USD Magazine Fall 2021

Golden Toreros look back on their time at USD 60 years later

In the beginning … “Our class of ’61 first gathered in the fall of 1957. We met surrounded by the smell of still-wet plaster and the sound of jackhammers announcing ongoing construction. Called the Pioneers, we and the few classes before us would watch a very special history unfold.” — Sandra M. (Cassell) Farrell ’61 (BA)

A different time “I recall leading academic and religious precessions in cap and gown with my identical twin sister [Mary Orradre ’61] for three years. As Mary and I were graduating, we had a meeting with Mother Murphy. She asked us what we

thought of the idea of combining the men’s and women’s colleges. We said it was the right move. I’m sure there was lots of in- put into that decision, but we were glad we could have a very small part of it too.” — Martha (Fiorino) Dowell ’61 (BA)

Dressing to the nines “1961 seems only a short time ago when I think back to my wonderful years at the San Diego College for Women, but in reality it’s been 60 years! Mother Aimée Rossi and Mother Catherine McShane were two of the nuns whose advice I valued and still remember to this day. They seemed to be so ‘current.’ Bishop Buddy hired me to work at the Men’s College Library, in charge of periodicals. That was a job I loved and was grateful for. He also had the campus employees for a Christmas dinner at his campus residence, which I loved. We dressed to the nines!” — Tippy (Gary) Thibodeau ’61 (BA)

Talk about small class size … “Most of the College for Men students were transfers from around the country, and we had a tremendous group of athletes for our football team and other sports. With fewer than 300 students in our classes, we all got to know each other very well.” — Dennis Halloran ’61 (BBA) Magic happened

“When the San Diego College for Women was completed, boarders arrived with luggage while wearing hats and gloves. All classes on our side of the street were for women only, and dorm life had its own culture: no food, lights out at 10 p.m. and a pay phone at each corner of the dorm floor. Yet, in what by today’s standards may seem spartan, magic happened. Casual

teenage acquaintances would develop into cherished lifelong friend- ships. We were in one another’s weddings, celebrating each other’s children, attended funerals. The bonds are many and deep, so blessed are we.” — Sandra M. (Cassell) Farrell ’61 (BA)

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