USD Magazine Summer 2009

USD MAGAZINE U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N D I E G O / S U M M E R 2 0 0 9

F E A T U R E S

A L L T H E WO R L D ’ S A S T A G E ; W E A R E M E R E L Y P L A Y E R S .

20 / HI DIDDLE DEE DEE Actor Jim Parsons is living the rarified life of a successful, working actor. The breakout star of the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory is loving life in Los Angeles (not to mention the wonders of his GPS). And while he wasn’t exactly sure what he would say as speaker of this year’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, it was sure to be memorable.

C O N N E C T I N G T H E P R O S E A N D T H E P A S S I O N . U S D M A G A Z I N E

D E P A R T M E N T S

AROUND THE PARK 6 / Uncertain Times The university is not immune to the effects of an unsettling economy. Top priorities are retaining students, employees and hope.

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8 / Plain Talk Associate professor Alan Gin gives his take on the state of the economy, the stimulus package and much more. 10 / Finding Comfort Faith can be a consolation during troubled times. For some, the economic crisis prompts a spiritual awakening. 12 / At Your Service During these tough times, USD is stepping in to help those who need assistance with business advice, networking opportunities and training programs.

20 A J O K E I S A V E R Y S E R I O U S T H I N G .

ON THE COVER: Photo by Stuart Pettican

ALUMNI UPDATE 16 / Beauty by Design USD’s harmonious cam- pus style didn’t happen by accident. Much of the credit for the university’s consistent beauty goes to Terry Whitcomb ’53.

Find our pages online at www.sandiego.edu/usdmag

TORERO ATHLET I CS 14 / Ready to Play

Toreros pitcher A.J. Griffin has high hopes of making it to the big leagues. His spot on the USA Baseball National Team gave him a glimpse of an international stage.

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