USD Magazine Spring 2022

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That pledge means we are officially committed to develop- ing action plans guided by the goals of Laudato Sí : Responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, fostering eco- logical economics, adopting a sustainable lifestyle, offering ecological education, develop- ing ecological spirituality and supporting local communities. In addition, at its September meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted an amend- ed investment policy in full alignment with Laudato Sí , positioning USD as one of the first universities in the world to take this step. Of particular note is that while the university has made no new direct investments in fossil fuels since 2016, reduc- ing our exposure to this category by 60%, under the new policy, by no later than 2035 the university will find alternatives to entirely eliminate our investments in fossil fuel companies. In the opening paragraphs of Laudato Sí , Francis invites us to approach nature and the en- vironment with “awe and won- der” so that we may be moved to “speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world … and feel inti- mately united with all that exists.” This is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the USD com- munity as we continue to cultivate that sense of awe and wonder in our students, as well as educate Changemakers ready and willing to create a sustainable common home for future generations. Michael Lovette-Colyer, PhD Vice President for Mission Integration

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BARBARA FERGUSON

the church and the world to take urgent action to care for our common home as well as the poor and vulnerable who are disproportionally impacted by global environmental problems, such as climate change, pollu- tion and access to clean water. As a part of responding to Francis’ call, in the Spring of 2021, we launched a seven-part speaker series on Laudato Sí , exploring each of the chapters and central principles of the encyclical. That was followed in the fall by Presi- dent Harris signing a commitment for USD to officially embrace those principles, becoming one of the first Catholic universities in the United States to receive this recognition by the Vatican.

ne of the best things about welcoming our community back to

Nursing and Health Science, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineer- ing, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and School of Law are impossible to miss. Not to men- tion the ways the core curriculum delivers a first-class experience of the liberal arts and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. While these and so many oth- er aspects of USD are inspiring, one of the most dramatic exam- ples of our mission in action is the recent commitment to become officially recognized as a University of Laudato Sí . Published in 2015, Laudato Sí is a letter (officially known as a papal encyclical) addressed to “every person living on this planet.” In it, Pope Francis calls

campus has been the chance to witness firsthand the countless ways that our mission and Cath- olic identity are blossoming across the university. As has be- come customary, USD students, faculty and staff are engaged in numerous initiatives that exem- plify the vision of our founders, Bishop Buddy and Mother Hill. Walking across campus, the excellent work of the Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action, the Humanities Center and the Changemaker Hub stands out. Likewise, the impres- sive projects in the Knauss School of Business, the Hahn School of

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