make mistakes, and
tunities and chances to grow, mission has allowed the Hahn don ‘21 (MEPN) are enthusiastic re-do procedures in various
change and further explore who School of Nursing and Health about using virtual reality sce- scenarios, something that’s not
she is and what she can do. “Try Science to purchase equipment narios to provide a robust, inter- possible in the real world. The
as hard as you can,” she says. and software that does the next active learning experience. school intends to purchase more
“All you can do is your best.” best thing. “This is more interactive,” she of these units — each comprised
Sharing her story is one way Clinical Associate Professor says. “It puts you on the spot and of goggles, a controller and a
Teague feels she can increase Deanna Johnston, PhD, says that feels more like real life than other laptop station — that will help
awareness for neurodiversity, virtual reality tools enhance stu- options that aren’t in the hospital. students in areas that cannot be
ultimately helping the commu- dent learning. “This program Training in the hospital is the simulated in labs, such as work-
nity understand the beauty makes it more real for the stu- gold standard, but since we can’t ing with pediatric patients or
in her experience. That starts dents, as if they were standing do that, this feels like the next mass casualty events.
with representation.
“A lot of people with autism
don’t see others with autism.
You don’t hear very many neu-
ro-diverse stories,” she says.
“If you don’t have role models,
if you don’t have representation,
it gets really hard.”
That’s what pushes Teague
forward. In her 19 years, she’s
blazed her own trail, guided
by her biological maternal grand-
mother who told her that every
time someone told her no, she
should take that as a challenge.
As Teague prepares for law
school, she’s already looking
ahead and setting her sights
on the next goal.
“I want to be the first Supreme
CAROL SCIMONE
Court justice with neurodiversity.
People need to see that,” she says.
“If we don’t challenge what can
be done, we’ll get nowhere.”
Summer 2021 9COURTESY OF JAMES D. POWER IV
[dedication]
GENERATIONS OF GENEROSITY
The legacy of the J.D. Power name at USD
and the belief that we’re put on
this earth to make an impact.
“He did everything with
integrity,” Jamey says. “He
had a modest approach to
philanthropy.”
J
by Krystn Shrieve Like father, like son.
ames David Power III revo- on work experience will endure. he was a great husband, father The younger Power carries
lutionized the auto industry Known to family, friends and and friend to many,” says Jamey many titles at USD — an alum-
when founding J.D. Power many around campus simply as of his father. “It’s tough to nus from the class of 1985, a
and Associates. He was “Dave,” the legendary entrepre- think of yourself as being able 2006 recipient of the Author E.
third in a line of five genera- neur (pictured) died on Jan. 23, to fill those shoes.” Hughes Career Achievement
tions of sons to carry the name 2021, at the age of 89. His lega- The way Jamey does that is Award, former vice chair of
that’s synonymous with quality cy at USD, however, lives on by passing on to others the the Alumni Association Board
and integrity. At the University through his son, James D. values his grandfather passed of Directors, former chair of
of San Diego, his dedication to “Jamey” Power IV. on to his father and his father USD’s most recent fundraising
excellence, the importance he “It’s a challenge to walk in passed on to him — values such campaign, Leading Change:
placed on education and the the footsteps of such a remark- as serving the community, the The Campaign for USD, a
role he played in helping stu- able man. He had an impact on idea that knowledge, truth and past USD parent to two sec-
dents achieve invaluable hands- society, he was an entrepreneur, beauty are inextricably linked, ond-generation Toreros and
10 U S D M A GA ZI N E[AROUND THE PARK]
a former USD trustee. and giving students invaluable
And while Jamey and his work experience.
wife, Julie, have supported USD “One of the things we’re
in many ways over the years, proud of is that we were able to
including annual support for help students who are caught in
the endowment of scholarships the middle,” Jamey says. “Fami- Top Public Service Ranking
in general and a specific schol- lies with means and wealth are USD was recently ranked first in the nation
arship fund for middle-class OK. And families who come by Washington Monthly for its commitment to
families, what Jamey found from lower economic areas, or public service. The score was calculated by
most gratifying was giving are faced with other challenges, five performance measures: the number of
$50,000 in December 2013 to have scholarships and other students who serve in the military, the institu-
create the Career Development resources available to them.” tion’s dedication to community service, the
Center’s high-impact Summer The Power family started voting engagement of students, the number of
Internship Award Program. out squarely in the middle alumni who are active in the Peace Corps and
Awarded annually, it honors the class. Dave worked his way the number of students who complete a term
professional achievements and through school at College of of service with AmeriCorps.
personal values of his father. the Holy Cross in Worcester,
The gift is funded through Massachusetts. To save money,
the Kenrose Kitchen Table he lived at home. Years later, Kroc School Redesigns Website
Foundation, named to honor when Jamey was a student at USD’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies
the origins of J.D. Power and USD, the success of his father’s unveiled a redesigned website this spring.
