USD-Magazine-Summer-2023

USD begins construction of new wellness center [state-of-the-art] FAREWELL TO THE FIELD C by Mike Sauer hilly evening temperatures and the threat of rain did little to dampen the

access to nuanced knowledge and discussion.” “Violence, is in large part, rep resentative of power relationships that serve certain individuals or populations at the expense of others, often through systems of structural exclusion that create cycles of harm,” Locke explained. “Yet, while the centrality of power inequalities is increasingly known to drive violence, research on the topic is sparse. The VIP Lab was established to help reverse this trend, investing in knowledge, learning and creative collaborations to shift harmful systems of power and reinforce systems of peace and justice.” The new fellowship will create more opportunities for thinkers and practitioners to advance the dialogue around violence prevention, Locke says. The program will recruit research fellows with specific backgrounds that make them experts in their field such as veterans, those with law enforce ment backgrounds and people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. The inaugural class will consist of eight fellows from around the world who will research topics related to violence against women, violence in communities and political violence. “I’m excited to welcome each of you to our campus as we partner with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, who served as a scholar in residence at our Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, to share exciting news about expanding the work we’ll be doing through our Violence, Inequality and Power Lab,” Harris said. “The work being done through the VIP Lab allows us to move past anecdotes and headlines to more fully and more accurately understand the scope and scale of urgent challenges and to become a part of the change this world so desperately needs.”

marks the end of an era at USD. And while they say that all good things must end … in this partic ular case, those good things are giving way to something great. Slated for completion in August of 2024, the new Wellness Center will be USD’s state-of the-art nexus of health, wellness and community connection. Conveniently located, the three story, 80,000-square-foot facility will sit near the main entrance of campus, at the crossroads between the academic area to the west and the residential and athletics areas to the east. The center’s entrance and lobby will be located at street level, adjacent to the main cam pus entrance, parking structure, and Student Life Pavilion. This space will serve as the main thoroughfare to the center’s car dio and group fitness areas. The primary fitness area on the cen ter’s third level will be the largest space on campus dedicated to exercise and physical well-being.

A wellness wing will be dedi cated to supporting the mental and emotional resources needed for the challenges of college life and beyond. The fitness wing is the largest component of the Well ness Center. There, visitors will find extensive resources for a vari ety of physical exercises, activities and court-based sports, including the Basketball Practice Center. Above all else, the Wellness Center is being built to provide students the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and that, according to Associate Vice President for University Operations André Hutchinson, is reason enough to be excited about what’s to come. “The facility was created with the idea that it can help opti mize our students’ experiences; not just with their physical development, but also with their development as a whole person. That’s what we are committed to here at USD, and this facility will support that mission.”

energy and excitement of Toreros who attended a late February “Farewell to the Field” event at USD’s Valley Field. Located adjacent to first- and second-year student housing in an area known as The Valley, the Valley Field is a popular campus outdoor space that’s been home to events ranging from intramural football games to employee pic nics — and just about everything in between — since it was con structed more than three decades ago. The event marked the end of an era, as the space is being closed and redeveloped into the eagerly anticipated USD Wellness Center and Basketball Practice Center. A collaboration between the Torero Program Board and Cam pus Recreation, the event had a carnival-like atmosphere where attendees were treated to an assort ment of rides, food and music. “Our main purpose was to throw a big party for the students in a place that has been a really important part of USD life for decades,” said Torero Program Board Vice-Chair Jasmine Hersh. “We were a bit nervous that it would just be Valley residents who would show up, but I was really happy to see juniors and seniors come back to celebrate and say goodbye. I know it was bittersweet for some people, but the overall vibe was really heartwarming and positive.” Without a doubt, saying good bye to the Valley Field — and its well-traveled neighbor, the Valley Stairs with its 70 grueling steps —

MAYA (ALÉ) DELGADO

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Summer 2023