USD President's Report 2014

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Around the Park In January 2014, USD’s famed leaning Star Pine tree, located near The Immaculata Church, Maher Hall and Aromas, was removed due to disease and safety reasons. The tree was planted in the 1960s. This action resulted in an outpouring of fond recollections by students, alumni, staff and faculty. In February 2014, President Mary E. Lyons, PhD, announced she would step down from her role. Lyons, who took over as president in July 2003, has provided transformational leadership during her tenure. Among her many notable accomplishments is the creation of the new Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the university’s continuing high ranking undergraduate study abroad participation, USD’s nationwide statute as a leader in sustainability efforts and the school’s designation as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus. Also in February, Founders Chapel turned 60. This cherished space within Founders Hall serves students, staff, faculty and administrators for daily worship, and Catholic alumni, faculty and staff choose it as a favorite place to get married, to baptize their children and to renew their faith at Homecoming and Christmas. Copley Library hosted its inaugural Digital Initiatives Symposium in April 2014, bringing 130 representatives nationwide to campus to discuss the digital aspects of library ecosystems and institutional learning centers. “I believe it’s the future. There is a paradigm shift, a new era of automation,” said Theresa Byrd, EdD, dean of the University Library, referring to increased interest in institutional repositories and a greater emphasis on digital solutions.

2014 President’s Report