Associates — the street where company wasn’t certain. Jamey The new site “creates an engaging experi-
the family grew up and the relied on merit scholarships, ence that informs and inspires prospective
kitchen table Jamey and his work-study jobs and student students with the right content at the right
siblings sat around while help- loans — working in the regis- time,” explains Assistant Dean of Market-
ing their parents stuff and trar’s office, at a photocopy ing and Advancement Krista Kokjohn-
address envelopes and tape shop and delivering children’s Poehler. Faculty research, video, imagery
quarters to questionnaires — furniture for a local business. and stories from students and alumni are
always with George Washing- The values that Dave Power prominently featured.
ton’s profile facing up. instilled in Jamey, he has, in
Robin Darmon, director of turn, instilled in his own
USD’s Career Development children. Knauss Center for Business Education
Center, says that in summer His eldest son, James D. Construction for the new Knauss Center for
2020, 86 students received Power V, who goes by J.D., Business Education has begun. Dean Tim
awards due to the generosity graduated from College of the Keane describes the center as “a hub for inno-
of seven donors. Since its in- Holy Cross like his grandfather. vation and collaboration.” Combined with a
ception, additional donors — Like family members before fully renovated Olin Hall, the complex will
and groups such as USD’s him, he’s now a teacher at an include 120,000 square feet of active learning
Parents Association Board — inner-city charter school in spaces to support a holistic student experi-
have joined in to help grow Sacramento, California. Second ence. The Knauss Center was enabled through
the internship fund. son Michael, who graduated the generous support of USD Board of Trust-
“Supporting students so from USD’s Shiley-Marcos ees Chair Don Knauss and his wife Ellie.
they can experiment with School of Engineering in 2018,
career opportunities changes works on a continuous glucose
the trajectory of their lives,” monitoring device for Dexcom. Provost Gail Baker Takes on New Role
Darmon says. “They leave the Jamey’s daughter, Laura, who The Association of Chief Academic Officers
experience with a better sense graduated from USD in 2020 (ACAO) has named USD Vice President of
of what they enjoy profession- with a bachelor’s degree in Academic Affairs and Provost Gail F. Baker,
ally and what they want to psychology, is dedicating a PhD, as the new president of the organization.
pursue. They finish with new- year of service through the Her term will span 2021-22 and is effective
found confidence and have Jesuit Volunteer Corps working immediately. “I am honored to lead this
added value to an organization with the homeless community organization at a time when the role of the
or community.” in New Orleans. provost is growing in complexity,” says Baker,
This gift honors the family’s So, at USD, the legacy of who has more than 30 years of experience
dedication to education, while the J.D. Power name is truly in higher education. She has held the role
strengthening USD’s endowment generational. of provost at USD since 2017.
Summer 2021 11USD MAGAZINE
TORERO ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF USD ATHLETICS
[veracity]
UNFAILINGLY GENEROUS
private fundraising effort that has
been supported by approximately
70 donors. And fittingly, it’s
named for the university’s first
Black head coach — a man so
Fund named for legendary basketball coach Bernie Bickerstaff revered in the USD community
he “belongs on the Mt. Rushmore
A
by Karen Gross of USD greats,” McGillis says.
t USD, as it did across need to enhance the experience sion Fund, whose monies will be If that sounds hyperbolic,
the country and around of our Black scholar-athletes, in used to enhance and expand di- consider Bickerstaff’s biography.
the globe, George Floyd’s large part, because they shared versity and inclusion education Born and raised in tiny Benham
tragic death sparked a critical their perspective with us immedi- and training for staff, administra- in southeastern Kentucky, his
conversation, prompting a key ately,” says Associate Vice Presi- tors and students, and to seed ini- father and grandfather were both
question: How could USD — dent and Executive Director of tiatives and programs developed coal miners who spent years toil-
and the athletics department Athletics Bill McGillis. to support USD scholar-athletes. ing underground. Bickerstaff’s
in particular — do better? And so emerged the Bernie The fund has raised more high school basketball team was
“We recognized there was a Bickerstaff Diversity and Inclu- than $60,000 to date through a forced to travel 44 miles round
12 U S D M A GA ZI N Etrip to practice at the “colored”
school, while the white school
was in walking distance.
