University of San Diego Magazine 75th Anniversary 2024

Aspirations Aesthetic

Preserving USD’s Unique Architectural Legacy

T he University of San Diego is annually recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country — it’s testament to a poignant decision made 75 years ago by co-founder Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill, RSCJ, to utilize 16th century Spanish Renaissance architecture as the unifying design element throughout campus. By Ryan T. Blystone

I n unison with Hill’s vision, USD’s Office of University Design champions this unique style, upholds history and tradition and has a flexible focus for both the present and future. USD alumna Mary Whelan ’86 (BA) has been the office’s executive director since 2000. She began as a student worker for inaugural design director Therese (Terry) Whitcomb ’53 (BA), and assisted Ruth Stanton, who served in the role until her retirement. Whelan’s office is “responsible for the aesthetic integrity of the university.” She is in all discussions for needs of existing and new buildings, picks furniture and furnishings and approves public displays. She is also co-chair of USD’s Space Committee and interim director of University Galleries. To coincide with its 75th anniversary in 2024, Whelan sat down to discuss USD’s distinct aesthetic, including its relevance to the past, current and future of the institution.

[Q] Can you provide insight into Mother Hill’s decision to construct USD wholly in a 16th century Spanish Renaissance style? A: Mother Hill was quoted often about how the architectural style was chosen; it was really to give students a sense of history. Although it was not specifically about our history, it is now. It was also a sense of permanence. We are such a young university, even at 75 years, but we feel like an older university because of a timeless architectural style. Choosing the 16th century Spanish Renaissance over the Italian Renaissance was because the Spanish Renaissance had Moorish and Arabic influences you didn’t necessarily find in Italy. But renaissance, a rebirth, is the age of discovery happening in Spain and the Catholic identity was emerging at that time, post-1492. There was an exuberance of this style that set the standard as a Catholic country.

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