USD Magazine Spring 2021

University of San Diego Digital USD

USD Magazine USD News

Spring 2021

USD Magazine Spring 2021

University of San Diego

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Digital USD Citation University of San Diego, "USD Magazine Spring 2021" (2021). USD Magazine. 88. https://digital.sandiego.edu/usdmagazine/88

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USDMAGSpring 2021 UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO

TO MEET THE MOON Jonathan (“Jonny”) Kim ’12 (BA) and Matthew Dominick ’05 (BS/BA) were recently assigned to NASA’s Artemis Team. Their next stop could be the moon. USD MAGAZINE

DEAR TOREROSalumni and friends who participated in our record setting Torero Tuesday giving day during homecoming week in October. We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave so generously that day. We remain hopeful for the spring and new beginnings. As we’ve indicated previously, our desire for the spring semester is to offer an increasing number of academic options for faculty and students, whether through in-person classes or remote instruction. Additionally, we are planning to host commencement ceremonies on campus, knowing that these celebrations will likely look different than previous years. While we hope and plan to increase in-person engagement in the spring semester, at this time, San Diego County has remained in the most restrictive tier of Cal- ifornia’s COVID-19 risk-ranking system. Our activities will continue to be guided by California health and safety recommendations and San Diego County orders related to the pandemic. In the face of uncertainty and setbacks, I hope that each of you are able to take some time to pause, reflect and celebrate the s I write this, we have and love in the face of so many cial challenges. To help our fami- gifts that God has given us over finished the fall semester uncertainties and challenges. lies plan, we made the decision the past year. Aand are preparing to enter Throughout 2020, Toreros have to freeze tuition rates at the cur- Now, as we look forward to a season of anticipation, prepara- been beacons of civility and rent level for all students in the the next year — which we fer- tion and giving. I wish to express compassion by bringing light 2021-22 academic year, providing vently hope will be filled with my sincere appreciation and grati- out of darkness. In spite of the some financial relief for our opportunity and growth — I tude for the dedication and resil- difficulties we face, there is a Torero families. This decision, remain confident that we can iency of our campus community, renewed sense of commitment along with a commitment to prevail over the challenges to parents, friends and alumni. on campus to tackling humanity’s increase our financial aid to come and emerge a stronger This year has been one of the most urgent challenges and ful- students to record levels in the university in the future thanks most challenging periods in the filling our vision as an engaged, coming year, are two ways we to your support and prayers. history of USD. I continue to contemporary Catholic university. are trying to support to our en- be humbled to be a member We have heard from many tire community. This has been Peace, of a campus community that USD families that the pandemic made possible in part through James T. Harris III, D.Ed. embodies a spirit of solidarity has caused unprecedented finan- the generous support of our President

USD MAGAZINE Fall 2020 STAFF BOX [president] James T. Harris III, DEd

[vice president, university advancement] Richard Virgin

[associate vice president, university marketing and communications] Peter Marlow [email protected]

[editor/senior director] Julene Snyder [email protected]

[senior creative director] Barbara Ferguson [email protected]

Our Students [editorial advisory board] Sandra Ciallella ’87 (JD) Pamela Gray Payton ’16 (MSEL) Lynn Hijar Hoffman ’98 (BBA), ’06 (MSGL) Minh-Ha Hoang ’96 (BBA), ’01 (MA) Are Coming Back. Michael Lovette-Colyer ’13 (PhD) Kristin Scialabba (PhD candidate) Rich Yousko ’87 (BBA)

[usd magazine] USD Magazine is published three times a year by the University of San Diego for its alumni, parents and friends. U.S. postage paid at San Diego, CA 92110. Campus life is returning, USD phone number: (619) 260-4600. [class notes] Class Notes may be edited for length and clarity. and the need for scholarship Photos must be high resolution, so adjust camera settings accordingly. Engagements, pregnancies, personal email addresses and telephone numbers cannot be published. support is greater than ever. Please note that content for USD Magazine has a long lead time. Our current publishing schedule is as follows: Class Notes received between Feb. 1-May 30 appear in the Fall edition; those received June 1-Sept. 30 The pandemic has impacted many USD families, and alumni appear in the Spring edition; those received between Oct. 1-Jan. 31 appear in the Summer digital-only edition. scholarship support will help us make sure that every student Email Class Notes to [email protected] or who started college as a Torero will graduate a Torero. mail them to the address below. [mailing address] USD Magazine Please consider supporting our students who have faced Publications University of San Diego obstacles they never imagined. They are now part of a new 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 generation of alumni who are prepared to go out into the world [website] and confront humanity’s urgent challenges. www.sandiego.edu/usdmag

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Make your gift today: sandiego.edu/givenow

Spring 2021 1 USD MAGAZINE CONTENTS

20 24

4 6 8

12 15 28 32

2 USD MAGAZINE Fall 2020 USD MAGAZINE FEATURES TORERO ATHLETICS ALWAYS HUSTLING Championship Mentality The president and CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San MJ Knighten became the NCAA’s youngest Division I head 16 Diego Food Bank, Jim Floros ’84 (BA) has a lot of energy. 14 softball coach when she was named manager of the USD That’s a good thing, because in the wake of the COVID-19 program last August. pandemic and the ripple effect it’s had on people’s lives, he needs to hit the ground running, all day, every day. CLASS NOTES COOKING UP A SUSTAINABLE PLANET An Effective Perspective Jessica Tishue ’11 (BA) wants to change the world — one 28 Joshua Williams ’16 (BS/BA) has a burning desire to make 20 meal at a time. Why not? She’s already run a successful things happen. One of those things was founding Young digital marketing company and plans to launch a Echelon, a nonprofit that empowers underserved youth zero-waste, edible utensil company in 2021. through personal development.

NOTES OF SPICE Bearing Witness Basil Considine ’03 (BA) has quite a list of accomplish- Kim Polo ’98 (BA) is an award-winning documentarian. Her 24 ments, including singing with the Boston Pops as a child, 32 new film,Don’t Forget Them, follows a doctor for a week as discovering a love of opera while a student at USD and he travels to refugee camps near Kurdistan to provide ultimately becoming an award-winning musicologist medical relief. and founder of Really Spicy Opera. In the Big Leagues While Erik Jorgensen ’00 (BA) has made it to the big TORERO NEWS 36 leagues, he’s not hitting home runs or striking out batters. To Meet the Moon Instead, he’s the official DJ for the Dallas Cowboys, San USD alumni Matthew Dominick ’05 (BS/BA) and Jonathan Diego Padres and other sports teams. 4 (“Jonny”) Kim ’12 (BA) were assigned to NASA’s Artemis Team in December 2020. Their next stop could be the moon. RIP Stanley Legro Former USD professor and member of the Board of Rising to the Challenge 39 Trustees Stanley “Stan” Legro passed away in late August. A global pandemic, subsequent economic downturn and He was an ardent supporter of the environment and an 6 incidents of racial injustice are just some of the challenges ordered system of environmental law. USD students and new graduates are facing.

Terms of Endearment ON THE COVER Kim ’87 (BA) and Marco ’84 (BA) Alessio are proud to Photo of NASA Artemis team member Jonathan (“Jonny”) 8 belong to a multigenerational Torero family that contrib- Kim ‘12 (BA) courtesy of NASA/Robert Markowitz. utes time and support to USD. WEBSITE sandiego.edu/usdmag Bridging the Gap Recently, USD was awarded a $4 million grant from FACEBOOK 10 the ALSAM Foundation to endow Bridging the Gap, facebook.com/usandiego

which inspires students to major in STEM subjects. TWITTER @uofsandiego Running Down a Dream INSTAGRAM Eliott Watson is a third-year electrical engineering major @uofsandiego 12 as well as a successful race car driver. While racing has been a big part of his life, he says that attending USD is equally rewarding.

Spring 2021 3 USD MAGAZINE TORERO NEWS CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY SPACE CANADIAN

[intrepid]

group are two University of San Diego alumni: Matthew Domi- nick ’05 (BS/BA) and Jonathan (“Jonny”) Kim ’12 (BA). Both Dominick (pictured, above) and TO MEET THE MOON Kim are now members of a very Stellar Torero due selected for historic NASA mission exclusive community. Before long, they’ll be charting new courses by Julene Snyder in human history. t’s been nearly half a century bound for the lunar surface. The next man to the moon in 2024 and When Dominick found out that since humankind last visited Artemis Team is described by about once per year thereafter. Kim, another University of San I the moon, when the three- NASA as “a select group of astro- On Dec. 9 2020, the agency Diego alumnus, would be joining person crew of NASA’s Apollo 17 nauts charged with focusing on revealed which of its 47 active the astronaut class back in 2017, mission touched down near the the development and training astronauts have been assigned to he was frankly amazed. edge of an ancient lava sea called efforts for early Artemis missions.” Artemis to train for humanity’s “I was super-shocked when I Mare Serenitatis. Through these missions, NASA historic return to the moon. found out,” he said. Although the Now, the space agency is again will send the first woman and the Among that distinguished two didn’t attend USD at the same

4 USD MAGAZINE time, they did subsequently dis- [fresh-thinking] cover some mutual friends and acquaintances. “I learned so many skills from the military, but I learned soft skills from my time at USD,” says Kim. “I learned how to communicate WORKING IT OUT and how to appreciate other per- Unsolved math problems subject of professor’s book spectives. I learned the scientific method, which can be applied to by Elena Gomez any problem in life. Having the obody is good at math, by the first female Fields medal- about cold facts and formulas. evidence show you the answer even math professors. ist, Maryam Mirzakhani. We want to change this and and having the humility to accept NThat’s something that “Merlin is sort of like Mac- bring these worlds together.” that you might be wrong. Those Satyan Devadoss, PhD, Fletcher Gyver. Arthur, Guinevere and Mage Merlin’s Unsolved are principles to academia, but Jones Chair and professor of the Knights called him to solve Mathematical Mysteries is they’re also principles to being mathematics at USD wants you problems and figure out puzzles meant for just about anyone, a good human being.” to embrace. nobody else can. Merlin keeps and the puzzles inspire readers Dominick was fascinated by all “When people get disheart- a journal of problems that even to collaborate, think outside things skyward from a young age. ened and say ‘I’m really not he couldn’t solve. This is a col- the box and just have fun. “Watching rockets launch, good at math,’ I actually want lection of those stories.” “This book is about you watching the shuttle launch as to say, ‘I agree with you, you’re Merlin and Maryam guide playing with beautiful math a kid, was an enabler for me. It’s not good at math. But neither readers through the math puzzles and building things like ‘How do I become a part of am I,’” says Devadoss. problems, allowing them to no one has ever built before,” that?’” After graduating from He’s hoping to level the playing see that stories are everywhere, says Devadoss. USD, he did his post-graduate field in a book he recently co- including in math. “It’s not about following in- work as a naval test pilot. authored, titled Mage Merlin’s “We think humanities and the structions, but going off-road “It’s certainly a sacrifice for Unsolved Mathematical Mysteries. arts deal with beautiful stories and having an adventure.” family and friends, being in the The richly illustrated, story- and images, but math is on the military. We would go on deploy- driven volume shows that there opposite end of the spectrum, sandiego.edu/magemerlin ments and lose contact with them, are math problems even mathe- and they understood the risk that maticians can’t figure out — we were taking,” Dominick says. which doesn’t mean that people “When you think about the im- can’t try. The puzzles are acces- mense responsibility put on you sible to anyone with basic math at times, you don’t want to let skills, and the book’s audience the world down.” includes parents of junior high “It makes me immensely proud and older children, puzzle lovers to be part of an organization to and educators looking for ways achieve such a monumental chal- to improve math education for lenge, like returning to the moon,” K-12 and beyond. says Kim. “And that’s what really “Mathematicians have been excites me, when I think of Arte- trying to crack some of these mis. The lives that we’re going to problems for hundreds of years, positively impact on this endeavor.” but we might be looking at it the The pair are both ready for wrong way,” he explains. “Maybe their next adventure. “My previ- you — as an artist, musician, ous job was to keep the world political scientist or plumber — from going backwards. This job can think of a fresh approach.” is about getting the world to go Readers are transported back forward,” says Dominick. in time to play with 16 unsolved “I am an astronaut,” says Kim. math problems woven into the “And I have this amazing oppor- story of Camelot. Readers work tunity to serve my country and alongside famous characters humanity.” like Excalibur, the Knights of the Roundtable, Merlin, along with a

sandiego.edu/artemis narrator, Maryam, who is inspired MEYER FERGUSON/ALLYSON BARBARA

Spring 2021 5 ALEXA PILATO ALEXA

[resilience] the job was really more about communication and problem solving, the kind of challenge that’s usually solved through RISING TO THE CHALLENGE informal conversations in the USD grads and seniors won’t let obstacles block their success office. “I had to learn to do that through an online platform,” by Liz Harman Devlin explains. With practice, hloe Zakhour’s father and banana bread, made using to the challenges today’s young he came to understand the vibe passed away unexpect- simple ingredients. people are facing. But USD of Microsoft’s corporate culture C edly less than two years “We love being local; our goal seniors and new graduates have and has been invited back to ago. Her mom had then joined is to make the business even responded with courage, resil- intern next summer, before he the workforce, but was laid off bigger,” says Zakhour ’20 (BA), ience and success. graduates in December 2021. when the pandemic took hold. pictured second from right, Electrical engineering major Students also have had to To help support themselves, the alongside members of her family. Devin Devlin faced the prospect deal with the anger and frustra- family started a home baking She used the social media skills of not just remote classes but a tion following the death of business, using their 80-year- she acquired during an internship remote internship as well. The George Floyd and similar old grandmother’s recipes. with USD’s Digital Communica- first-generation college student incidents. Devlin, president Their Orange County neigh- tions and Institutional Marketing was scheduled to intern at Micro- of the USD chapter of the bors and other customers quickly department to promote the busi- soft’s offices in Redmond, Wash- National Society of Black started snapping up their baked ness, which has a robust presence ington but ended up working Engineers, is the co-founder goods. Between May and early on Instagram (#brightbreadco). from San Diego as a program of HBN (How Bout Now), October, the business, dubbed A global pandemic, subsequent manager for the software firm’s mobile social media platform Bright Bread Company, sold economic downturn and incidents new Excel Sheet View program. dedicated to “giving everyone more than 700 loaves of bread of racial injustice have only added Instead of technical skills, a voice, especially those who