After moving to Cleveland and
briefly playing at a community
college there, he worked at a steel
mill and almost quit the game
for good before driving out to
San Diego at the invitation of Cal
Western’s head coach Bob Klop-
penburg. But a few open games
at USD changed his plans and,
as it turns out, his fate.
“Well I think the alarm finally
went off,” says Bickerstaff ‘68
(BA). “I had a maturity problem.
But USD’s professors, coaches
and administrators were all very
patient. It was always about char-
acter, integrity and fairness. And
that’s basically the way I’ve tried
to live my life.”
At 25, Bickerstaff was hired as
COURTESY OF USD ATHLETICS
the team’s head coach and from
there went on to a storied career
in the NBA that’s stretched across
decades, teams and roles. He cur-
rently works for the Cleveland
Cavaliers as a senior advisor.
Despite his professional success,
Bickerstaff is endlessly humble
SKIP AND CINDY HOGAN TENNIS CENTER
and helpful. His extensive con-
nections and generosity drew so
many fellow USD alumni into the
NBA that they formed a unique
fraternity among coaches. Lester T. Vessell Championship Courts
“People look at me now and
just shake their heads,” he laughs.
“They’re trying to figure out how A DVA N TAGE, U S D: A new $6.5 million facility for USD women’s and men’s tennis teams was
this small school could turn out all recently opened on the west side of campus on the site of the former tennis courts. It was made
these coaches and administrators.” possible entirely by private gifts. TH E CLU BH OU S E : “The new space features eight brand-new
Much of the credit goes to resurfaced tennis courts, named the Lester T. Vessell Championship Courts, and our first-ever
Bickerstaff himself, who keeps in tennis clubhouse,” explains Senior Associate Director of Athletics Marcy Lanoue. The clubhouse
touch with most everyone he has provides a base for scholar-athletes and coaches, and houses a formal locker room, a team lounge
ever played with or coached. “The and study commons. “The facility also features an athletic training room to service scholar-
message I tell them is we all need athletes’ medical needs as well as those of opposing teams when we welcome them for competi-
to help bring one along,” he says. tion.” STAT E- O F -TH E - ART: Located across from the new Learning Commons building, the center
“Let’s spread out. That way if is adorned with USD’s distinctive Spanish architecture. The facility features a scoreboard and
something happens, we can put grandstands with chairback seating. After a full year of silence on the sidelines, Lanoue notes,
out a hand and help out.” “We can’t wait to have fans back in the stands again.” GA ME , S E T, MATCH : Given that San Diego
is located in one of the most sought-after climates in the world, university athletes can train,
Bernie Bickerstaff ’68, flanked rain or shine. “This will be one of the most premier tennis facilities in the country,” says Lanoue.
by John (“JC”) Cunningham on “USD is going to be the top destination for tennis programs to compete against our men’s and
the left, alongside Associate women’s programs.” And not only will the new facilities add to scholar-athlete experience, but
Vice President for Athletics will be an alluring recruitment tool at the highest level. — Chloe Zakhour ‘20
Administration Bill McGillis.
Summer 2021 1314 U S D M A GA ZI N E
MEETING OF MINDS
A CONVERSATION WITH SAN DIEGO
MAYOR TODD GLORIA ‘00
AND USD PRESIDENT JAMES T. HARRIS by Julene Snyder
There’s no denying that San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00 (BA) is breaking new ground
as the city’s first person of color and first openly gay person to hold the office.
An honor student who graduated summa cum laude with a dual degree in history and
political science, Gloria’s career has been devoted to public service. He was first elected
to the San Diego City Council in 2008, ran for re-election unopposed in 2012, and was
unanimously elected to serve as council president that same year.
In 2013, Gloria became the interim mayor upon the resignation of Mayor Bob Filner,
and held the office until 2014. In 2016 he was elected to California State Assembly and
was re-elected in 2018. During those years he served as both assistant majority
whip and majority whip. He announced his candidacy for mayor in early 2019 and was
elected mayor in November 2020.
Recently, he met with University of San Diego President James T. Harris for a wide-
ranging conversation.
Summer 2021 15Tell me about your childhood and
growing up in San Diego. What was
that like?
