USD Magazine Fall 2021

COURTESY OF THE JAMASBI FAMILY

[ d e d i c a t i o n ]

he heart of what com- prises the University of San Diego is not only the Pa r e n t s g e t i n v o l v e d i n my r i a d wa y s a t USD by Cameran Biltucci T COME MAKE A DI FFERENCE

ents to get their toes wet is to become involved with the Parent Ambassador Program, which invites parents to serve as volun- teers at different events across the country. Daniel and Liz Caldwell live nearly 3,000 miles from campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All three of their children have at- tended USD: Will ’13 (BAc), Liz ’15 (BA) and Chris ‘23. Despite their distance from campus, the Caldwells are actively involved at USD. Both are mem- bers of the Parent Advisory Board, and Liz will be president of the board for the 2022-23 school year. “By getting involved, you can make a difference. Because USD is not so big, you can see things get done,” says Liz. Last year, the Caldwells donat- ed $10,000 that they wanted to see utilized right away. “With COVID,

daughter, Julia ’22 (BBA), is studying marketing and is a member of the cheer team. This year, Gary and Sharon are co-presidents of the Parent Advisory Board. The Qualls say a key focus of the board is raising funds for at-risk students through the Torero Student Support Fund. They also contribute to the USD Food Pantry and the Torero Closet. The pantry offers food to students in need and the closet provides students access to professional clothes for job interviews.

“For all of us on the board, there is not a dry eye in the house when we get a student that had to rely on the Torero Pantry or the Torero Closet or benefitted from the scholarship,” says Gary. “We are thrilled to help make their dreams come true.” Sharon says for people looking to get involved, there is a role for everyone. “You can be totally immersed in helping or involved in one-off events,” she notes. For parents who may not be able to join the Parent Advisory Board, Sharon says a good way for par-

efforts of the students, faculty and staff, but also that of the parents. Among USD’s many engaged family members are three sets of parents who have one thing in common: their time, involvement and contribu- tions have helped change the university for the better. “Come make a difference” is Gary and Sharon Qualls’ motto. The Qualls are from Orange County, California, and their

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