USD Magazine Spring 2026

Dear Toreros, M ary and I have a framed Bible verse that has hung in the front foyer of every home we have lived in for over 30 years. The verse is from Hebrews and reads: “Be not forgetful to welcome strangers for there some have entertained angels unaware.” It is a constant reminder to us that as Christians we are asked to always welcome the strangers in our midst and show compassion for those in need. The opening spread of this issue of the magazine features a detail of our campus’s newest sculpture, Angels Unawares . This special piece is not only a powerful reminder of our shared humanity but also of our mission as a contemporary Catholic university to take care of those around us, especially the most vulnerable. We were blessed to welcome artist Timothy Schmalz and San Diego Bishop Michael M. Pham for the dedication of Angels Unawares back in December. Bishop Pham began his seminary training at St. Francis Seminary right here at USD, and regularly speaks about how we are stronger when we are united with one another. In his opening message as the first bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV, Bishop Pham wrote: “The love of Christ means that we are all in it together. That is what love is about. How we treat one another is the reflection of our commitment to Christ’s love and justice for all people — for He came into the world to bear witness by His love, justice and peace.” In an era of conflict and division, I am hopeful that our Torero community can be a shining example to the world — in our interactions with others, the way we show up for our communities, the causes we support and the way we lead with compassion and love. The pages of this issue demonstrate how our students, faculty and alumni are living our mission and putting our core values into action. Let’s continue to work together and light the way forward in creating a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world.

[President] James T. Harris III, DEd [Vice President, University Advancement] Richard P. Virgin ’24 (PhD) [Associate VP for University Marketing and Communications, University Advancement] Russell J. Yost [Editors] Ben Peterson Matthew Piechalak [Contributing Writers] Steven Covella Elena Gomez Kelsey Grey ’15 (BA) Lissette Martinez ’03 (BA) Allyson Meyer ’16 (BA) ’21 (MBA) Patrick Simon Stacey Truver Marina Woods [University of San Diego Magazine] Published two times a year by the University of San Diego. U.S. postage paid at San Diego, CA 92110. Please note that content for University of San Diego Magazine has a long lead time. Toreros Making Waves will be reviewed and included based on deadlines for each issue. [Contact Us] University of San Diego 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4600 publications@sandiego.edu [Website] sandiego.edu [Be Blue, Go Green] University of San Diego Magazine is printed with vegetable-based inks on paper certified in accordance with FSC® standards, which support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. Talya Sanders Cameran Zech [Design Team] Tricia Caparas

Peace, James T. Harris III, DEd President

President James T. Harris III, Most Reverend Bishop Michael M. Pham and Timothy Schmalz dedicate Angels Unawares in front of the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice in December 2025. The sculpture is a replica of a piece Schmalz created for the Vatican commissioned by the late Pope Francis.

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