It was a good childhood. I come
from a working-class family, so it
was a childhood with limitations
in terms of economic resources.
I was blessed with incredible par-
ents with great morals and values
that have served me well through-
out my whole life. I have to say
that I won the geographic lottery
by being born in San Diego. It’s
hard to move here now, financial-
ly, right? Being born here gave
me a running start. There were
certainly challenges for a variety
of reasons, but, on the whole,
I was born at the right place to
the right people. I’m lucky.
What did your mom and dad do
for a living?
I like to refer to them as a maid
and a gardener, since that’s what
their professions were when I
was born. They married young
and they had both struggled.
I think in many ways they served
as life rafts for one another.
They provided a great founda-
tion for my brother and me. Over
time, my dad found his way to the
defense industry, which had good
paying jobs for people who didn’t
have high educational attainment.
Both my parents went to high
school, but they didn’t go to
college. And my mom did a very
long series of jobs until she liter-
ally just worked herself into dis-
ability. She’s the hardest working
person you’d ever meet. It’s a
blessing that we still have her.
I understand that you were
engaged in political activities
at the age of 10. How did that
get started?
I’m sure you’ve talked to students
at USD who are undecided majors,
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00
(BA) as a child alongside then-
Governor George Deukmejian
in 1989.
16 U S D M A GA ZI N Ewho may be in their second or or for the Day contest in 1988. was old enough to register people President Joe Biden alongside
third year and are unsure what That was the first time I ever to vote. And it went from there. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
major they want to declare. came to City Hall.
I was never that guy. We may That was an opportunity to ex- That’s fantastic. Tell me, how did you
not have had a lot of resources, press what I’d learned by reading make the decision to come to USD? right there. It’s not abstract. You
but my parents always took the the paper and watching the news. Three reasons. Number one is that could come have lunch with me
newspaper. I read the paper I took what I’d learned and put it my grandmother’s home — the and then go to class.’
every day as far back as I can into an essay. And the thing home my father was raised in — is Second, when I was in high
think of. And I’d watch the news about politics is that if you’re literally in USD’s backyard. While school, I was chosen for the Enter-
from 5:00 until 7:00 each night, willing to work for free, they’ll no one in our family had ever gone prise Fellows Program, which was
both national and local. That put you to work. to college, I played at her house, where I first met Congresswoman
was of interest to me, in the way So as soon as I had a bus pass and she was a good Catholic Susan Davis. And one of the facili-
that other kids were excited to and my parents were willing to let grandmother who was always say- tators was a woman named Rosa-
go play sports or read comic me ride by myself, I just started ing, ‘That’s where I want you to go rio Iannacone ‘92 (BA), who was a
books. And there were different volunteering on campaigns. And to school.’ I give her credit for student at USD. She was basically
outlets for me to express that, they put me to work. I certainly planting the seed and making it a mentor in the group. And I
one was as a finalist in the May- wasn’t old enough to vote, but I real. I remember her saying, ‘It’s joined her on campus, which was
Summer 2021 17my first time there. Again, see it, to those whose classes I took as I got the ones I needed.’ And that were relevant and useful to
be it, touch it, feel it, make it real. well as those I didn’t take. there’s something similar about a public sector environment.
And third, USD — to be very I think of Dr. Evelyn Kirkley, that with USD. And that’s exactly what I got.
direct — made it financially who was lifesaving. And Del USD caused me to have to get I earned my diploma, walked off
possible. My parents didn’t save Dickson ended up being my polit- out of my comfort zone and be- the stage and then went to work.
for college and I was rapidly ical-science adviser, although come an activist on campus and
coming up against reality. I I never took his class. In truth, work with the administration, I didn’t realize that you are the
wrote the applications, I did I think I was too scared to take it. my fellow students and faculty first Latino mayor of San Diego as
the essays, I took the SAT, I But we were both political nerds members to try and drive some well as the first openly-gay mayor.
found the money to pay for the and just connected. How would measure of change. And I think The New York Times ran a piece
applications. But then I had to you have a chance to talk to them we were successful in doing that. that said you may be the most
start figuring out how I was or build a relationship with them And the skill sets that I learned in powerful mayor that San Diego has
going to pay for this. I got into and continue talking to them 20 doing that — things that were out- ever had. Do you agree with that
a number of schools. I was very years later at another university? side of my comfort zone — are the assessment?