6 USD MAGAZINE continue to be persecuted by [heroic] injustices in our society.” Navigating a job market during a severe economic downturn is a challenge, but Victoria Holmes ’20 (BA) was undaunted. Her goal was to work as a journalist, but her ALL IN A DAY’S WORK mother suggested that given these Student opts to fight fires during pandemic times, she might consider a job in public relations or marketing. by Mike Sauer Holmes wasn’t so sure. “It n what has become one of wasn’t about finding a job, it was the most eventful years in … about finding a job I absolutely Iwell … ever, Claire Graziano loved,” she says. After interning at ’21 (BS) may have had one of the the National Hispanic Institute, most eventful summer breaks whose alumni include New York in … well … ever. City Congresswoman Alexandria Having school and work plans Ocasio-Cortez, she was hired by turned completely upside down WNCT-TV, a CBS/CW affiliate in by a pandemic? Check. Evicted Greenville, North Carolina. from her San Diego residence “Almost all of my classes pre- because classes were shutting pared me to work really hard, to down? Check. Getting food do my best and really take pride delivered by helicopter while in my work,” she says, adding that on top of a mountain in North- she particularly appreciated class- ern California fighting a blazing es taught by former journalist and wildfire? Check. Wait … what? Communication Studied Profes- Strange as it may seem, the sor of Practice Gina Lew. last event was by choice. Graziano, “USD didn’t prepare me for a an environmental and ocean job. They prepared me to be a re- sciences major who is also a al Changemaker in the world,” member of USD’s Naval Reserve says Holmes. Officer Training Corps, wasn’t going to let COVID-19 prevent her from doing something

meaningful with her sudden GRAZIANO CLAIRE OF COURTESY abundance of downtime. “When I realized I wasn’t need to help. My schedule cer- fire was. How hot it was when really going to be doing much tainly was open, and I was look- you were close to it. You have over the summer, I made a ing for a challenge, so I figured, to learn to trust the people you’re spur-of-the-moment decision ‘Why not me?’” working with immediately. Not to do something worthwhile,” Training to fight fires is just to get the job done, but to she says. That “something” challenging in the best of times, keep each other safe.” was heading north to Oregon but Graziano was unable to Those formative moments to join the Greyback Forestry receive any hands-on training left a lasting impact on Graziano, service, where she would train in advance of joining her crew who is ready for her next chal- to become a type-II firefighter in on the fires’ frontlines. That, lenge following graduation: order to help combat the forest understandably, can lead to flight school in Pensacola, Flori- fires ravaging the Pacific North- one heck of a stressful first day da, where she’ll receive the train- west and California at the time. on the job. ing to hopefully become a heli- It’s hard to imagine someone “All of the training was virtual, copter pilot for the U.S. Navy. being more capable of handling and even in normal circumstanc- “I grew up in a Navy family, the challenges of fighting acre- es, nothing can prepare you for and I really loved moving around charring infernos in the Califor- the first time you come face to and seeing new places, and meet- nia wilds than the even-keeled face with a fire,” Graziano ex- ing new people. Building a career Graziano, but she doesn’t see it plains. “The first day I went out, where I can do that for a living as a big deal. “There’s always a I couldn’t believe how big the sounds amazing.”

Spring 2021 7 in the hospital and the rest of the spring semester in rehabilitation. Initially, her doctors couldn’t persuade her to relax, but her former resident assistant, John Trifiletti ’78 (BA), connected her with all of her professors. They kept in touch and encouraged her to take as much time as she needed to recover. “All of my teachers sent notes saying, ‘Don’t worry about your finals. You’ll have plenty of time to make them up.’ My teachers were amazing,” she recalls. “I just felt indebted to the campus, and it’s still that way today.” Both she and her husband, Marco, who met at USD but didn’t start dating until later, are part of a three-generation USD family. After Marco graduated in 1984, his father, Frank Alessio, served on the Board of Trustees for 31 years from 1986 to 2017 and was the vice chair of the board for eight years between 2009 and 2016. While Kim’s mother, Marcie Amory, didn’t attend USD, she was raised in Sacred Heart schools, the order to which the university’s co- founder, Mother Rosalie Clif- ton Hill, belonged. Raised in Arizona, Kim spent her sum-

BARBARA FERGUSON BARBARA mers in San Diego. “USD was the only place I wanted to go,” [connections] she recalls. “I can’t imagine what would have happened if they turned me down.” Today, daughter Ally ’21 (pictured with her parents) is majoring in international TERMS OF ENDEARMENT business and marketing at Alessio family’s ties to USD span three generations USD, while son Matthew chose to go to the University by Liz Harman of Oregon. im Alessio ’87 (BA) collegiate experience at USD. Just before fall semester The couple were thrilled looks back fondly But it was an illness during finals, she become so ill with to see Ally follow in their Kon Greek Life, her junior year that cemented Guillain-Barre syndrome footsteps. “It’s a perfect the Alcalá Club and other her connection with the that she had to go home to school for her because it’s great memories of her university. Arizona and spent two months just big enough where she

8 USD MAGAZINE can have lots of friend and ac - [saga] tivities but small enough that she can blossom,” says Marco. In addition to supporting USD financially, they’ve also been active volunteers. Through June of 2021, Kim INFORMING THE DISCUSSION is president of the USD Professor’s book dives into immigration issues Alumni Association Board while Marco is president of by Daniel Telles the USD Parents Board. new book by Associate society is critical.” immigrants have a negative net Their enthusiasm and love Professor of Sociology In a short 80 pages, Prieto impact on wages: and whether for USD is readily apparent. AGreg Prieto, PhD, aims to seeks to boil down the essential immigrants have a negative im- “I’ve so enjoyed connecting cut through common narratives dimensions of the immigration pact on local and state budgets. with alumni and seeing how and half-truths that surround the debate, sharing key insights that The book is of particular inter- committed the board is to immigration debate and provide a typically stay siloed within aca- est for those who wish to engage keeping alumni engaged for short, fact-based primer on immi- demia and making them accessi- in a sober and compassionate con- life,” says Kim. gration in the United States. ble to a broader audience. versation about immigrants and For Marco, a long-time Myth and Reality in the U.S. The book’s chapters look at the immigration in the United States. financial advisor with Morgan Immigration Debate (Routledge) enforcement and public policy “Social science and history re- Stanley, giving back was a gives readers a sense of the em- sides of immigration, providing a veal that immigrants are hardly family tradition, “part of my pirical reality and history behind brief history of immigration in the threat to the country and com- DNA,” he says. In addition to immigration so they can enter the U.S., debunking common munity that they are made out to serving on the Alumni Board, the debate armed with facts. myths, showing how collective be, and indeed make contributions much of his early support “The constant drum of social political choices have created the that power the economy and en- went to athletics as USD media and the day-to-day news current system and addressing rich our society,” adds Prieto. grew its basketball and other cycles can make it hard for the the racial overtones that surround Myth and Reality in the U.S. sports programs. average person to feel informed the immigration debate. Immigration Debate is available In the last few years, he’s about immigration,” says Prieto. Prominent myths that the book now and can be ordered from also become passionate about “Arming people with clear and tackles include whether immi- bookstores everywhere. supporting USD students who concise knowledge about the grants commit more crimes than are at risk for food insecurity actual effect of immigration on those born in the U.S.: whether sandiego.edu/prietobook2020 and homelessness. He and Kim first learned about those issues while serving on the parent board at Oregon. “Of course with USD, you didn’t think that happened,” he says. “We all know USD — a paradise on top of the hill.” After becoming aware that those issues do exist at USD, he’s played a leading role in encouraging the Parents Board to provide more support “to help those at-risk kids who can’t eat, don’t have a place to sleep, can’t afford a text- book” or have other needs like flying home during a family emergency. “It’s definitely an issue that’s becoming more front and center and I think that’s great,” he says. CHRIS PARK

Spring 2021 9 BARBARA FERGUSON BARBARA

[inspiration]

program have declared majors or earned degrees in STEM fields at universities nationwide. The ALSAM Foundation, BRIDGING THE GAP based in Salt Lake City, Utah, was USD receives major grant to boost the future of STEM established in 1984 by Aline and L.S. “Sam” Skaggs, who turned a by Krystn Shrieve chain of 11 family-owned drug n 2010, as a senior at Mater PhD in cellular biology from the and mathematics and help them stores into more than 200 retail Dei Catholic High School University of Montana. Today, he’s gain the academic and research outlets in 21 states and later Iin Chula Vista, Nick Day ’15 a postdoctoral research associate fundamentals they need to suc- acquired the American Stores (BA) was interested in biology and at Pacific Northwestern National ceed in college and pursue ca- Company, which included participated in what was then a Laboratory where he works on reers in those fields. Sav-On Drugs and many more. new program, known as Bridging biomedical research projects. In addition to endowing The partnership that launched the Gap. In it, he learned how Bridging the Gap is still going Bridging the Gap in perpetuity, Bridging the Gap began in 2009, cells work in greater detail and strong and, recently, USD was the funding also provides scholar- when the science departments at realized he enjoyed the field. awarded a $4 million grant from ships for Mater Dei students USD responded to The ALSAM So much so that Day went on to The ALSAM Foundation to who plan to major in STEM Foundation’s request to design a earn his bachelor’s degree in biol- endow the program, which aims disciplines at USD. To date, a science enrichment program that ogy from the University of San to inspire students to major in large majority of the 174 students served Mater Dei’s Science Acade- Diego. In 2020, he received his science, technology, engineering who have participated in the my. The partnership recently was

10 USD MAGAZINE expanded to include students from [partnership] Juan Diego Catholic High School in Salt Lake City. “It is amazing to look back on the past 10 years and see how my first internship has impacted my CYBERSPACE PROTECTION career path and enabled me to Women PeaceMakers receive training and tools work on research that can shape the future of medicine,” Day says. by Liz Harman “I’m grateful to the donors at the ore than 1,000 women themselves and their families and public Wi-Fi risks. Partici- ALSAM Foundation as well as the are working with the at risk. The need to work online pants reported that they would science faculty members at USD MKroc School’s Institute has exacerbated these risks by change online behaviors and for giving me and other students for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ) making sensitive information account settings. Each received the opportunity to enrich our in- to end cycles of violence around more readily available. a free virtual product network terests in science.” the world. As the COVID-19 For example, one former (VPN) product license and soft- Since it began, 39 USD faculty pandemic has required them to Women PeaceMakers fellow expe- ware to protect themselves and members have participated in the move more of their peacebuilding rienced daily threats and harass- their organizations. program, which gives high school work online, they face greater ment on Facebook. Fearing for her “This training gave me the students the chance to work with cybersecurity threats. and her family’s safety prompted tools and knowledge I need to university professors and students, To help these women drive her to hold back at times from feel more free to implement participate in on-campus summer their vital work forward, Norton- sharing vital information with my peacebuilding work, without research opportunities and hands- LifeLock — which helps secure her communities. Other women jeopardizing safety,” says one on workshops, enhance STEM devices, identities and online peacebuilders have faced harass- local women peacebuilder. skills and create relationships with privacy — has partnered with ment, detainment and arrest. “I am grateful for the Norton- role models and mentors. This ap- the Kroc IPJ to provide software To address these threats, LifeLock partnership,” says proach enhances academic success and training to protect them. women from around the world Jennifer Bradshaw, Kroc IPJ’s and career achievement for all stu- According to the United Na- participated in the first training women, peace and security officer. dents, but especially for those who tions, peace agreements involving session held in the summer of “These women are strong, and are underrepresented in STEM de- women are 64% less likely to fail. 2020. Post-training surveys found experts in the field of peacebuild- gree programs and professions. But as women work on disarma- that the women’s understanding ing. The training they are receiv- Hannah Otte ’19 (BA), another ment, mediation and other criti- of key aspects of cybersecurity ing will allow them to continue to Mater Dei student, also partici- cal policies, they often challenge doubled in nearly every category, build a safer and stronger future pated in Bridging the Gap and existing power structures, putting including mobile device security for their communities.” graduated from USD with a degree in biology. “It’s hard to believe my very first lab experience was about seven years ago with Dr. (Nathalie) Reyns in marine biology,” Otte recalls. “Learning how research was done in an academic setting was hugely impactful to me.” Today, Otte (pictured) works at Illumina, a global leader in genomics. She supports projects with the company’s microarrays and sequencing-based COVID-19 diagnostic test. “I realized how much I enjoy teaching and collaborating with others,” Otte continues. “The financial support and stipends al- lowed me to fully pursue these research opportunities, as I worked part time during semesters and full time during the summers.”

