Donor Impact Report 2024-2025

Words from the Heart Just before classmates stepped forward to receive their Golden Torero medallions from President James T. Harris, Steve Hunsicker reflected on the importance of this moment and why it matters so deeply to him and to his classmates and why supporting the future of USD School of Law remains as urgent and meaningful today as it was 50 years ago. Harkening back to their first days on campus, Hunsicker credited their shared success to the professors who challenged them and the classmates who supported them. Hunsicker voiced the collective gratitude of the class when he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to give back to the law school at critical and historical inflection points over the past five decades, including professorships to support the hiring of exceptional members of the faculty, scholarships to enhance USD’s rankings by recruiting and retaining outstanding law school candidates, fellowships to build upon success in graduate employment and hiring, and now most of all, as the law school embarks on a plan to upgrade its facilities to meet the everchanging landscape of legal education and continue to grow the reputation of USD School of Law. Accentuating his point, Hunsicker went on to quote renowned American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead,“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Mead stood for the principle,“Significant, lasting social or cultural change rarely comes from top-down, massive movements initially, but rather begins with a dedicated, focused, and passionate few.”

Robert ’75 (JD) and Leslie Hanna

Interim Provost Nicholas Santilli, Sandi Santilli, Mary Harris, and President James T. Harris III, DEd

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2024-25 DONOR IMPACT REPORT