USD Magazine Fall 2016

ALUMNI  UPDATE

Over the years, bonds strengthen and deepen through shared campus activities. The closeness of Founders Chapel Choir alumni is a clear example of the power of affinity groups.

Af f ini ty groups promote sus ta ined, ac t i ve engagement [ c o m p a t i b l e ] AFFECTION FOR CONNECTION

by Kara Marsh Proffitt ‘04

M

ost of us remember Founders Chapel as it appeared from the

became a family that helped me through both the best and worst of times.” “Founders Chapel Choir was my home at USD, and I miss it every day,” says Sean McManus ’11. A prime example of the impact a student organization can have on the lives of its members, the group is led by longtime Universi- ty Ministry Director Annette Welsh ’79 alongside group organizer Tracy (Zetts) Telliard ’12, ’16 MA. “It’s about helping to strength-

Chapel Choir meant to them, the response from alumni was heartwarming. More than 350 alumni were a part of Founders Chapel Choir during their time at Alcalá Park. This group connected through community, faith, and friendship that blossomed organically, the result of those countless practices and performances. When asked why the choir is still important to him, Adan Cortez ‘15 says, “This amazing group of people

ers Chapel differently — as experienced from the sanctuary. They were the voices that offered up ethereal melodies and harmonies, joyfully and gracefully leading the communi- ty in prayer and song each Sun- day evening and for important liturgical celebrations such as Candlelight Mass. The experience of being part of the group has been pro- foundly moving. When asked what being a part of Founders

pews and can still smell lemony polish on hand-carved wood. Homilies focused on love and peace echo, even years later. The sense of history resonates, as we realize that for decades, thousands of Toreros bowed their heads in prayer, just as we did week after week. But a small number of Toreros remember their time in Found-

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USD MAGAZINE