Spring 2021 11 COURTESY OF ELIOTT WATSON ELIOTT OF COURTESY

[champion]

senior capstone project just yet, but when it happens, he’ll be a natural. He can give the team an immediate advantage. RUNNING DOWN A DREAM Watson drove his first racing Eliott Watson balances engineering, race car driving vehicle at the age of six. He competed regularly at age 10 by Ryan T. Blystone and, since he turned 14, he’s he University of San Marcos School of Engineering’s The Mini Baja Project, as it is been a professional driver in Diego was definitely on Belanich Center were nice, but known at USD, is a student-built, the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing TEliott Watson’s radar as one image stood out. off-road vehicle for a capstone Series (LOORRS) in the Pro a potential college choice as he “When they saw the Baja design project for the Society of Buggy division. He’s the back- made a visit to campus, but a vehicle and sent me pictures, Automotive Engineers Collegiate to-back Pro Buggy champion picture he received on his cell I thought, ‘Okay, that’s a big Design Series. Senior engineer- for 2019 and 2020 and is also phone gave USD an edge. attraction.’ That showed me ing students design, engineer, driving off-road desert vehicle “My parents were doing their how hands-on students could fabricate, test and ultimately races for Team Honda Talon own campus tour, checking out be in engineering labs, the compete in their off-road vehicle. Factory Racing. facilities,” Watson recalls. Photos machine shop and through Watson, 20, is a third-year While COVID-19 played havoc of the machine shop and design the Baja project. It definitely electrical engineering major with his racing schedule in 2020, labs taken inside the Shiley- pulled me to USD.” now and isn’t eligible for a Watson won his last eight races

12 USD MAGAZINE to claim the Pro Buggy title in series since 2017. Polvoorde October and had a breakout per- and Watson are Honda team- formance for Honda with a sec- mates, too. ond-place finish in SCORE Baja “We’ve had our eyes on Eliott [AROUND THE PARK] 500’s UTV Pro Turbo class. and Christopher for some time,” Watson is the son of Tom said Jeff Proctor, team principal Torero Tuesday Breaks Record Watson Jr., a four-time off-road for the Honda Talon Factory More than 2,200 USD alumni, parents, students, desert buggy racing champion. Racing, when he announced the employees and friends kicked off Homecoming The latter stepped away from drivers’ signing. “At their young and Family Week 2020 with their gifts in sup- competitive racing in 2007 to ages, they already have long and port of student scholarships, academic pro- focus on his electrical company, successful careers in short- grams, Torero Athletics, University Ministry a growing family and to teach course racing, with multiple and all aspects of campus life. These gifts — racing to Eliott. championships between them in more than $900,000 — along with $150,000 in First it was Trophy Karts, many classes and they show no special challenge gifts thanks to the generous then the move to Pro Buggy. signs of slowing down. They’re support of Karen and Tom ’77 Mulvaney and At 14, Eliott was the youngest perfect for our program and we Mike Persall ’02, totaled more than $1 million. to join this competitive class. look forward to helping them “It was all adults and me,” develop as racers.” he said. “It was a big learning “Eliott is an outstanding race Immersive Study Abroad Gift curve, but I had fun with it. car driver who has a large future Greg Chapman ’92 (BA) and his wife, Kristin, I started slow, but we’ve been ahead of him. Just look at his recently committed to supporting the cre- running hard ever since.” results, which provide plenty of ation of the Chapman Family Foundation Last year in Chandler, Arizo- proof,” Polvoorde says. “Eliott is International Program. This new program na, Watson checked the box on a great example of how results at the College of Arts and Sciences will his first LOORRS Pro Buggy are earned, not given, and this provide immersive first-hand and virtual points championship. Tied in applies to both his racing and exchange courses for students and faculty. the standings late, Watson bat- academics. He’s one of the most The gift will provide annual full scholarships tled through a tough final race down-to-earth, hardest-working to an entire class of students — largely bene- to clinch the title. individuals I know.” fitting underrepresented students at USD. “Finally, after chasing the They enjoyed a good laugh Pro Buggy title for three years during Honda’s recruitment pro- and coming up short, we got it cess when they were USD room- New Law School Dean Named done,” Watson said. “We have mates during their second year. USD named Robert Schapiro, JD, as the new fought so hard to get this cham- “We were talking to the dean of the School of Law. Most recently, he pionship. To lock it up, finally, same company about a new was the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law is something I’ve dreamed about team they were putting togeth- at Emory University and co-director of Emory my whole life.” er and we both signed confi- Law’s Center on Federalism and Intersystemic He repeated the title feat in dentiality agreements,” Watson Governance. He also served as the dean of San Bernardino, California, and says. “We were talking to Emory Law School from 2012 to 2017. His was named LOORRS Driver of them, but Honda didn’t know appointment comes at the end of an extensive

the Year. we were roommates. When national search process. He assumed his new UNIVERSITY EMORY Racing has been at the fore- they got us both to sign, they role on January 1, 2021. front, but attending USD is introduced us in an email. equally rewarding. He’s gain- We looked at each other and ing time management skills both said, ‘You were talking to Ahlers Center for International Business by balancing both. Remote them and you didn’t tell me?’ Founded in 1994, the Ahlers Center enhances learning has been helpful, It was so funny.” international business education at USD. given his schedule commit- Engineering-wise, Watson As the School of Business will celebrate ments, but he’s also got a rac- enjoys a bonus benefit from the the center’s 30th anniversary in 2024, it is ing colleague who under- Honda signing. “It has been awe- amplifying its regional contributions. The stands. One of his best friends, some to work with the engineers reimagined center will leverage flagship Christopher Polvoorde, is a at Honda and to see what goes institutes focused on supply chain, economic third-year business finance into their jobs on a day-to-day research and business analytics to maximize and real estate double major. basis. Being around them inspires San Diego’s position in international trade Polvoorde has raced in the me to get back in the classroom and global competitiveness for students, LOORRS Pro Lite (Truck) and get my degree.” faculty and the business community.

Spring 2021 13 USD MAGAZINE TORERO ATHLETICS COURTESY OF USD ATHLETICS ATHLETICS USD OF COURTESY

[historic]

softball program. MJ Knighten is a special person with rare leadership qualities for a young coach,” he said. “We’ve watched her grow CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY over the last year as a member of MJ Knighten named head softball coach our coaching staff, and I’m very confident she’s the right head by Mike Sauer coach to build a championship n just a few short years, MJ head softball coach when she leading strong young women, softball program at USD.” Knighten has experienced a was named manager of the regardless of their race; I’m From 2017 to 2018, Knighten Ilifetime of memories on the USD program in August. grateful for the opportunity.” served as an assistant coach at softball field. Only three seasons Even more significantly, she When announcing the historic her alma mater, the University of removed from her days as a slug- became USD’s first Black wom- hire, Associate Vice President and Nebraska. She then joined Wichi- ging third baseman for the sto- en’s head coach in any sport. Executive Director of Athletics ta State University’s coaching ried University of Nebraska soft- “I’m grateful,” says Knighten. Bill McGillis expressed confidence staff for the 2018-2019 season be- ball program, Knighten became “Shining a light on me being a in her capabilities. “I am so excit- fore taking the job as the Toreros’ the NCAA’s youngest Division I young African American woman ed for the young women in our hitting coach under head coach

14 USD MAGAZINE Jessica Pistole last season. As [getting to know] Pistole’s hitting coach, Knighten helped San Diego to their best start to a season since 2013. Now at the helm, Knighten echoed McGillis’ desire to maintain the positive momentum from last CHANGING COURSE year. “Jessica Pistole gave us an in- Women rowers embrace inclusion and diversity credible foundation to build on, and I’m excited to continue to grow by Chloe Zakhour ’20 and shape San Diego softball,” she adee Sylla ’20 and Kath- Brady has been using her lead- crafts. “I didn’t want to go to says. “Our goal is to become a force ryn Brady ’20 ended their ership role to demonstrate the college, I wanted to go to culi- on the West Coast, while empow- Kundergraduate rowing importance of listening and nary school,” Sylla says with a ering strong women so that they careers at USD as two of the learning. “I’ve been attending smile. “Cooking is my thing.” succeed after graduation.” top athletes on the women’s things that Kadee started or that “I’ve been told by Kadee Despite being a relative new- rowing team. In addition to we’ve had as a team. We did a that I’m very crafty; that’s comer to coaching, Knighten being leaders on the water, book club with women’s basket- something people don’t has a wealth of experience. As a they served as president and ball all summer. We read the necessarily know about me,” player, she helped the University vice president, respectively, book Race Talk and had weekly Brady adds. “I like making of Nebraska to a Big Ten Confer- of the Scholar-Athlete Advisory meetings to go over chapters and friendship bracelets and post- ence championship in 2014 and Committee (SAAC), whose have open discussions.” ers. I like that side of things was named to the All-Big Ten mission is to provide outlets When the pair has free time, because it lets me decompress team four times. Knighten also for community service specific they enjoy cooking and making from our typical busy life.” played professionally for two to scholar-athletes. years in the National Pro Fast- Two important initiatives pitch league. close to their hearts are increas- Knighten’s former coaches ing diversity and practicing and colleagues praise her as a inclusion. “I’ve been working player, and a person. with our athletic director, Bill “I could not be more thrilled McGillis,” Sylla explains. “For about the direction that USD example, we hired four Black softball is headed under Coach psychologists and began the Knighten’s leadership,” says Black Student-Athlete Forum, Pistole, now head coach at the where these students can voice University of Southern Oregon. their opinions in a safe space.” “She’s a fierce competitor who Two additional initiatives start- has a deep trust in the daily ed by Sylla (pictured at left) in- process of what it takes to be- clude the creation of a Diversity come a champion. Most notably, and Inclusion Executive position she is a bright light who speaks on the SAAC executive board and the truth and possesses the a voting initiative, which elimi- superpower of connecting with nated all required training and and bringing out the best in each competition on voting day. of her players and coaches.” Both young women believe Rhonda Revelle, head coach leadership is an important role at the University of Nebraska in today’s society. “Especially during Knighten’s years as a right now, there’s an opportunity player and an assistant coach, to use our voices in order to also has high praise for the move the country and the world Toreros’ new skipper. forward,” says Brady. “This time “She has an incredible softball is when you want to step up and IQ, that along with her passion use your voice. This moment in and love for the game, will be particular is powerful: to help motivating and inspiring for her things move in the right direc- players,” Revelle says. “She’ll build tion, rather than letting things a great team and culture.” stay the way they are.” ATHLETICS USD OF COURTESY

Spring 2021 15 Always

HUSTLINGby Julene Snyder JIM FLOROS HAS FOUND THAT THE HARDER YOU WORK, THE LUCKIER YOU GET here’s no denying the a moment of panic. Long hours, almost overnight. Between statistics class,” he says with a magnificence of Jim Floros’ 16-hour days. I had three days March and December 2020, chuckle. “It was the best major mustache, but for him, the off in the first 10 weeks; an Floros says they’ve distributed for me because you study every Tthick, full ’stache is no fashion easy day was 12 hours at home 47 million pounds of food. part of society: its politics, its statement or passing fad. on a weekend.” “It’s hard to get your arms history, its architecture, its “I’ve had it since I was 18,” As the organization moved around what 47 million pounds literature. You get a really great he says with a laugh during a into stage two — mass distribu- of food looks like,” he says. global perspective. And I had conversation via Zoom. “Before tions, such as those held in the “That’s 1,560 semi trucks loaded to take nine units of religious I turned gray, I looked a little parking lots of places like full of food. And the need isn’t studies, which was great. Those bit like Borat. I used to trim it SDCCU Stadium and the Del going away. We expect this to be courses helped shape some of up more, but my wife said it Mar Fairgrounds — Floros going on for a couple of years.” the opinions I still hold today.” poked her when I kissed her, decided the food bank needed One professor that lingers so I grew it out. I had a mus- to change strategy. “We really in his memory decades later is tache before it was cool, I have didn’t like those because they Patrick Drinan, who was named a mustache now that it’s cool, lack client dignity. You can ow did a Wisconsin boy as chair of the Department of and when it’s not cool, I’m still only handle 1,000 cars, but the wind up in San Diego, Political Science in 1981 and going to have a mustache.” problem is, 4,000 cars show up. 2,000 miles from his home- subsequently served as dean It’s late in the day on the People wait in line and they Htown? Like the anecdotal sto- of the College of Arts and Sci- Friday of a long week, but go home without food. That is ries of many transplants, it ences until 2006. clearly the president and just heartbreaking.” started with a family vacation “We only had a few dozen CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman He says another problem is to America’s Finest City. students who majored in San Diego Food Bank still has that those sorts of large sites “I knew at a pretty young political science and interna- a lot of energy. That’s a good don’t allow for walk-ups. “A lot age that I was getting out tional relations at first,” Drinan thing because in the wake of of low-income people don’t have of Wisconsin,” Floros says. recalls. “I remember Jim as the COVID-19 pandemic and cars. How do they get food? “I was tired of the cold winters. having analytical prowess. the ripple effect it’s had on So we launched phase three I knew that when the time International relations was a people’s lives, Floros ’84 (BA) on July 1 and went back to our came, I would probably go to challenging major, and in my needs to hit the ground run- roots, which is our neighbor- college in San Diego.” opinion, they were some of ning, all day, every day. hood distribution model. We His father passed away when the best students on campus. “It’s in our DNA to adapt, call it the Super Pantry Pro- Floros was 12, and had set up They tended to write well and to overcome, to pivot and gram. We turned 35 of our 500 a trust fund for his three sons be able to integrate knowledge create strategies. We hit this nonprofit partners into super that was earmarked for educa- from a variety of subjects.” thing hard in mid-March, pantries, which are high-fre- tion or college. When the time Floros was also impressed and within 72 hours, we had quency, high-quantity distribu- came, Floros applied to just with his advisor, the late Carl already created phase one of tion sites strategically located two schools: The University of Gilbert, who was a history our response,” he explains. throughout San Diego County.” Wisconsin-Madison and USD. professor at USD for 25 years. “We had to: Our nonprofit It’s an impressive outreach, He was accepted to both. “He was the most amazingly partners were saying that the one that Floros says has made “It didn’t take long for me intelligent man I’ve ever met needs of our distribution sites the food bank a frontrunner to say, ‘I’m going to San Diego.’ in my life,” he says with deep were doubling and tripling.” among peers on a nationwide It was such a different time; sincerity. Floros takes pride in his basis. “These superpantries there were no cell phones. “He was so tough. He basi- “remarkable staff” and lack commit to distributing food I didn’t know anybody in San cally said in his classes, ‘I don’t of bureaucracy, which allows three days a week for at least Diego. I drove across country give A’s. Try your best, but if the food bank to move swiftly three hours a day and to allow by myself. I’d stop and sleep you get a B, you should pat to react to need. “Our first walk-ups and drive-ups until in a Holiday Inn every night yourself on the back.’ Being phase was to just push out as at least December 31. To sup- and call my mom, and she’d the person I am, I said, ‘To hell much food as we could to our port that, we send them food say, ‘Oh, great, you’re alive. with that.’ So, I stubbornly just nonprofit partners, so we re- and gave each of them a $20,000 Call me again tomorrow.’ kept taking his classes until I moved all obstacles from that.” capacity grant that they can use Typical Midwesterner.” started getting A’s. I’ve always By mid-April, he says that for refrigeration units, trucks Floros ultimately decided been drawn to challenges.” 700,000 pounds of food had or whatever they need to help on majoring in international After graduation, Floros been distributed to nonprofit meet the community’s needs.” relations. “I like politics. I like knew he wanted to stay in partners. “I was marveling Those needs are greater now history. I like writing. I landed San Diego. “Back then, career about how well we were doing, than ever. The food bank went on international relations be- paths were a little more open, just ‘Wow, we are really killing from feeding 350,000 people cause if you majored in politi- so I decided to go into commu-

BARBARA FERGUSON BARBARA it.’ There was never a flinch or a month to 600,000 a month cal science, you had to take a nications. I applied for jobs in

Spring 2021 17 public relations, but I wasn’t hat next chapter was a Floros is proud of the work food bank contributes 94 cents getting any interest.” He paus- long one: two decades, he did there. “Over 20 years, we of each donated dollar to pro- es, and laughs. “Did I have a in fact. About 18 months built the organization to be- gram services. “We’re raising a degree in communications? Tinto a new job as director come the top burn foundation lot of money, and we’re spend- No. Did I have a portfolio? No. of development for the Burn in the nation. We went from a ing a lot of money,” he says. Had I ever written a press re- Institute, Floros was installed staff of four to 12, still pretty “Prior to COVID, in a typical lease? Also, no. Maybe that’s as interim CEO on his 33rd small for a nonprofit, but it was year, we’d spend about $1 mil- why no one wanted to hire me.” birthday. “I was a deer in the trial by fire,” he says. “I always lion on food. This year, we’ve So a friend suggested a way headlights,” he recalls. “I tell people, ‘I may not be the spent $10 million since mid- in: “He told me to go to a non- always thought I would have smartest. I may not be the best, March. We’ve gotten 25,000 profit and do an internship so this sage mentor that would but no one’s going to outhustle new donors since then; these I could get experience.” He teach me how to be a CEO, me. I’m a Packers fan, and I are people who had never wound out up at Project Con- and suddenly, there I was. The love the saying, ‘The harder you given to us and never thought cern International, and realized fire service had a lot of influ- work, the luckier you get.’” about the food bank. But now, he’d accidentally found his niche. ence, and they said, ‘Jim is our He came on board as presi- they’re heavily invested in “I just fell in love with the non- guy; we want him to be CEO.’ dent and CEO of the Jacobs & what we do.”