fortunate, but USD was the That’s possible at USD; that’s one skills I draw upon today for the Well, no. The law hasn’t changed
only one that was going to of the things that make it special. work I do as an elected official. to give me any additional powers
make it financially possible. that the last group of several may-
I was happy to assume the How was your experience on cam- You once said in an interview that ors have had. It is true that that
financial burden for myself, but pus? Were you openly gay at that your experience at USD helped there’s a different political align-
I didn’t want to put that burden time? Or is that something that shape your passion for civil ment, but that doesn’t necessarily
on my parents, knowing how came later in your life? Was it at service. Is that because of how mean unanimity or that folks are
much they had worked to put all difficult? the activist part of yourself on the same page. It’s very much
the possibility for me to go to Yeah, it was. I don’t want to emerged and that you found part of my job to endeavor to
college in me. And I also had a offend you, but it wasn’t great. your voice here? bring us to the same page.
notion that I wanted to do pub- At least not then. As a gay man I was one of two students that But I think what the New York
lic service and I understood that of color in the mid-‘90s at USD, petitioned to change the name Times may have been referring to
you don’t go into public service it wasn’t ideal. Maybe the sad- of what it was then into USD is an attitude or a set of priorities
to get rich. You sure as heck ness that you hear in my voice is PRIDE, and that involved me that I bring into this job: I want
can’t do it with heavy student in part because I went there in- having to stand before the to pursue a big and bold agenda.
loans, plus your rent. Growing tending to have the full experi- student body senate and file I recognize this is a temp job; at
up the way I did, I understood ence, and having come from a that application, and put my best, I get eight years, so I’ve got
quickly what it costs to live. public high school, where people name to it, and then argue for to make the most of it. Coming
When I got the letter about knew who and what I was, and it. My suspicion is that usually from my background, I recognize
getting a provost scholarship they weren’t particularly accom- these sorts of things are rubber what it is to use the tools and the
to attend USD, I know it was modating. I thought that college stamped: ‘You want to start a resources that are available, and
a massive relief to my parents presented an opportunity for a group? Fine. Here you go.’ That I can use them to improve the
who would have done anything fresh start, and it wasn’t that. was not our situation. We had to lives of many, many other people.
to make it possible for me to at- At the time, USD PRIDE had argue for it. I had to be fast on Every day, I’ve got to come in
tend. But to be able to do it with- a different name. They met in my feet. And we got the vote; it and give it my best, because that
out having to burden them tre- secret with security and it wasn’t was approved. It wasn’t unani- might be the day that I can change
mendously financially … it was seen as being a safe place. But as mous but it was approved. the life of this person or that per-
an iterative process, going from much as I sort of mourn not nec- I spent eight years on the city son. Think about Mayor O’Con-
a little boy in my grandmother’s essarily having the carefree un- council, four years in the state nor, all those years ago, deciding
backyard to that letter in the dergraduate experience that I legislature and I’m now the may- to host a mayor for a day contest.
mail that brought me to USD. thought I was going to have, or. I’m constantly having to artic- Then this kid from Clairemont,
well, it’s kind of like my parents ulate and argue on behalf of oth- this nerdy kid who’s reading the
Do any faculty members from your when I was a little boy. I confess ers, to try and pull a vote, to put newspaper, gets invited and I’m
time at USD stand out for you? that I often was frustrated by our together a majority to get some- sitting in the council chambers.
What’s interesting is that some lack of resources or their lack of thing done. So, that time gave And here I am, 20-something
of the ones I was closest to — or education and their inability to me those skill sets. It was some- years later, as an elected official.
am still closest to today — were help me with some of my tough thing that I frankly didn’t think
not people whose class I took. homework, and seeing some of was possible. I don’t know that What’s your advice to students or
The relatively small size of the my classmates who had a better I left USD thinking I could be those just out of college who are
university and the ability to con- hand. But in retrospect, I look at an elected official myself. In fact, trying to rise to reach their dreams
nect with folks in a very personal, my upbringing and think, ‘I I thought exactly the opposite. and pursue the kind of career that
direct way meant that I was close didn’t get the parents I wanted. But I felt as though I had skills you’ve had, or in their own fields?
18 U S D M A GA ZI N ESan Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
being sworn into office in
December of 2020.
I have two things in terms of
the secret to my success: One is
mentoring. I wouldn’t be here
without great mentors, the faculty
members I mentioned before,
Congresswoman Davis, who I
met long before she was in the
state legislature and Congress.
