University of San Diego Magazine 75th Anniversary 2024

“What I love about the culture of Spain is everything is much slower paced,” said Soong, a junior double-majoring in international business and supply chain management. “I would walk around the city and it was such a great way to get to know it better. I could people watch and see how the locals interacted with each other, walk past the mercados, smell the fresh food … that’s probably what I miss the most.” Soong’s semester at the center also inspired her to look into global operations, a career path she hadn’t previously considered. “I took a break from my supply chain management classes in Madrid, which gave me a lot of time to think about what I enjoy.” “From a growth perspective, that’s why it’s important to have the Madrid Center,” said James Bolender, PhD, associate provost for International Affairs. “The students might not see

“It’s incredibly important for the students to make cross-cultural connections. Study abroad is an immersive experience, and the students should expect to be a little uncomfortable at times — that’s okay. It’s about pushing past your comfort zone and gaining those global skills.” Bolender emphasizes the long-lasting impact the Madrid Center has on USD students. He shares that about 10 percent of the students who have experiences through the center return to Madrid for further education, work, or to make it their permanent home. Understanding this strong connection, USD administrators and staff began to ask: How does the university continue to support students, staff and alumni through the Madrid Center? The answer: Acquire a new building. Currently, USD leases a 10,000-square foot office.

for 10 years now,” said Kira Espiritu, PhD, assistant provost for international affairs and director of international studies abroad. “The new center will not only accommodate our expanding needs, but it demonstrates USD’s long-term commitment to a global presence in Madrid.” For Soong, the prospect of future USD students embarking on similarly expansive journeys of self-exploration through the new center fills her with immense pride and optimism to know the university will continue shaping students into global citizens. “Students need to experience the Madrid Center. You come back a changed person, maybe in small ways, or maybe in big ways, but it changes your perspectives. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I hope the university can continue to promote and support study abroad, so students have the resources to receive a global education.” •

Once the lease expires in August, the Madrid Center will transition into a two-story, 12,000-square-foot office building in Argüelles near Parque del Oeste that the university purchased. In a fortuitous twist, the acquisition was facilitated by alumnus Haryán Rodríguez, CEO of Spanish real estate company iKasa, who completed his masters in real estate at USD. “We’ve had a presence in Madrid

it right away when they initially come home, but it can really change a student’s perspective.” Bolender teaches courses that span the fields of chemistry and biochemistry, and has led research trips to the Baja Peninsula and Uganda. With his own eyes, he has watched as students have grown and matured, both personally and academically.

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