Cushman San Diego Food Bank Providing food is just part profit thing. They liked me “Personally, I think it was — the largest hunger-relief or- of the solution. “Even though enough to give me a stipend,” the mustache.” ganization in San Diego Coun- we’re not an environmental he recalls. He was ultimately One of the main things he ty — in 2013. While he’s led a organization — our mandate hired as a coordinator in the loved about the Burn Institute variety of initiatives during his is to feed people — we realized development department. was the close relationship the time there, such as achieving if we’re more environmentally “I just wanted to learn, so I organization had with the fire LEED Gold status and expand- conscious, we could save a lot asked to sit in on meetings and service. “I think that’s part ing services to North County, of money, which means you learned grant writing, interacted of the reason why I stayed so the COVID-19 pandemic and feed more people. We started with program staff, learned to do long,” he muses. “I just had so its ripple effect on the economy by putting 1,400 solar panels budgets … I probably had five dif- much fun, and I love the fire- has been unprecedented. Hus- on the roof, which saves us ferent titles in seven or eight fighters and the fire chiefs. tle has become a job require- $120,000 a year, equal to about years. I didn’t know it at the time, When you’re a part of the Burn ment in 2020. 600,000 meals.” but I was learning so much that Institute — for everybody who Floros is poised to do what it Other efforts have included really served me well, especially supports it — it’s going to be takes to meet the need, howev- investing in technology that in the next step in my career.” their cause for life.” er great. He’s proud that the keeps food product refuse out

18 USD MAGAZINE of the landfill by turning it they say, ‘You need to show month, we did 850,000 dia- on the table, and the way that into compost in just five days. up with eight to 10 diapers ev- pers. It’s a really big benefit factors like these can keep fami- “We are a zero-waste facility,” ery day. So at the end of the for military families; we work lies locked into a generational Floros says, with justifiable month, she’s running out of with them a lot.” cycle of poverty. Clearly, an in- pride. “We’re the first food money and has to choose be- In the end, it all comes back tegrated approach is needed. warehouse in the world to tween food and diapers. Of to helping people. “Most peo- “Childhood education starts achieve a LEED Gold Version course, she’s going to pick ple think food banks just feed with childhood nutrition,” 4 Award. It’s pretty cool.” food. So she runs out of dia- the homeless, but that’s less Floros explains. “We have Another innovative service the pers, can’t take her child to than 5% of our service popula- strict policies of not distribut- food bank offers is for parents daycare and misses work. If tion. Our goal is to break the ing soda, sheet cakes, energy of young children. “We had State she misses enough times, she cycle of poverty and help peo- drinks. Last year we gave out Assemblywoman Lorena Gonza- loses her job. Something as ple become self-sufficient.” 14 million pounds of fresh lez Fletcher come to us and simple as diapers could be As part of that effort, the produce. But it’s not enough asked us to consider being a re- that one piece of the puzzle work of Floros and his team to just give people healthy gional diaper bank,” Floros says. that helps keep a family be- isn’t food banking so much as food, you have to educate “I had never even heard of that.” come self-sufficient.” it is nutrition banking. “We them about healthy eating.”

She went on to give an Floros pauses, then smiles. know that nutrition-related The food bank does this by example of why the expense “The best part of my job, when disease is linked to poverty,” having a full-time nutritionist of diapers can lead families she told me that story, I looked he says. “When people have on staff, providing recipe cards, down the road to poverty. over at my vice president of less resources, they have a hard doing cooking demonstrations “A single mom on food programs and said, ‘What do time affording protein and and even taking people to gro- stamps gets a job. Great. you think?’ And she said, fresh protein. What they can cery stores to teach them how She’s going to make more ‘Yeah, all right. We’ll do it.’ afford is high-sugar, high-fat, to shop for healthy food. money, do better for her And the assembly member high-salt food. This leads to “It’s a holistic approach. family and pull them out arranged for funding from the generations of unhealthy peo- Come join us. We’re looking of poverty. Great. But now state to fund our diaper bank.” ple, a condition that’s directly for volunteers and financial she has the obstacle of day- The effort has been well related to a poor diet.” contributions, sure, but if you care. which is expensive. worth it for San Diego fami- Other issues include the men- need to know where to get food Thankfully, she gets subsi- lies. “Even pre-COVID, we tal health issues that can stem from a distribution site near dized daycare, so she clears were distributing over half from food insecurity for chil- you, it’s all on our website. another hurdle. But now she a million diapers a month. dren, the stress that comes from Go to sandiegofoodbank.org. shows up at a daycare and In May, our record-breaking worrying about how to put food It will set you free.”

Spring 2021 19 20 USD MAGAZINE by Liz Harman [faith in action] Jessica Tishue ’11 (BA) wants to change the

ET world — one meal at a time. An ambitious goal, no? But the world might not want to bet against her. After all, she’s already run a successful digital marketing company, founded an online media outlet and plans to officially launch a zero-waste, edible tableware company early this year. Perhaps most impressively, she hasn’t let a serious auto accident from two years ago prevent her from living freely and dreaming boldly. “I would like to be a pioneer in creating the greatest food culture in history, and obviously I don’t do that alone” says the

SUSTAINABLE PLAN SUSTAINABLE engaging and upbeat 33-year-old. “I really hope to create a food culture that honors our planet and honors our people as well.” From an early age, the native of Northbor- ough, Massachusetts started to see connections between food, health, culture and the environment. At age 15, she began to question the traditional Western diet and started reading medical journals to achieve peak performance in running cross country and to help her mother treat arthritis, high COURTESY OF JESSICA TISHUE ‘11 (BA) OF (BA) COURTESY TISHUE JESSICA ‘11 EDIBLE CUTLERY AND TABLEWARE ARE ONLY PART OF JESSICA TISHUE’S PLANS TISHUE’S OF JESSICA PLANS PART ARE ONLY AND TABLEWARE CUTLERY EDIBLE COOKING UP A cholesterol and other health issues.

Spring 2021 21 With an anti-inflammatory diet, her mother’s health improved. “She al- texts, music and kind people,” she says, adding that she strives every lowed me to test what I was learning on her, and it worked,” Tishue says. day to be an example of God’s light in the world. One thing she didn’t like was snow and cold weather. During her That spiritual connection led to another one of Tishue’s projects. second year in college, she convinced her parents to let her move to Last year she founded cookandculture.com, an online media outlet California and transfer to USD. whose premise is to unite the world through food. While she found her classes enriching, a few other experiences really “Food is a global love language that transcends borders, races and stood out. One was a Semester at Sea where Nobel Peace Prize winner and religions,” she says. “It’s something we can bond over. For that moment human rights activist Bishop Desmond Tutu was onboard. Every day, clad we’re enjoying a meal together, it doesn’t matter if you’re Muslim or in pajamas, he would eat breakfast with students. “He had such a bright I’m a Christian. We can agree the food is delicious.” and positive outlook for the world and really celebrated life,” she recalls. Cook & Culture is a media outlet, resource and community whose During her time at sea, she had opportunities to visit restaurants mission is to not only celebrate the art of good food but help plant the and homes around the world, learning about local cuisine and observ- seeds “to inspire the greatest food culture in history, and a thriving ing different rituals for preparing and eating meals. “That fascinated planet for generations to come.” Typical stories, for example, include me, how whole cultures are influenced by our food systems,” she says. “10 Environmentally Friendly Proteins … that Actually Taste Good” Tishue also took part in USD’s inaugural Social Innovation Challenge. along with sections on cooking classes, food tourism and ending hunger. The competition and the mentorship she received in how social entre- The project really took hold after she spoke to USD students at a preneurship can make a positive change in the world “really shaped Half-Time retreat sponsored by University Ministry and the Career everything I’m doing today,” she says. Development Center. Two USD students interned for the site, and as After graduation with a bachelor’s in communication studies and a the pandemic eliminated opportunities for people around the globe, minor in international business, she took a job at a digital marketing she invited underrepresented students and people displaced in their agency. Soon, she went on to start her own firm, Disruptive Marketing careers to work on the site and learn blogging, search engine optimiza- LLC, whose clients ranged from startup firms to Fortune 500 compa- tion, web design and other skills. nies like the Yamaha Corp. The program — which has grown to 40 people from Nigeria, India, Even as the company succeeded, she often recalled a moment in Taiwan, the Philippines and various regions of the United States — 2011 when she was enjoying a meal at an outdoor café, only to see a now has a waiting list to participate. trash can overflowing with single-use bowls and utensils. When she “Working with Jessica as a designer has been a remarkable experi- had time, she tinkered in her kitchen. A decade later, her worlds as ence,” says Ana Aguilar, a junior majoring in architecture with a minor an entrepreneur, environmentalist and foodie have come together in business administration, who designed logos, illustrations and graph- with her new enterprise, Bliss Foods™. ics for the site. “Even with the pandemic going on, I have had the oppor- With Bliss Foods™, Tishue uses delicious superfoods to create edible, tunity to virtually meet and work with amazingly talented people from plant-based tableware and cutlery, eliminating waste that would go in around the world who share the same vision for a better food culture.” landfills. Think, for example, of a mocha-flavored coffee cup or other ed- “I’ve learned that when people pull their talents together, ideas ible utensils or bowls made out of sweet and savory superfoods such as can become reality,” adds Mayella Vasquez, ’22, an English and sweet potatoes, seeds or nuts. Last fall, Bliss Foods™ won the Audience international relations major. Choice award for the nationwide Women’s Fast Pitch Competition. Tishue’s numerous endeavors are even more impressive given that over One obstacle that had to be overcome was the creation of the the past two years she’s also been recovering from a serious auto injury. custom machinery for the products, so Tishue teamed up with USD In November 2018, she was a pedestrian in the San Diego community of Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Chair and Professor of Industrial La Jolla when she was hit by a car, damaging five vertebrae in her spine. and Systems Engineering Truc Ngo. Initially unable to walk, she returned to her family in Massachusetts. “I thought the idea of making cups, bowls and utensils out of super- Over the next seven months, she began to heal and today she says she’s foods was brilliant, and very appealing to those who seek healthy and “close to being recovered” but that her back does lock up from time sustainable options for their daily needs,” says Ngo. to time, and that she can’t do all the ballet moves or run like she did While the chaos from COVID-19 delayed the start by a few months, before the accident. a pilot launch to restaurants in San Diego is expected to be underway by But there were at least two silver linings from the injury. First, when the end of February of 2021, followed by expansion into some 900 restau- she was back in Massachusetts, she met her boyfriend, Eric Borzino, rants designated ocean friendly by the Surfrider Foundation throughout who shares her love of good cooking and later moved to San Diego. Southern California and the state, and then to the entire nation. Borzino, the vice president of corporate development for Everbridge, The prospects for Bliss Foods™ and for Tishue are bright, says Ngo. Inc., a global software firm, is also helping to develop Bliss Foods™. “She sets her goals and is determined to achieve them. I think the Last fall, the couple announced their engagement but are waiting until world is her limit, and she can accomplish anything with her positive COVID-19 passes to set a date for the wedding. attitude, energy and internal drive.” Her recovery also was a turning point and gave her time to start put- Underneath that drive is a strong spiritual component. ting the foundation together for her new enterprise. “I had a nagging “I’m very connected to God, although not in an organized fashion,” feeling that I needed to be more purpose-driven and do something for shares Tishue, who considers herself a Christian with a strong Buddhist the environment,” she says. “That’s what really woke me up to a new influence following a world religions class she took at USD. “I find that life. I just felt clear after that moment that this was my purpose and I

connection through many different things — nature, reading religious need to focus on food and the environment.” OF (BA) COURTESY TISHUE JESSICA ‘11

22 USD MAGAZINE 23 “I notice that when I randomly meet a USD alumnus, there are some topics we can instantly talk about, at a deeper level than your average college graduate. That’s not a bad thing.” NOTES OF SPICE OF SPICE NOTES BASIL CONSIDINE IS HUNGRY TO MAKE ART by Julene Snyder

24 USD MAGAZINE To say that Basil Considine ’03 (BA) is the musical sort is an understatement. For one thing, he began viola lessons at the age of five, playing on a small- sized instrument meant for ease of use for tiny-fingered youngsters.