There’s nothing new under the
sun, so you can seek out models
that you can emulate or modify
to match your times, your cir-
cumstances and your skills and
strengths. And I’ve tried to do
that in my career.
One of the things Susan Davis
taught me is to listen more than
you speak; when you listen, you
gain and learn a lot. And you
adapt to your circumstances and
learn from someone else’s suc-
cess and failures. Learn from
other people. The other thing
is to really be passionate about
what you do. I was the first to
go to college in my family. And
then, when I decided to be a his-
tory and political-science major,
I’m sure my parents realized that
it didn’t seem like the most mar-
ketable degree to pursue.
If you can see in yourself
what you’re passionate about
and then work toward that, I
believe you can make a living.
You can make a life from fol-
lowing your passion because
you get rewards from it, and
then others are attracted to it.
And it will work. You may not
get rich, but you’ll be able to
take care of yourself.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
USD has done incredible things
for me. I’m extremely grateful.
I appreciate the chance to maybe
pay it forward a little bit. I en-
joyed having this conversation
and look forward to doing that
in the years to come.
S pr i ng 2 0 2 1 19Society’ s
'
SUSTAINING FORCE
C E L E B R AT I N G E X C E P T I O N A L W O M E N
E
ach year, the University of San Diego community celebrates I got into education, and it remains my top priority,” she says.
women across campus who are creating positive change, dub- “I think it’s the human condition that ultimately matters; how
bing a select group “women of impact.” The tradition continued we live, how we are, what we know, what we do, how we treat one
in 2021, when a number of extraordinary women’s contributions another. Forming those critical connections with students not only
during 2020 were celebrated. informs my work but the work of our whole team.”
We are sharing stories of several of these women, along with select For the better part of 16 years, Vazquez — who resigned from her
others, who use their knowledge, expertise and humanity to truly make position as vice president of student affairs at the end of the 2020-21
the world a better place. academic year — has maintained that clarity of purpose in her work.
USD’s Women’s Commons defines a women of impact as one who “Being an educator challenges us to think critically and encourage
lives the principals of social justice. “Through her work, activities the free exchange of ideas, and that’s something that really attracted
and relationships, she supports others in finding voice, developing me to USD,” she says. “In fact, being at USD represents to me the
skills for transformation and understanding who they are called to integration of everything that I hold greatest value of. And that is
be. Her community is not merely a place in which she exists; it is a faith, family and hope.”
place she actively improves.” A native New Yorker, Vazquez spent the first 25 years of her profes-
Join us in celebrating these remarkable women. sional life in the State of New York college system, specifically at Stony
Brook University. There, she worked to transform the residential life
student experience, and carried many of those formative experiences
What Matters Most forward with her as she journeyed across the country to San Diego,
A lot has changed at the University of San Diego since Carmen where she had accepted an offer to become UCSD’s assistant vice
Vazquez (pictured at left) began her tenure at the helm of USD’s chancellor of student life.
student affairs division in 2005. While Vazquez enjoyed her experience in the UC system, the chance
The west end of campus — once a quaint collection of one- and to integrate her core religious beliefs and values into her work at
two-story Spanish Renaissance-inspired buildings dating back to the a Catholic institution was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
school’s founding — is now home to the gloriously modern Shiley “When I was contemplating accepting the position at USD, I came
Center for Science and Technology, USD Learning Commons and to campus after the process, and, before I made a decision, I sat in
the soon-to-be constructed Knauss Center for Business Education. The Immaculata,” she recalls. “Then I walked around into all of the
Alcalá Park mainstays like the Hahn University Center and Cola- chaplets, and the number of saints in the chaplets. At the end of making
chis Plaza have also undergone major facelifts to accommodate the the rounds, and praying in each one, I said to myself, ‘All my friends
ever-evolving needs of 21st century Toreros. Relatively recent campus when I feel troubled are here. How could I go wrong?’“
improvements include the Student Life Pavilion, Bosley Cafe and Now that a new chapter in life awaits, Vazquez is reflective about
Fitness Center and the Camino-Founders Resident Hall renovation. which experiences stand out most during her time at USD. “There’s
While Vazquez has played a significant role in those critical campus almost too many to even count!” she says. Being able to meet His
upgrades, she takes her greatest satisfaction from achievements that Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 2012 was an unforgettable moment.
aren’t formed from steel, concrete or glass. “Just to be in his presence, the feeling you get, is something I can’t
“Building relationships with students is one of the main reasons really even begin to describe.”
Summer 2021 21You can also read
