USD-Magazine-Spring-2025

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Dialogue Is Key USD Triple Alumnus Rafael Tovar Takes Reins of The Claustro

“To be surrounded by books and family interested in asking questions, analyzing, investigating, researching … it’s something that has shaped my life, my passions and even my vocation.” In September 2004, a few months after his grandfather died, Tovar decided he wanted to go abroad for higher education. A short trip to San Diego to complete a course in University of San Diego’s English Language Academy led to the eventual pursuit and successful completion of three degrees — a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in history and a doctorate in leadership. “I absolutely fell in love with San Diego and USD, and after my bachelor’s degree, I came back to Mexico, but after a few years, I started missing it,” he said. “I missed the tranquility, the sun, the beach, my friends. So, I went back.” Tovar credits two professors, Iris Engstrand, PhD, a professor emerita in history, and his leadership program chair, Afsaneh Nahavandi, PhD, among the many instructors who helped him achieve his success at USD. “Both were amazing educators,” he said. “The influence of a teacher who listens to a student has weight — I want the students of The Claustro to know that they can count on me.” The Claustro offers roughly 300 free art and culture events each year, including art exhibitions, music concerts, book presentations, poetry readings and conferences. Culture is critical to the success of any university, said Tovar. “In the end, we have to create a positive environment for students,” he said, “because they are trusting us with their education but also with their emotional education and their moral education.” — Matthew Piechalak

When Rafael Tovar ’06 (BA), ’10 (MA), ’16 (PhD) was installed as rector of the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana (UCSJ) in Mexico City last September, his first official act as university president was to meet with the institution’s student council. It was a calculated move, intended to bridge the gap between the student body and the administration. “A university owes itself to the students,” said Tovar. “In that first meeting, I wanted to get to know them and also let them know that my office is always open. Even though there is verticality, I also want horizontality to exist so we can create a dialogue, because dialogue is key to everything.” An ongoing exchange of ideas came out of that first meeting. In the months since, Tovar has joined a WhatsApp group with the student leadership to reinforce his open-door policy across campus. Ultimately, his goal is to always listen and always be available to the students. “We all remember what it felt like to be 19, 20 years old and to not be heard,” he said. “In the end, all people need to be heard and it’s important for them to be reassured that their ideas are valuable.” UCSJ, also known simply as The Claustro, was founded by one of Tovar’s great aunts in 1979. Today, the university has roughly 1,400 students and has grown from two undergraduate programs to 10, as well as three master’s programs. Prior to being promoted to rector, Tovar was in charge of cultural affairs, public relations and promotion at UCSJ. “I’ve been here since I was a little boy — I’ve painted the walls, climbed the roofs. I know many of the people who have come through this space,” said Tovar, who is quick to credit his family of academics for his life choices.

26 | University of San Diego Magazine