ne of 11 children — he has right?’ Little did I realize.” “When I told my grandfather four brothers and six sisters In conversation, Considine I was applying to USD, he took — he says that a love of mu- manages the neat trick of being me out to the backyard and sic is shared by his siblings. both erudite and personable with- pointed out the names of the O“It’s very common in the family,” out coming across as pedantic. different buildings. As it turns he says. “My elder sister does What’s evident is the love he out, he’d been on one of the experimental pop music in the has for his craft. While music was steering committees for the Portland, Oregon area. I followed always part of his life, it began to College for Women,” he recalls. more of the classical music track.” take on a different form when he “And one of my aunts, Sister Spoiler alert: His path eventu- got to high school. “That’s when Trudy Considine, went to USD ally led to the creation of Game theater entered my life,” he says as an undergraduate and then of Thrones: The Musical, a pro- with a laugh. “With great protest, became a member of the Sisters duction he describes as involv- I was drafted into the choir for a of the Sacred Heart.” ing the “killing a lot of puppets show to reinforce the voices. And After taking a gap year be- very quickly.” I mumbled and grumbled my way tween college and high school, But that’s getting ahead of through it, until the first dress he arrived at USD certain he ourselves. Rewind. At the age of rehearsal. And then I fell in love.” would pursue a major in … eight, Considine auditioned for But not, as it turns out, with a accounting? Say what? and was accepted into what was fellow cast member. “My grandfather founded Con- then known as the Boston Arch- “It was when I saw the cos- sidine & Considine, which is the diocesan Choir School (subse- tumes, the lights, the acting, as largest independent accounting quently renamed the St. Paul’s opposed to just singing the music. firm in San Diego,” he explains. Choir School), the only boys’ The musical was Li’l Abner, and “But as it turns out, one of my choir school in the U.S. affiliated I had no prior familiarity with roommates was an accounting with the Catholic Church. the comic strip. I just thought, major, and I helped him work “Because of that, some oppor- ‘Oh, these, songs are so hokey on his homework. That’s when tunities were opened to me at an and cheesy.’” But when the show I realized, ‘I can do this, but it’s unusual age, including to sing as came together on stage, Considine not fun. It doesn’t interest me. a soprano soloist with the Bos- was most definitely smitten. And I really don’t see myself ton Symphony Orchestra, with By the time he became a senior, doing this in years to come.’” the Tanglewood Festival Chorus his family had moved to San Diego, What would continue to be and other groups like that,” he and he spent that year at Corona- fun was music. Considine joined says. There’s a sense that the do High School, “A school with the Founders Chapel Choir conversation is warming up, a very active theater program,” (“and an a cappella group or which is a good thing, given that he notes. “I was in four shows two”), participating in each of he’d mentioned (via Zoom) that and worked on three or four more. his eight semesters at USD. He the high is 50 degrees on this When I arrived at USD, I ended looks back on that time with par- fall day in Minneapolis. This up getting hired to be the theater ticular fondness. “Choir Director likely explains why he’s wearing manager’s assistant. I was able to Annette Welsh has been like a a scarf — and what may very move into that professional part second mother to thousands and well be a jacket — indoors. of the theater world almost imme- thousands of USD students, but “I grew up knowing John Wil- diately upon arriving, which was especially those in the choir.” liams, who conducted the Boston a great experience.” While he notes that belonging Pops. I would go sing holiday to the choir was required for concerts with him a couple times onsidine’s grandparents music majors — which, some- a year. And then when I learned lived across the valley from what unsurprisingly, turned out that he had written soundtracks the University of San Diego to be his choice — he hastens for Star Wars and things like that, in Mission Hills. From their to add that for him, being in- I thought, ‘Oh, everyone has a Chouse, one could see the white volved with the choir was most

COURTESY OF BASIL CONSIDINE BASIL OF COURTESY conductor like this in their town, buildings of the USD campus. definitely for pleasure. For her

Spring 2021 25 part, Welsh remembers him well. and drama from Boston Univer- hint of the onetime would-be parody, but we told the story “Basil was one of those people sity, with a concentration in accountant emerges. from the perspective of the who always showed up, worked historical musicology and “The most important thing female characters. What does hard and came prepared,” she ethnomusicology. to keep in mind is live within it mean to be a woman in this says with genuine fondness. “I wrote my first opera in your means,” he says. “History world? And while we’re at it, Considine cites USD’s aca- 2008,” he says. “But you don’t is full of opera companies — let’s make it ridiculous and kill demic rigor as preparing him write an opera because one day and theater companies in general off a lot of puppets.” well for life. As a second-year, you’ve decided, ‘Hey, I have — where the budgets keep And that decision — the use he worked with then-Choral no experience with this. Let me climbing every year. They want of puppets, not the killing of Program Director Ondine give it a try.’ You do it on the to make it brighter, fancier, them — opened up a whole new Young. “She had us do a lot foundation you’ve built by every- flashier and larger. That is defi- direction in children’s theater of really complicated Baroque thing you’ve ingested, you’ve nitely the most expensive way for Considine. music. By the time I got to absorbed, you’ve learned to love.” to do it, and it will probably “I did a number of shows graduate school, I’d already Before he wrote that first op- put you in a cycle of deficit where we’re building puppets learned how to navigate this era, he founded Really Spicy Op- spending that will eventually for the kids to use,” he says, incredibly difficult music. era in Boston, ultimately moving kill your organization. All it warming to the subject of the I can’t tell you how important the company to Minneapolis. takes is one recession to throw oft-overlooked value of puppetry. it is for a musician to have “It began with the performance your sales off, or one season “That’s something that you can good sight reading and music of the oratorio that I wrote for that could be critically ac- give young people — especially learning skills.” my master’s final project. But claimed, but just not a huge young girls — who are at an Retired music professor Ron really, I was trying to create op- hit with audiences.” He pauses, age where they feel like they’re Shaheen also had a profound ef- portunities for all these very tal- reflecting, then continues. either being discouraged or are fect on Considine’s path. “When ented people around me, mostly “And it can sink you.” afraid of speaking up. When I first arrived at USD, he was women, who had been attracted you give them a puppet, they directing the Choral Scholars; to Boston University by its opera n 2015, Really Spicy Opera can move things and have the it was no secret that his great program, but there just weren’t celebrated its 10th anniver- puppet speak for them or speak love was opera. When I saw his enough slots,” he explains. sary. “So, something old, the things that they want to do. class on the history of opera on “This is a problem that many something new,” Considine That can be really empowering. the schedule during my sopho- opera programs have around Isays with a laugh. “The some- They say, ‘Oh. I can say these more year, I thought, ‘I don’t like the country; the number of thing old was Rigoletto, a big things. Why don’t I do that with opera, but every time I’ve heard productions just doesn’t match opera by Verde with a huge my whole voice as myself?’” Dr. Shaheen give a guest lecture, the size of their student body. cast, difficult to cast voice parts, Like virtually the entire arts it’s been riveting. So I’m going I saw it as an opportunity to expensive. I knew it would be world, Really Spicy Opera found to take his class and see if he say, ‘I would like to write an a critical hit, but I was also itself turned upside down in can prove me wrong and convince aria for your specific voice, to pretty certain that the box office 2020. But intrepid sorts are find- me that I do like opera.’” play to your strengths, maybe returns would not exactly be ing ways to circumnavigate the He shakes his head, a bit challenge you a little bit in some stocking the coffers.” challenge of presenting work rueful. “And well, here we are. areas, and give you an opportuni- As for the something new? without in-person audiences. This is the 15th anniversary year ty to have the spotlight.’ And “I said, half-jokingly to someone, “We quickly realized there was of my opera company, Really well, I thought that would run ‘You know, if I just wanted to sell a hunger to make art,” says Con- Spicy Opera. He really is a bril- for maybe two, three years. And a lot of tickets, I’d write Game of sidine. “We decided to see if we liant speaker.” we’re at 15 years now.” Thrones: the Musical.’ And they could make some humor out of The company’s first season said, ‘You should do that! And if the situation.” The company ran fter graduation, Considine took place in Boston, with you do, can I direct it?’” a competition dubbed Quaran- expected to go into the St. artists split between that city Firmly tongue in cheek, the tine Opera Scenes. The idea was Francis Seminary, which he and Minneapolis. “We slowly show — self-described as “a for winners to be recorded, edit- recalls as being “right in shifted over so that we were massively inappropriate chil- ed and released on social media. USD’sA backyard,” but the semi- hiring locally; basically remaking dren’s show” — garnered this “When we thought (this pan- nary had frozen admissions. By ourselves as a Minnesota organi- review from the St. Paul Pioneer demic) would just be for a couple the time the doors reopened, zation,” he explains. “I think Press: “One of the best moments of months, the plan was to push Considine had been offered a full it’s a very important thing to do was the HBO series’ theme them out quickly. But then we scholarship and stipend to go to to invest in your community.” song played on kazoos. If that realized we should communicate the Boston University School of When asked what advice doesn’t get you into the theater, with our audience over time.” Theology to study sacred music Considine would give someone nothing will.” Less reactive to current cir- and composition. He ultimately who wanted to start their own The award-winning show ran cumstances is the company’s earned his doctorate in music performing arts company, a for two years. “It’s very much a ongoing work on its Women in

26 USD MAGAZINE Opera Initiative. Considine sees massive inequities on the casting opportunities for women in opera and saw a need to develop some rules about what operatic works they’d get behind. “We won’t perform a work where the female lead dies at the end. And two-thirds of the characters must be women, with a prohibition against them being nuns or maids or prostitutes.” Thus was born Really Spicy Opera’s current main endeavor, the Aria Institute. “It’s an online training program to train com- posers and librettists to write opera arias,” he explains.” The institute started out by surveying performers about what they do and don’t want in new operatic arias and operas in general. “We then took that to people and said, ‘We’re not trying to tell you how to write music. But we do want to tell you what other people — those who will actually be doing the performing — say they want to have.’” For the Aria Institute’s soprano edition, in July 2020, 12 new arias for sopranos were written. “We had a showcase, and then we did an expanding Aria Insti- tute for mezzo-sopranos, and they created 28 new arias. Mez- zo-sopranos are the lower female voices in opera, and they’re mostly stuck playing supporting characters. And they never succeed at love. Some mezzos, these are professionals, have been working in opera for three or four decades, saying ‘I’ve never had a love ballad.’ I think that’s a shame.” In the end, it’s all about the love of the art. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” Considine says. “Serious art is true work, but we’re trying to create a structure where artists are set up to succeed. But it’s important to pay attention to what makes you happy. You know, life is too short

to be unhappy all the time.” CONSIDINE BASIL OF COURTESY

Spring 2021 27 USD MAGAZINE CLASS NOTES RYAN T. BLYSTONE T. RYAN

[driven]

end and his work toward earning a dual BS/BA degree in mechanical engineering in 2016 — centers on Williams’ desire to make AN EFFECTIVE PERSPECTIVE things happen. He founded and Joshua Williams is determined to lead was president of USD’s chapter of the National Society of Black by Ryan T. Blystone Engineers (NSBE). He was a four- oshua Williams can’t and Williams’ work ethic was evident What do you want to be when year board member of the Black won’t be still. He’s never early; he found various ways to you grow up? In reality, it’s a Student Union. And he’s been a Jbeen good at just letting the make some money via lawn mow- compilation of things: be a jack respected voice when national world pass by without his ing, weed pulling and selling food of all trades and get different social justice issues came to the input accounted for. items for a humble profit. experiences,” says Williams. forefront and USD hosted cam- Growing up in Inglewood, “Society often tries to tell you Everything — especially since puswide discussions. California, he’s the youngest or instill in you at a young age his 2011 arrival at USD as a schol- “Josh came to me about his con- of four sons to a single mother. that you have to be one thing. ar-athlete, a football defensive cept of starting the NSBE chap-

28 USD MAGAZINE ter,” says Kathe Myrick, director of downtown protests drew multiple resource management in Student interviews with KPBS, the local 1950s 1970s

