I3@USD-Fall 2025

The Industry Scholars Program enriches the USD college experience, which Harley sees as equipping students with a well-rounded education that celebrates both the technical and the non-technical. “The teaching happens inside the classroom as well as outside the classroom. They’re learning how to communicate effectively, how to problem solve, how to work in teams, how to critically think, and how to be savvy about what they want to achieve.” For Harley, the Industry Scholars Program directly contributes to the students’ future success, which helps them to write that next chapter. She emphasizes the lasting impact of the program, adding, “I believe there’s a lot of value in it for the student in the academic year, but I think it’ll last for moons to come after they’ve gone off to greener pastures.”

For Walt Foley, an advisory board member and program mentor, it’s about educating the next generation of professionals who are not just technically skilled, but who will also become leaders focused on fostering a culture of care and empathy in their fields. “This program does a great job in prepping engineering students for the human side of the real world they will be stepping into,” Foley says. “I marvel at their persistence in not just succeeding in a technical profession, but in excelling, with all of life’s challenges.” Throughout the year, the mentors watch as the participants grow, learning more about themselves and embracing an active role in their post‑graduation success. “We’ve had students come into the program who were pretty timid. Over the two semesters, we see them blossom,” says Tom Lupfer, a USD

trustee, a professor of practice and a program mentor. “It’s fun to see the growth of the students in the program, the maturation and the recognition of the importance of the concepts we’re talking about that are generally not discussed in the classroom. We’re trying to train the leaders of the industry. It’s not just that we’re training them to succeed — which we want them to — we want them to lead as well.” The industry and alumni mentors participating in the program find it rewarding to be part of the journey. “Having these curated, intimate connections with these students, you learn so much,” says engineering alumna mentor, Maaron Tesfaye Bea ’19 (ME), who serves on the Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Council. “USD gave me so much. The best way I can give back directly is with my time. It energizes me and hopefully provides benefits to these students.”

09 IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE