Copley Connects Spring/Summer 2025

Pontem Partnership Marks Five Years By Hugh Burkhart , Coordinator of Instruction and Undergraduate Learning Copley Library’s partnership with the Pontem Path college readiness program marked a milestone on May 17 with its fifth event for students from Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego middle schools. While their parents attended a talk by Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment Dulce Garcia about undergraduate admissions and financial aid, nine students from Our Lady’s School and St. Rita’s School engaged with Copley librarians to learn how to formulate a research question and begin the research process. They later presented their work in the library’s Mother Rosalie Hill Reading Room. Following their presentations, graduating USD senior Guilio Fernandes spoke to the audience of students, parents, educators, and librarians about his journey as a McNair Scholar and student athlete. In what the organizers hope will become a tradition, for the second year in a row Pontem Path alumnus and USD sophomore Jeremias Zuniga assisted the librarians in their work by answering student questions. Four current Pontem Path students from St. Augustine High School were also on hand to help out. We are grateful for the participation of Dr. Michael Lovette-Colyer, Vice President of Mission Integration, for the inspiring words during his opening prayer and address, as well as the participation of Leticia Oseguera, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of San Diego, who also shared her journey as a first generation college student and education professional. We look forward to ensuring this event remains an integral part of the library’s outreach efforts, just as we look forward to learning about the successes of our Pontem Path Scholars!

Dean Theresa Byrd and Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of San Diego Leticia Oseguera

Vice President Michael Lovette-Colyer and Superintendent of Schools Leticia Oseguera

Librarian Steve Staninger leads part of the instruction session

From left to right: Research and Instruction Librarian, Steve Staninger; Dean of the University Library, Dr. Theresa Byrd; Assistant Dean for Innovation and Community Engagement Director, Dr. Sean Green; Vice President of Mission Integration, Dr. Michael Lovette-Colyer; Coordinator of Instruction and Undergraduate Learning, Hugh Burkhart

Students select titles from the books made available to them from Copley Library as part of the program

8 | COPLEY CONNECTS