Affairs. “Over the years, Josh has public radio station, to offer his [1959] [1970] mentored the club members and assessment. “I think this country, LOUIS R. CAPPELLO (BBA) PATRICIA (COBB) WHEELER fundraised to help them all attend all too often, is taught to internal- is a retired mortgage banker. (BA) received her Montessori certif- the national conference. Without ize their trauma and not speak up icate and subsequently opened the Josh and his drive and dedication, on their experience. We can no Montessori Achievement Centre in 1984. “I have a daughter and a son, this would never have happened. longer be afraid to have these 1960s plus four grandchildren,” she writes. I am so proud of him.” crucial conversations,” he says. “I am also treasurer of the San Diego These days, Williams works Williams urges those who [1961] Dachshund Club.” for San Diego Gas & Electric as feel uncomfortable to seize this MARY DUGAN (BA) writes, a district engineer, splitting his opportunity to grow. “Progress “I love New York! I’ve now lived [1972] here 38 years. Meanwhile, one son, FATHER THOMAS SIMONS time during the COVID-19 pan- comes at the edge of your comfort John Louie, is a scientist and (BA) retired last fall from Holy demic working in San Diego and zone. If you’re not uncomfortable professor at U Nevada Reno, Trinity Parish and school in remotely from Inglewood, in or- about something, we’re not inno- approaching retirement; the other Comstock Park, Michigan, after der to assist his mother. He’s an vative — and that’s exactly what son, Tom, is a longtime 4th grade nearly 44 years of priestly ministry active co-chair for USD’s Engi- this nation was built on.” teacher in Los Angeles; and my in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. daughter Nancy transports horses West Catholic High School, his alma neering and Computer Science Carmen Vazquez, vice president in her 8-horse trailer. I’ve been mater in Grand Rapids, is presenting Alumni Council and an urban of student affairs, (pictured at left, careful during COVID, staying him with the John Paul II award for leadership fellow for RISE San alongside Williams and Assistant in with my companion, Robert his contributions to the school and Diego. He’s also been a leadership Vice President of Student Life Mentken, who is a Holocaust community. He looks forward to a director, mentor and counselor Cynthia Avery) is among those survivor; I did attend the Juneteenth different pace and will continue to Black Lives Matter march. Since assist parishes in the diocese. for Los Angeles-based Westside who Williams credits as “very in- 2016, I’ve been a part-time grant Family YMCA, and participates fluential in my growth and devel- writer at the Ice Theatre of New [1974] in Big Brothers Big Sisters. opment” while at USD. York, now working from home PETER WEINSTEIN (JD) has Inspired by his upbringing Likewise, Vazquez appreciates (I miss my office — and my church). retired from active law practice. and driven by the social, civil and Williams’ contributions, then and I’m blessed to live a block from “I will always love USD — a great Central Park where I exercise first institution,” he says. economic inequalities plaguing now. “USD is blessed to have ben- thing in the morning. Life is good, his community, Williams founded efited from the gifts and talents though I mourn three friends who MARK ZECCA (BA) received the nonprofit organization, Josh shared with our campus com- died of COVID-19.” the Lifetime Achievement Award Young Echelon. Its mission is munity during his undergraduate in the Top Tech Awards sponsored to focus on developing a space years. His many talents and contri- [1966] by the San Diego Business Journal JOHN BAXTER (BA) celebrated and Cox Communications. He has to empower underserved youth butions enriched our campus. As his 50th wedding anniversary on held various chief information through personal development an alumnus, he continues to be a Aug. 19, 2017. officer roles including living and and STEAM (Science, Technolo- strong, innovative and compas- working with several companies gy, Engineering, Arts and Mathe- sionate leader. It has been an hon- VERN D. SCHOOLEY (JD) in France and teaching at the matics) programming. or for me to work alongside Josh.” announced the move of his offices, Ecole Superieure d’Ingenierurs Fulwider Patton LLP, from West de l’Universite de Montpellier. “I want to expand the minds Williams’ can-do, go-getter men- Los Angeles to Long Beach. He is of the next generation, develop tality defines him, but he needs and no stranger to Long Beach, having [1977] future Black and brown leaders,” wants allies. His community orga- served as president of the Long CHARLES S. LiMANDRI (BA), says Williams, who is the non- nizing skills can build that network. Beach Bar Association and founding along with Milan L. Brandon ’13 profit’s CEO. “I’m thankful for the exposure president of the Ball/Hunt/Schooley (BA) and Noel J. Meza ’19 (JD), American Inn of Court. He has published “Business Interruption “He really is passionate about and experiences I’ve had because played a leadership role with the Coverage for the COVID-19 Pan- mentoring young people from they’ve been transformative in AIC for many years, serving as West demic: Insurance Industry Fights disadvantaged Black and brown my life,” he says. “I want to bring Coast director and coordinating Biggest Battle Ever Against Difficult communities, which is awesome more people who don’t have many joint meetings. He arranged Odds” in the Insurance Litigation to see,” says Elisa Lurkis, director those opportunities to where they for Chief Justice of California Tani Reporter last summer. They pub- Cantil-Sakauye to speak at the 100th lished “Pandemic of Coverage of development and alumni rela- do. I want to challenge people anniversary celebration for the Long Litigation for Business Income tions for the School of Engineer- around me,” he says. Beach bar and for the Hon. Ken Starr Losses Due to Coronavirus Plagues ing. “When he led one of the first “This is who I am, this is what to speak at a joint meeting held on Insurance Industry” in the Califor- Black Lives Matter protests in I’m going to do. I want to inspire the Queen Mary. Vern continues his nia Insurance Law & Regulation San Diego last spring, I was so one person to see what they can practice of intellectual property law, Reporter last spring. The three both for patent prosecution before argued that many California busi- proud of him! We are so lucky do for somebody else. I think a lot the U.S. Patents and Trademark nesses with “business interruption” to have him as an alumnus.” of people want to do that, at least Office and trials and appeals at the insurance should be entitled to Williams’ leadership during in their heart. I’m excited to see Trademark Trial and Appeal Board compensation from lost income San Diego’s Black Lives Matter what that world looks like.” and in the various federal courts. during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[reunion reminder] Spring 2021 29 JOAN STEIDINGER (BA) is a that, he spent 14 years on the Spald- National Association of Criminal De- which I am very proud of. Keeping licensed psychologist teaching sports ing/Gatorade Pro Handball Tour fense Lawyers (NACDL) at its annual in contact with alumni is great!” psychology at San Jose State Univer- in the U.S. and around the world. meeting on August 15, 2020. A solo sity and has written two books on Two years ago he attended the 40th practitioner defending people in CANDACE (CASUTT) GIBBS woman athletes. Stand Up and Shout reunion of the 1978 Torero baseball South Carolina accused of crimes (BA) says she and her husband, Out: Women’s Fight for Equal Pay, team that went to the NCAA Divi- ranging from misdemeanors to felony Lee, “are overjoyed that our daugh- Equal Rights, and Equal Opportunities sion II World Series. He and his charges in state and federal courts, ter, Alexa, was admitted to USD in Sports was released last March. son have started Tuga & JP’s BBQ & he also is the recipient of the NAC- and started in August. Our son, Major female leaders from the U.S. Catering. Jaime and his wife cele- DL’s 2019 Heeney Award, given an- Max, recently graduated from the and other countries were interviewed brated their 23rd anniversary last nually to the criminal defense attor- SDSU School of Business!” for the book. Her first book, Sister- spring. His son is a sophomore at ney who best exemplifies the goals hood in Sports: How Female Athletes Grossmont Junior College and and values of the NACDL and the [1992] Collaborate and Compete, won five daughter is a junior at Our Lady entire legal profession. STEVEN MELEN (BBA) has literary awards. “I’ve resided for of Peace High School in San Diego; published his first book, Killer Grac- 31 years in Mill Valley, California, he hopes both will attend USD. es. Written with Matthew Hose ’15, living with my wonderful husband, who was editor of The Vista as a John Poulson, and two Goldie dogs, [1981] 1990s student, it is the story of Steven Parker and Jesse,” she reports. LYNNE GULIZIA (JD), ’86 “bouncing back and navigating (MBA) retired on June 30, 2020 [1990] through cancer, addiction, adoption HEATHER RUTH WISHIK (JD) after 39 years in the water purifica- TOM DAVIS (BA) was elected and other of life’s biggest challenges.” retired from the Nature Conservancy tion industry. in June 2020 to serve as the next last spring and is now happily writ- president of the San Diego Diocese [1993] ing a memoir and making art prints, [1986] Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. APRIL JOHNSON (JD) is now vice paintings and collages. “I expect to MICHAEL J. DiTOMMASO (BA) The San Diego chapter helps guide president of Claims and Corporate continue teaching MBA students one and Janet (Swem) DiTommaso ’86 Knights in 82 parishes across San Compliance with BETA Healthcare quarter a year at the Darden School, (BBA) reconnected at their USD 25th Diego and Imperial counties as they Group, the largest hospital profes- University of Virginia when and if reunion and report that they married serve their churches and communi- sional liability insurer on the West COVID-19 permits,” she says. in 2018. Their son, Michael D. DiTom- ties, conducting charitable works for Coast. She recently celebrated her maso, is attending USD this fall. those in need. Becoming a Knight 20th employment anniversary. [1978] shortly after graduation, he was mo- REBECCA BLAKELY BROWN [1987] tivated to join because of all the char- [1995] (BA) reports that she won a federal SHARON STEGMULLER (BA) itable outreach he saw while at USD; MARGARET DeREMER (BA) lawsuit against the San Diego Police is president and wner of Imperial the Knights offered an opportunity is completing her doctorate in sport Department in 2020 over civil rights Premix LLC, in Imperial, California. to continue that spirit of service. and mental performance psychology. violations. “My attorney, Gene Iredale She writes, “I’m leading a 60-year She’s also started DeRemer Coach- and his firm were phenomenal in family company providing livestock DIANE (FATOVIC) MORRISON ing, focusing on mental performance defending my rights,” she says. supplements (vitamins and minerals) (BBA) reports that she lives in for athletes as well as within corpo- “USD helped me to understand to 400,000 head of cattle daily.” Incline Village in Lake Tahoe, rate settings. “My kids are what keep how to stand up for what’s right — Nevada with her husband, Robb, me driven and always moving for- no matter how hard the journey.” [1988] and children, Jack, 17, and Lili, 12. ward!” she says. ANDRE DOUZDJIAN (BBA) Diane works as a financial advisor [1979] received the 2020 CFO of the Year and estate planner for Dailey Morri- [1997] BRIAN BRINIG (JD) is an adjunct Award in the government agency son Financial. “Girls’ trips with JENNIFER BOWHEY (BA) law professor and has published his category from the San Diego Business fellow ’90s alumni Sarah (Tierney) writes that she and her family sold fourth book, Mastering Self-Discipline: Journal. As the chief financial officer Sparkman, Regina Doody, Megan their home in greater Seattle and A Thoughtful Approach Gets Better for the San Diego Association of Dunn, Katrina Smith and Catey moved to Kilmarnock, Virginia, to Results. It is available on Amazon.com. Governments (SANDAG), he pro- (Truman) DeBalko are a yearly operate a Visiting Angels agency. vides a consistently high level of highlight!” she says. Their last big “It was wonderful to find such an PAUL LEEHEY (JD) reports that excellence, demonstrated through trip celebrated their collective 50th effective team here already and to he closed his Fallbrook, California sound financial management with birthdays in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. relocate with our daughters (11 and law office but is still practicing civil intelligent risk-taking and empower- 12) to another coastal town,” she rights law with his high school buddy ment opportunities for his staff. [1991] says. “Virginia is beautiful!” from Hawaii. He built a separate “It’s unfortunate it happened during MARY JOAN BARCELON office next to his home and calls it COVID,” Andre says. “It would have (BACC) is looking for a job in ac- ELIZABETH MARIE HIMCHAK his “mancave.” He has fixed his home been great to see and receive this counting in Southern California. (BA), ’02 (MA) has been promoted “so daughter/SIL and grandkids can award with my peer group.” She previously had worked as a to editor of the Rancho Bernardo News live below us — a blessing during this consultant and accountant at two Journal and Poway News Chieftain, COVID life. Keep safe and healthy!” MARY (LIVINGSTON) McCOR- small accounting firms; after five which are part of the Union-Tribune MICK (JD) recently retired from years at a sporting goods company, Community Press. She has won more the practice of law, having spent she was let go due to the evolution of than 80 journalism awards from the the last nine years as a Department a small company. “Good friends and San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society 1980s of Defense appellate lawyer repre- good family relations are of high of Professional Journalists, San Diego senting those convicted of war importance and I keep those dear to Press Club and California News Pub- [1980] crimes at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. me close, including my two pooches lisher Association. She also is an SPJ JAIME PAREDES (BBA) worked who I take on five mile walks once a San Diego board member and a mem- in asset management and investiga- CHRISTOPHER A. WELLBORN week,” she says. “One of my biggest ber of the San Diego Civic Dance tion for the last 15 years. Prior to (JD) was sworn in as secretary of the investments is my education at USD, Arts Ensemble, a performance dance

30 USD MAGAZINE company whose members are chosen through audition, and is an active member of the FBI San Diego Citi- zens Academy Alumni Association.

TOMÁS (JOSÉ) H. LUCERO (BA) writes that he has moved from San Diego to New York City to become a crimes victim paralegal at the Empire Justice Center. “In my fourth year as a paralegal, I will help bring justice to low-income individuals, including undocumented immigrants, who fall victim to crimes such as domestic violence.”

KIM (SWEENEY) POLO (BA) has produced a documentary, Don’t Forget Them, about refugees in Kurdistan. She hopes the film will be presented at film festivals worldwide, including San Diego’s. Learn more at www. facebook.com/DocumentaryDont- ForgetThem. See story on page 32.

2000s

[2000] NATHAN SCHNEIDER (BS/BA) reports that he and his family moved from Hawaii back to the mainland in December 2019. The Navy com- mander is living in Corpus Christi, Texas and is a T-45 instructor pilot out of VT-22 in Kingsville.

RICARDO VALERDI (BS/BA) ATTENTION USD ALUMNI has been named a distinguished outreach professor at the University of Arizona in the Department of Your student discount doesn’t end Systems and Industrial Engineering.

[2001] when your college days do. SALLY HERR (BS/BA) is working at TrellisWare Technologies as head of Program Management. As a member As a USD alumnus, you can receive special student pricing of the USD Alumni Council, she has on Apple© products. Plus, your purchase supports student employed a project engineering intern from USD and welcomes more interns programming and services on campus from USD to gain hands-on engineering experience and exposure.

GISLENE WEIG (BS/BA) reports Savings up to $200! that since graduation she has worked on low voltage system integration and implementation of Information Tech- nology Systems (ITS), audio visual and Shop online at usdtorerostore.com security systems. Her design portfolio includes museums, large hospitals, Alumni pricing is located within the Technology tab. colleges, multistory offices and mix- use buildings. Her passion is to design highly efficient and sustainable buildings. She is an associate principal at Integral Group, a deep green engi- Authorized Campus Store neering consulting company.

[reunion reminder] Spring 2021 31 stayed interested in international relations and religion, and that’s really what the documentary’s about — it all ties in,” says Polo, who was a theology and religious studies and international relations double major. Her documentary, Don’t Forget Them, is a 51-minute film that follows a doctor for a week as he travels to refugee camps near Duhok, Kurdistan to provide medical relief. Polo and her team share the refugees’ stories, with the ulti- mate goal of spreading awareness and raising money to help these families. “I think some- times people hear about it but they don’t really know. The film shows some of the difficult parts but also lets you relate to the people you meet,” she says. The documentary has been selected for nearly two dozen film festivals, winning Best Documentary at the European Cinematography Awards, among other honors. It’s an incredible achievement, considering that the film is her first documentary. Polo’s interest in photography began as she documented her travels and grew as she took photos of her family. She saw each shot as an attempt to get

CAROL GUZY CAROL better at her craft. “I did it very nonconventionally. [impactful] I just really, really wanted to do it any way I could. I just kept working on it, working on it and working on it,” she says. Don’t Forget Them is an example of what hard work, pas- BEARING WITNESS sion and a desire to give back Documentary garners awareness for refugees can do to create an impact. “I thought the message was by Elena Gomez the film. I think it’s become ith a love for travel, ably my favorite year. I loved been some of the building blocks even bigger than that. I think it languages, history every class I had,” she recalls. to her most recent accomplish- really shows that when people W and politics, Kim “I would have a genocide class ment: becoming an award-win- really work hard together, a lot Polo ’98 (BA) used her time as and then I would have a history ning documentarian. can get done.” a student at the University of of the Vietnam War class and “I really do feel like all my San Diego to dive even deeper then Dr. Aquino’s religion class. interests that solidified in col- Learn more at the film’s Twitter into those personal interests. I loved all of them.” lege stayed with me and that it’s page: https://twitter.com/ “I think senior year was prob- Today, those passions have all led me to this point. I always DocumentaryDFT.

