USD Magazine Spring 2026

Palmer encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys, because that is an important part of the process. “We all have a story,” she said. “Once you know where you’ve come from, what’s important to you, what drives you, what your passions are — you’re able to move forward in a meaningful way and have more meaning and purpose in your life.” For this lifelong healer, the memoir serves as an important beginning — giving her “permission to tell the truth.” Energized by discovering her literary voice, Palmer is currently working on writing and publishing a devotional, followed by a planned four-book, historical fiction series about her early French-Canadian ancestors in Minnesota. As her journey has unfolded, Palmer continues to recognize the many ways her time at USD shaped her experience. “It’s been quite an interesting ride,” she said. “Every time I returned to campus, something new happened. The campus had bloomed every time. New buildings popped up. Beautiful landscaping. It soothed my soul every time I was there.” Even though some in the nursing profession encouraged her to go to other academic institutions for her subsequent degrees, Palmer found that the time gaps in her educational journey meant she was essentially “varying” her training and education. “I felt that the university had taken on new professors, younger professors, and I was getting the advantage of other universities because my professors were coming in from other institutions around the country 20 and 30 years later,” she said. “It was like going to a new university.” For more than three decades, USD has been a part of not just her nursing experience but her life. In it, she has found the personal and spiritual connection, as well as a university family, that not only helped define her healing career but has encouraged her to find her voice and share it. — Allyson Meyer ’16 (BA), ’21 (MBA)

Jonny Kim Becomes First Korean American Astronaut in Space When the hatch swung open aboard the Soyuz MS-27 and Jonathan “Jonny” Kim ’12 (BA) floated into the International Space Station (ISS) on April 8, 2025, history drifted in with him. With a broad smile, Kim embraced his crewmates and became the first Korean-American astronaut to journey into space. “Thank you so much,” Kim said in a message to ground control. “It’s the dream of a lifetime, and I’m honored to be here.” His words carried the quiet gravity of the moment. Kim, the flight engineer for NASA’s Expedition 72/73 mission, joined the long lineage of explorers who have turned the ISS into humanity’s orbiting laboratory. During several months in microgravity, he conducted scientific investigations and technology demonstrations designed to prepare astronauts for future deep-space missions — and to deliver innovations that improve life back on Earth. Kim’s path to orbit has been anything but ordinary. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2017, he completed rigorous candidate training before taking on key leadership roles supporting station operations, including Expedition 65 lead operations officer, T-38 operations liaison and space station capcom chief engineer. Each position sharpened the blend of technical mastery and calm decisiveness that defines his career. A native of Los Angeles, Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences before going on to receive his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He serves as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and holds dual designations as a naval aviator and flight surgeon — credentials that place him in rare company even among astronauts. But Kim often credits more than professional training for shaping his trajectory. Reflecting on his education in 2021, he emphasized the importance of intellectual rigor and keeping an open mind. The scientific method, he noted, is not just a research tool but a philosophy. “Having the evidence show you the answer and having the humility to accept that you might be wrong,” he said. As he prepared for launch last spring, Kim spoke about the oath every NASA astronaut swears: to serve. “Our motto is that we fly in space for the betterment of humankind.” Floating hundreds of miles above Earth, conducting experiments that may shape the future of medicine, engineering and exploration, Jonny Kim embodied that promise. His journey from Navy officer and physician to astronaut and spacefarer is a testament not only to personal excellence but to the larger idea that service, curiosity and courage can carry us farther than we ever imagined. — Matthew Piechalak

LEARN MORE about Debra’s journey and her transformative lessons in healing. debrapalmer.com

Photo: Courtesy of NASA

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