USD Law Advocate, Spring 2026

CLASS ACTION

patch sponsorship. He has also overseen innovative enhancements to Petco Park, solidifying its status as a top tier national ballpark. His tenure with the Padres began in 2010, progressing through senior leadership roles such as president of business operations and chief operating officer, leveraging his legal expertise and business acumen to build a successful, community-focused franchise. Before his career in professional sports, Greupner excelled in the legal and financial sectors. He practiced cor porate and transactional law at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and held sales management positions at prominent financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs. Greupner earned his juris doctor degree, magna cum laude , in 2004. He had previously completed his bachelor of arts degree, cum laude , from Wheaton College in 1997. He served as the USD Law Commencement speaker in 2018. Beyond the ballpark, Greupner is deeply committed to the San Diego community. His dedication to civic leadership is reflected in his long-standing service on the board of Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation, active volunteerism with the Padres Foundation and the church he attends in North County. He resides in Encinitas with his wife, Laura, and their three children. San Diego County Superior Court Judge Kalemkiarian is known for her dedication to family law, children’s advocacy and legal education. She earned her juris doctor degree, magna cum laude , in 1989, following a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude , from Princeton University in 1979. Judge Kalemkiarian’s career is marked by public service

2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AND RISING STAR HONOREES

❱❱ On November 13, 2025, USD School of Law held its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony and Luncheon. The USD Law Alumni Association Board of Directors presents these awards to alumni who have distin guished themselves at an exemplary level and who embody the high ethical standards and commitment to community service that USD Law seeks to instill in its graduates. Integral to the ceremony is a philanthropic commitment to the Justice for Legal Education fund, which ensures USD Law can continue to provide essential scholarships and resources for students pursuing future legal leadership. This year, USD Law honored Erik J. Greupner ’04 (JD) and the Honorable Sharon L. Kalemkiarian ’89 (JD) with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Greupner is the chief executive officer of the San Diego Padres, leading the club’s operations, culture and long term growth strategy since taking the role in January 2021. Under his direction, the Padres have achieved unprec edented success, becoming an MLB leader in attendance, fan engagement and revenue generation, breaking multiple franchise records. Greupner’s strategic vision is marked by significant accomplishments, including the launch of the Padres.TV streaming service and securing MLB’s first-ever jersey

and legislative action. Early on, she successfully advocated for legislation protecting home day care providers. After a federal clerkship and a Skadden Arps public interest fellowship, she launched an emancipation clinic for young people and spearheaded laws allowing unhoused youth to seek men tal health and housing services—laws still in effect today. Professor Bob Fellmeth recruited her to the USD School of Law’s Children’s Advocacy Institute, where she was a

Erik J. Greupner ’04 (JD) and his wife, Laura

Hon. Sharon L. Kalemkiarian ’89 (JD)

SPRING 2026

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