32 USD MAGAZINE [2002] outstanding AV preeminent rated business focusing on real estate CHRIS GIANELLI (BS/BA) gradu- IAN NAUHAUS (BS/BA) lives trial attorney with a deep under- ownership, development and in- ated from the University of Florida in Austin, Texas with his wife and standing of San Diego and its courts. vestments. Jadeite Group launched with a PhD in electrical and comput- children (ages 5 and 3). He is an as- She has more than 15 years of expe- its first residential project called er engineering and took a position as sistant professor in the Departments rience representing businesses and JADE in Kuwait in May 2020. a radar systems engineer with Aptiv of Neuroscience and Psychology at governmental entities in personal Further, Simsim Outstanding in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his the University of Texas at Austin. injury, wrongful death, construction Shawarma, a Jadeite Group subsid- wife have been adjusting to the cold He is the principal investigator of a and employment matters and also iary, opened its second restaurant weather and exploring the city with lab that uses microscopy and signal volunteers in her children’s schools location in Carmel Mountain in their dog, Mimo. processing methods to understand and with local nonprofits providing the fall of 2019. Ali was also elect- cortical circuits underlying visual food and resources to underprivi- ed as a board member for the SCOTT GOLDSMITH (JD) has perception. Each spring, he teaches leged families. Wedian Real Estate Company, joined FisherBroyles LLP as a com- a laboratory course on microscopy his grandfather’s real estate arm. mercial litigation and class action de- to undergraduates majoring in neu- [2005] fense partner in Southern California. roscience. He will go up for tenure KATIE CONLON (BA) was award- IROQUOIS JOHNSON (BA) grad- in the spring of 2021. ed a National Geographic Explorer uated with a master’s in Regulatory LAUREL GLASS LEES (BA) Grant 2020-2021 and is leading a Affairs and Services from St. Cloud reports that over the past year, MATTHEW WILLIAMS (MA) team of researchers on an expedition State University in 2019 and is work- she cofounded two businesses, is a planner for the Department of across the Himalayas through India, ing for a medical device company A STELLAR CO and Shirt Sauna, Defense was transferred to the Nepal and Bhutan. The project’s in Minnesota. She reports she was and joined the executive team Northern Command Headquarters goal is raise awareness and find married on the beach in Kauai, for Controlled Thermal Resources. at the Peterson Air Force Base in solutions for plastic pollution in Hawaii in February 2020. She has “With a focus on stakeholder capi- Colorado Springs, Colorado, after 15 this highly sensitive socioecological a son, Kai, and daughter, Peyton. talism, I work toward permitting years in the Washington, D.C. area. region of the Himalayas, also known the Hell’s Kitchen Power & Lithi- as the third pole. She also is the MICHAEL MARKUNAS (JD) um Project at the Salton Sea, [2003] lead consultant on a second National was recently named general coun- launching a consumer product SABA HERITAGE (MA) writes, Geographic Explorer project work- sel and chief compliance officer that eliminates ironing, hosting “Hello, Torero family. It is with great ing on environmental education for B. Riley Wealth Management, the ORION Podcast and Runway pleasure I report to you that I have in Tamil Nadu, India and completed Inc. in Los Angeles. He also was to Regeneration events, and pro- received my PhD in conflict analysis her PhD at Portland State University honored by the Los Angeles Busi- viding regenerative business con- and resolution from George Mason this year. ness Journal as one of the city’s sulting services,” she says. “I’m University in May 2020.” Leaders in Law. serving my second two-year term THOMAS CONGDON (BS/BA) on the California Board of Direc- JEFFREY McATEE (MSGL) was works at Google as a senior hard- REBECCA (SCHMIDTKE) tors for the Association of Envi- selected director of External Affairs ware design engineer focused on SPARKS (BACC/BBA) is the ronmental Professionals. I live for the Environmental Protection bringing the next generation of chief operating officer and owner part time in Ocean Beach and Agency in Region 6, a five-state area Google Nest camera products to of MacRebur Southern California Imperial Valley with my husband headquartered in Dallas. Daughter market. His wife and 3-year-old that takes plastic waste destined and two dogs. We love outdoor Julia is a sophomore at USD. son recently relocated to the San for landfills and incineration adventures and travelling, espe- Francisco Bay Area from San Diego. sites and turns it in to plastic cially to our new family home [2004] roads. The organization has been in Ketchum, Idaho. Although my MELODY ABLOLA (BS/BA) has MATTHEW DOMINICK (BS/BA) featured on CBS, CNN, CNBS, USD 7x7 talk was cancelled this been featured twice on the 40 Under reports that he completed his NASA BBC and, recently, on every local year due to COVID, I look forward 40 lists for her work in engineering astronaut training candidacy in San Diego news station. It recently to sharing my entrepreneurial building design and is the newest January 2020 and is now eligible for opened a manufacturing plant in story when the time is right!” member of USD’s Industrial and Sys- spaceflight, including assignments San Diego and diverted the waste tems Engineering Advisory Board. to the International Space Station, equivalent of almost three million VICTORIA LUND (BA) reports Artemis missions to the moon, and plastic straws. that she and a friend, Iman Gibson, ANNETTE LO (MA) is in charge ultimately, missions to Mars. The have created an album of anti- of the Jockey Club Contemporary graduation came after more than [2008] racism mediations. “Created Dance Literacy and Learning two years of basic training. REBECCA FRAZEE (EdD) writes through the lens of a Black and Project with the City Contempo- that she is teaching at San Diego a white teacher, the album is rary Dance Company. The project [2006] State University in the Learning designed to support people of all recently won the Certificate of MARCOS VARGAS (BS/BA) Design and Technology graduate races seeking to be true allies,” Merit (Non-School Division) for works as a responsible engineer, program and also served her says Victoria. The project is live Arts Education at the 14th Hong sustaining a production line of community over the summer as on Spotify, AppleMusic, Sound- Kong Arts Development Awards integrated microwave assemblies an edtech first responder by pro- cloud and Insight Timer. “We were and the Outstanding Dance at Cobham in San Diego. He says viding professional development recently featured in Yoga Journal Education or Community Dance that he and his wife, Monica, are and support to more than 1,000 and I would love to share this with Award at the 22nd Hong Kong blessed with two tremendous little faculty as they transitioned to the USD community.” Dance Awards. boys that fill their lives more than online teaching. She also serves they expected. as associate director of the Flexible LISA SALDIAS (BA) writes that TAMI G. VAIL (JD) has joined Learning Environments Exchange she is “happy to share the birth our the firm of Kahana Feld as managing [2007] initiative (Flexspace.org), an son, Julian Saldias Ceisel. He came partner of its new San Diego office. ALI AlMATROUK (BS/BA) is vice award-winning global education into the world just before the quar- She most recently was a partner chairman and managing director resource with more than 5,000 antine began on Feb. 8, 2020. He is at Liedle, Larson & Vail and is an at Jadeite Group, a family-owned members from 67 countries. the greatest gift!”

[reunion reminder] Spring 2021 33 2010s

[2010] VERONICA GERETZ (MA) is Advance Your Career using her degree from the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies to offer mindfulness and trauma-informed yoga to incarcerated youth and adults with the Prison Yoga Project and working with local governments to support antiracist policy with SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice).

LAUREN KENNEDY (BS/BA) works at YouTube as a technical program manager. She and her husband, JP, love to cook with their daughter and expect to welcome a new baby this fall.

MATT LEIGH (BS/BA) recently won a Grammy for engineering work on Willie Nelson’s Ride Me Back Home. This is Matt’s first Grammy win after two previous nominations with Natalie Grant. Matt, a mechanical engineering major, continues to work as a music producer in Nashville, Tennessee.

LISSETTE LIZÁRRAGA (BA) has planted roots by purchasing her first home in the San Francisco Bay Area and landing her dream job at Airbnb. She says her international relations major and three study abroad experiences at USD have paid off.

ALISA SIEBER-JOHNSON (BS/ BA) says she recently left active duty service with the U.S. Marine Corps as a KC-130J pilot. She continues as CEO of a national nonprofit, Dogs on Deployment, and is enrolled in USD’s part-time MBA program with her husband, Shawn Johnson ’06 (BA).

MAUREEN TRUXTON (BA) WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION graduated with an MBA from George- town University last May. She accepted a position with Ruben’s Americas, a fine Swiss lactose-free chocolate com- Always Move Forward. pany. “We are looking to introduce the brand to the U.S. and I am excited to HUNDREDS OF ONLINE COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM be part of a female-led team,” she says.

CHAD WILSON (BS) reports that pce.sandiego.edu he and his wife, Katie (Gosen) Wilson ’09, had their first child in June 2020, a baby boy named Ridge Henry Wil- son. “Mama and baby are healthy and well,” he says. “As his outdoorsy name suggests, Ridge recently joined us for his first camping trip in Mammoth. I joined WestPac Wealth Partners as a wealth management advisor and CPA. My move to join WestPac was fueled

34 USD MAGAZINE by my desire to make a bigger impact KEVIN FOREY (BA) is finishing High School. He is working on a initiatives supporting their Clinical in the lives of our family, friends and the final year of his residency in book project. Next-Generation Sequencing Divi- community.” internal medicine at the Mayo sion. As much as she misses San Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. KELSEY ENGELHARDT (BBA) Diego, she is really finding her place [2011] found a company she loves working in San Francisco, as she has become CHASE TUSHAUS (BS/BA) MAYA MANCUSO (BA) reports for five years ago in consulting. actively engaged in Thermo Fisher’s reports that he has joined his father that she and Chase Mendoza ’12 Women’s Employee Resource Group, and brother in business as a finan- were married in Napa, California ADAM KREBS (BS/BA) has tran- participated in her first set of 5Ks, cial advisor for Tushaus Wealth on September 21, 2019. The two sitioned roles from manufacturing the 2019 San Francisco Pride Parade Management, where he and their met as undergraduates when she to supplier quality. The company as well as networking by coordinat- team provide guidance to others, was a campus tour guide and he he works for, Ventec Life Systems, ing team building events. especially during economically worked in the undergraduate ad- ramped up production at their Both- challenging times such as these. missions office. “A true Torero ell, Washington facility in parallel TROY ZAWLACKI (BS/BA) is ap- Chase says that he and his wife, love story,” she says. Members of with partnering with General Motors proaching his fourth year working for Julia, “enjoy living in downtown San the wedding party included fellow at their Kokomo, Indiana facility to Apple, Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Diego where Julia eagerly awaits to alumni Chloe Lingle, Kacie Forker, meet the demand for critical care Area. He has been in several different be surprised with a puppy one day!” Hannah Emory, Courtney Monheit, ventilators to combat COVID-19. positions in that time; he currently Christopher Castleberry, F. Mikael works as a mechanical design engi- DANIEL YAGOUBZADEH (JD) Rosenberger and Samuel Hartfield. SAMUEL McCLAY (BS/BA) con- neer in the hardware organization. reports that he and his wife, Abbie, Chase is an accounting manager tinues to work as a nuclear submarine welcomed the birth of their daugh- at Stockbridge Capital Group while officer for the Navy. He is stationed [2016] ter, Naomi Rose Yagoubzadeh, on Maya is U.S. business relationships at Trident Training Facility Kings MICHAEL BAGIAN (BS/BA) is April 6, 2020. manager with Bird & Bird. The Bay, Georgia, as a submarine tactics working at Solar Turbines and has couple live in Mill Valley, Califor- instructor, and is responsible for the been keeping busy during the pan- TAY YOUNG (BS/BA) recently nia and Maya is president of the training and certification of Ballistic demic with work duties. He is slowly started a position as the quality mate- Bay Area Torero Club. and Guided Missile submarine crews switching from a mechanical design rials manager at Purple Innovations, prior to at sea operations. He and his focus to a controls design focus. based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. SCOTT MARCUS (BBA) is a Navy wife, Taylor ’14, celebrated their third Michael is happy to announce his lieutenant and SEAL and plans to wedding anniversary in June. recent engagement to fellow Torero [2012] retire in June 2023 after 23 years of Lauren Riley ‘17 (BA). KRISTOPHER Di GIOVANNI active duty service. KATELYN MCCULLOUGH (JD) was accepted into UCLA’s (BBA) started her own business GRAHAM BENNETT (BA) Fully Employed MBA program. SAMANTHA SLAVINSKY (BA) (Elwynn + Cass) in San Diego in the reports that he and his wife, was honored as Teacher of the Year summer of 2015 and has expanded Alex, have lived in Newport Beach, AARON PAXTON (BS/BA) was at Rauner College Prep last spring in to working with clients nationally California for the past three years. recently promoted to a marketing Chicago and also was a High School and internationally. Locations He recently quit his job to pursue a and applications manager position Teacher of the Year finalist for the include Northern and Southern career advocating for social justice. at Texas Instruments. He continues Illinois Network of Charter Schools. California, Arizona, Colorado, to reside in Tucson, Arizona. Las Vegas, Minnesota, New York RISHIKA DARYANANI (BS/BA) [2014] City, Seattle, Texas, Italy and Mexico. is an industry solutions and services GENEVIEVE M. RUCH (JD) was PHILIP HOSKINSON (BS/BA) consultant with Accenture and con- honored by Best Lawyers for the has published his thesis and used DAN PARTYNSKI (BA) moved tinues to provide energy companies first time on the Ones to Watch list his mechanical engineering degree to Japan in March 2019, where he on the West Coast with premier for commercial litigation. She is a by teaching MENG 260 at USD last intends to pursue his online contract technology services. She is enjoying partner at Noonan Lance Boyer & spring after buying his first house. work while immersing himself in time with her family in San Diego Banach LLP in San Diego. Japanese culture — a lifelong dream. and is utilizing her party planning COURTNEY OCHI (BA) is now His mom, Maureen Partynski ’82, skills to throw digital get-togethers. MICHAEL ZARCONI (JD) was principal of Lemon Grove Academy is supportive and intends to learn “If you need any tips or tricks, feel selected for the Ones to Watch list by Elementary School in San Diego Japanese so they can converse. free to reach out!” she says. Best Lawyers for commercial litiga- County. tion. He is a shareholder in the firm DIANA SÁNCHEZ (BA) graduat- TANNER FRANKLIN (BS/BA), of Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel with of- [2015] ed from the Stanford University ’18 (MS) has moved to Maple Valley, fices in San Diego and Las Vegas. SARAH BAKER (BA) successfully School of Law last spring. Washington, where he works as a defended her thesis, “Blood-Derived system security engineer at Boeing. [2013] Plasminogen Modulates the Neuroim- ANGELA VANELLA (BA) was put He is assigned to the Presidential JESSICA BUCKLEY CARLSON mune Response in Both Alzheimer’s in charge of orchestrating the design, Airplane, commonly referred to as (BS/BA) reports that she is living Disease and Systemic Infection Mod- coordination, and construction of a Air Force One. Additionally, Tanner with her husband, Brett, in Swansea, els” and received her PhD from The 14,000-square-foot house on her own. works as a police officer for a neigh- Wales. The couple were “alloyed” Rockefeller University last spring. boring town of Black Diamond. in Estes Park, Colorado last August KIM WOODBURY (BS/BA) Tanner reports that he has been and moved to the United Kingdom HELEEN BENNETT (BA) was a continues to work at Thermo Fisher married to Ashley for more than five for Brett’s post-doctoral research Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia Scientific as a kit development manu- years; together they have three sons, position three weeks later. After from 2016 to 2018. facturing engineer. Based in San Noah, 4; Isaac, 3 and Joshua, 1. working as an engineer in the tun- Francisco, she has been working with neling industry for three years, NICHOLAS DILONARDO (BA) is her team, research and development, CRISTINA GARCIA-CARTAGE- Jess is exploring the education an English teacher and head lacrosse and operations on new product devel- NA (BS/BA) continues to work for sector during their time abroad. coach at Bishop Loughlin Memorial opment and continuous improvement BN Builders managing construction

