USD Magazine Summer 2021

Summer 2021

USD MAGAZINE

FEATURES MEETING OF MINDS

TORERO ATHLETICS Unfailingly Generous

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This spring, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00 and USD President James T. Harris sat down for a wide-ranging conversation. Topics covered included Gloria’s childhood in San Diego, the first time he visited City Hall as a 10-year-old who devoured politics and news, and his time on campus as a student. SOCIETY’S SUSTAINING FORCE Each year, USD celebrates women across campus who are creating positive change, dubbing a select group “women of impact.” This group — along with select others — use their knowledge, expertise and humanity to truly make the world a better place. THE SISTERS ALKSNE Cynthia ’85 (JD) and Lorna ’92 (JD) imagined one future for themselves, but life had other plans. Lorna expected to become a talking head, while Cynthia dreamed of being a trial attorney. While in a way, those big dreams ultimately came true, it wasn’t exactly the way they’d expected. A spacious meeting room on campus was transformed this spring into a well-organized clothing boutique for students to “shop” for professional attire, thanks to the generosity of donors. Help Just a Click Away USD’s Torero Employer and Alumni Mentors (TEAM) program provides an online space for new connections through networking and mentorship, exclusive to Toreros. Superhero, Activate! Cailyn Ann Teague ’21 (BA) earned her undergraduate degree in only two years, thanks to what she describes as her superpower, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Generations of Generosity The legacy of the late James David Power III lives on through his son, James D. “Jamey” Power IV ’85 (BA). Their dedication to education is manifested in myriad ways. TORERO NEWS Dressed for Success

The Bernie Bickerstaff Diversity and Inclusion Fund will enhance and expand diversity and inclusion education and training, as well as programs proposed by USD athletes.

CLASS NOTES Strengthening Community Safety

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Marcus Friedman ’21 (JD) is turning trauma to action, after witnessing the deadliest mass shooting committed in modern in modern U.S. history. On the Front Line COVID nurse Ann Lawani ’18 (MSN) never expected to face a global pandemic so early in her nursing career. While the stress has been tremendous, she feels deep joy each time a patient is discharged. Dare Mighty Things Mechanical engineer Amanda Gates ’16 (BS/BA) has literally seen her career soar. In the summer of 2020, she held her breath as the rover generator she helped build touched down on Mars. Not Self, But Country Rear Adm.Peter Stamatopoulos ‘88 (BBA) is in charge of the U.S. Navy’s entire supply chain. He also oversees more than 22,000 personnel and commands 11 subordinate organizations around the globe. RIP Thomas Kelly ’60 (BBA) The School of Business alumnus from the class of 1960 helped lead the effort to recruit players for the first football team at USD in 1956, and played for five seasons. ON THE COVER Image of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ‘00 (BA) is provided courtesy of the City of San Diego.

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