[reunion reminder] Spring 2021 35 Cats baseball teams until an old friend from San Diego invited him to DJ for the Cowboys in Dallas. “I couldn’t say no to that opportunity!” he recalls. Putting together a plan for game day is like creating “an intricate puzzle,” he explains. “I have spent hundreds of hours preparing my music program to be ready with a song for that moment. You have to know the sport, what songs fit well within that sport and where those songs are in your program. A good sports DJ will anticipate what’s going to happen next in the game and have that song ready to play instantly. I have an awesome A-ha/The Weekend ‘Take On Me/Blinding Lights’ remix that fans have loved during various games.” Other favorites include Aloe Blacc’s “King Is Born” and Niall Horan’s “Nice to Meet Ya.” With his experience, he created his own company, DJ EJ Enter- prises, LLC, and cultivated a team of DJs to cover more than 400 events per year. “It’s become a fun

COURTESY OF COURTESY ERIK (BA) JORGENSEN ‘00 business to grow from the ground up and thankfully we’re doing a [playlist] good enough job to keep expanding throughout the USA,” he says. Recently the firm picked up Army football. He also kept up his relationship with the Padres; when the shortened schedule IN THE BIG LEAGUES finally came together during the DJing the soundtrack for pro sports teams pandemic, they invited him back to San Diego. Liz Harman With no fans in the ballpark, former Torero baseball games in Lima, Peru, and a few in political science, he started he shifted his playlist to music he player, Erik Jorgensen ’00 NFL games in London. And in working with the Padres shooting knew the players loved, helping A(BA) has made it to the the summer of 2020, he was back video and performing other them to relax and have fun. “If I big leagues. But he’s not hitting in San Diego with the Padres as non-DJ functions. At the same see the guys bobbing their heads home runs or striking out batters. they made the playoffs for the time, he was waiting tables at or dancing to the songs I play, Instead, he’s combined a love of first time in 14 years. “It was an a Pacific Beach sports bar and that is definitely a win for every- sports and music to become the amazing opportunity to provide says he “lucked into becoming one involved,” he says. official DJ for the Dallas Cowboys the soundtrack for such an excit- their Saturday night DJ” after “To see them make the playoffs and other sports teams in Texas. ing team,” he says. playing his mix CDs on a night for the first time since 2006 and He’s also performed at sporting Like most entertainers, he they hadn’t booked one. to be an integral part of that has events all over the world, includ- didn’t start at the top. After earn- He worked the minor leagues been so awesome not only for the ing the 2018 Winter Olympics in ing his degree from USD in com- including for San Diego Gulls players and our crew, but for the South Korea, the Pan American munication studies with a minor hockey and Sacramento River entire city of San Diego.”

36 USD MAGAZINE projects for the pharmaceutical strategy practice and has spent most instruments used in spine surgery. the 2050 Smoothie, which transforms industry. Last year she traveled to of his early career on business model In November 2019, Chris transitioned rescued produce into a nonperishable, Graceland to celebrate her promo- strategy, business process design into research and development; he ready-to-blend smoothie. tion to senior project engineer. and large-scale digital transforma- works as a design engineer for the Ac- tion engagements. cess and Advanced Technology Team. BRIAN LEE (BS/BA) is an engineer KEANU GUTUTALA (BS/BA) for the Naval Information Warfare continues to work as a radio frequen- IAN LITUCHY (BS/BA) works in [2019] Center ¬Pacific in Point Loma. He cy hardware engineer for Northrop software development for the rapidly LAURA BECERRA (BS/BA) is a has been working as a design engi- Grumman in San Diego. During growing dermatology and skin care PhD student in the Electrical and neer for various projects and systems quarantine, he has been honing company, Apostrophe, in Oakland, Computer Engineering program that help increase the reconnaissance several important skills, including California. In addition, he continues at UCSD. She is co-advised in the and surveillance capabilities of the “solving jigsaw puzzles, wine cri- to build out his own software plat- nanoengineering department, Navy. Outside of work, he spends tiques and long hair management.” form, City Flavor, which provides where she investigates haptic time with his wife, Ally, and two kids event planners with the means to feedback and flexible electronics by going on daily walks, gardening KARLY JERMAN (BS/BA) is a create, manage and organize their for medical devices. She balances and tinkering in his workshop. senior data scientist at Vanguard events through a large network of her time by salsa dancing, running where she and her team are develop- vendors and venues. half marathons and visiting family MOLLY McGARVEY (BS/BA) ing and deploying machine learning back home when she can. has settled into her new role as a and natural language processing DUY NGO (BS/BA) continues manufacturing support team tools for the Investment Manage- to work as a mechanical systems AMY DADDARIO (MEd) complet- Member Asc at Lockheed Martin ment Group. engineer for Boeing’s 787 program ed her master’s with a concentration in Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas. in Everett, Washington, while start- school leadership and was promoted to Despite the hurdles brought by JESSE NEBRES (BBA, BACC) ing the MBA program at University special education manager in the San COVID-19, she continues to report has moved to New Hampshire to of Washington, Bothel, and getting Jose Unified School District. She also to work each day and some week- earn an MBA at the Dartmouth Col- a private pilot’s license. began the doctoral program in educa- ends to support the Defense Indus- lege Tuck School of Business. He al- tion at the University of Arizona. trial Base. Since moving to Dallas so has started a company, SurfStraw, BRANDON PRUSSAK (BS/BA) after graduation, Molly has enjoyed the first water bottle for wetsuits. continues to work as an operations DANIELLE GADBOIS (BS/BA) exploring the new city and is look- program manager at Viasat Inc., continues to work as a mechanical ing forward to relocating to Fort ERIC ROBBIBARO (BS/BA) leading a team in the commercial engineer at GenMark Diagnostics Worth to be closer to work. works as a sales engineer for VEGA aviation sector. in Carlsbad, California, where Americas, where he and his team are she implements reliability improve- LAUREN MOHRMAN (BS/BA) designing new ways to implement GERALYN WILLIAMS (MA) is ments for their ePlex system, a continues to work as a project engi- safety systems in industrial process- celebrating two years of working at sample to answer diagnostic sys- neer for Critchfield Mechanical, Inc. es. He and his fiancé, Abby Flannery Princeton University in its Pace Cen- tem. Most recently, GenMark in the San Francisco Bay Area. De- ’17 (BS/BA), live in Los Angeles and ter for Civic Engagement. She keeps Diagnostics has had such a high spite working at home since mid- spend their time exploring the city busy in her local community in New demand for their product that March of last year, she went full and relaxing with their family in Jersey by volunteering with youth Danielle spent time installing speed designing the HVAC system Orange County. groups and being a part of the Board new systems at UCSF and UC for two high-rise residential build- of Directors of ReThink Theatrical, Davis for COVID-19 testing, as ings in San Francisco. Throughout TORRI SHERLIN (JD) received a community theater company. well as performing maintenance the COVID-19 pandemic, she con- the California Lawyer Attorney of on existing systems at Stanford, tinues to donate whole blood and the Year Award in Environmental [2018] and California Pacific Medical platelets at the Stanford Blood Litigation from the Daily Journal DEVYN BRYANT (BS/BA) has Center in San Francisco for Respi- Center to help those in need. in the spring of 2020. worked for SDG&E for the past two ratory Panel testing. years and is enjoying it very much. MATTEO SALOM (BS/BA) con- [2017] He recently received a promotion ERIC GERSBACHER (MASI) tinues in his first year at Qualcomm KIEFER GRINGLE (BS/BA) con- to engineer II. He loves his new writes that he is “looking for THAT Government Technologies as an em- tinues work at Collins Aerospace position within Substation Con- job, and keeping life worthwhile bedded software engineer. He sup- (formerly UTC Aerospace Systems) struction and is working to learn in the process. Getting back in ports various projects to help the as a manufacturing engineer, and soak up all that he can. touch with my blue-collar roots government leverage the full poten- supporting manufacturing opera- in Buffalo, New York, has put me tial of commercial technology. He tions and producibility transforma- MICHAEL DOYLE (BS/BA) back where I came from, but with remains in close (virtual) contact tions throughout the Aerostructures continues to work for The MITRE a completely new mindset. It’s been with his fellow integrated engineers division. In 2019, Kiefer was granted Corporation as a machine learning fulfilling to work in farms, factories while adjusting to post-grad life. a patent which was filed in 2016 engineer, researching new tech- and schools, while seeing my autis- during his internship at UTC niques in artificial intelligence and tic sister regularly.” MICHAEL SWEEN (BS/BA) Aerospace Systems. In 2019 Kiefer machine learning and how to apply works as a test engineer at Blue returned to USD’s School of Busi- them to different government proj- AUSTIN HIRSH (BS/BA) graduat- Origin. The firm develops rockets, ness to pursue his graduate studies ects. He likes to spend his off time ed last June with a master’s in Entre- engines and lunar landers to carry and is working on an MBA. playing drums, boxing and head- preneurship from the University of astronauts (including USD alumni) banging at punk concerts. Washington Foster School of Business. to the moon as part of NASA’s JAKE HALLGRIMSON (BS/BA) He has now launched his own startup, Artemis Program. works as a management consultant CHRIS SHEEHAN (BS/BA) start- The 2050 Company, which aims to re- at Accenture in his hometown of ed his career as a quality engineer duce food waste and create “food for TAYLOR WONG (BS/BA) is a Seattle, Washington. Jake is part for Alphatec Spine, a medical device the future.” Last summer, Hirsh’s technical product manager for Risk- of the Customer Sales and Service company that designs implants and company launched its first product, Sense, a provider of risk-based vulner-

[reunion reminder] Spring 2021 37 ability management technology. Her ARICA CHRISTENSEN (BS/BA) to graduation and works as an inside DANIEL LEY (BS/BA) started a expertise spans security automation, interned for Booz Allen Hamilton sales representative for DMG, Inc. new position as supply chain intern web application security, black box while attending USD. She was one in San Diego. DMG sells construc- at Bumble Bee Foods in San Diego. penetration testing and machine of 400 interns selected from more tion equipment to contractors, such learning for risk quantification. She than 7,000 applicants across the U.S. as HVAC equipment, chillers and ALVARO MARTINEZ (BS/BA) recently closed on her first house in to participate in its Summer Games water pumps. works for Chosen Foods, LLC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. program and now works as a data San Diego as a data analyst to de- scientist for the firm in San Diego. JUAN PAULO GALINDO-De- velop automated forecasts through WITT (BS/BA) received three job software tools. EMILY COCKELL (BS/BA) is a offers and works as a manufacturing data analyst at Intuit in San Diego. transformation production supervi- MADISON MINIER (BS/BA) in- She interned for the firm as a student. sor for Bimbo Bakeries USA in Mon- terned for Raytheon while at USD [2020] tebello, California. He monitors pro- and is a full-time mechanical engi- MEGAN BAILEY (BS/BA) is MICHAEL DANA (BS/BA) is cedures and standards to ensure and neer there, working on a combina- working as a site reliability engineer working as a quality engineer for Ser- maintain a food safe environment. tion of design and analysis out of the for Georgia Tech Research Institute viceNow in San Diego. He interned firm’s Sunnyvale, California office. (GTRI) based out of San Diego. with the company while at USD. EVAN GRATTENDICK (BS/BA) Megan interned with GTRI while received three job offers prior to CREIGHTON MORFITT (BS/BA) attending USD. JESSICA DIAZ (BA) began work- graduation and is working for received two job offers and accepted ing on her doctorate in dental sur- Spacex in Hawthorne, California, a position at Thermo Fisher Scientif- ELEANOR CECELIA BARN- gery at the University of Tennessee as an associate build reliability ic working in the Waltham, Massa- HILL (BS/BA) is an associate a month after graduating from USD engineer intern. chusetts location within their opera- software engineer for Cubic Trans- last spring. She’s excited about be- tions leadership development portation Systems in San Diego. coming a dentist over the next four ANDRE HELD (BS/BA) works as program. He connected with Ther- She interned with Cubic through years and hopes to return to San an associate engineer at Hi-Q Envi- mo Fisher at USD’s Fall Career Fair. the Industry Scholars Program. Diego afterward. ronmental Products Co. based out of San Diego. MADELINE NELSON (BS/BA) AVA BELLIZZI (BS/BA) was the MICHAEL DOPKISS (BS/BA) in- interned for Northrop Grumman valedictorian for the Shiley-Marcos terned for Dassault Systemes while VICTORIA HOLMES (BA) found while studying embedded software School of Engineering and graduat- at USD and now works full time as a her first job after graduation as a and is now working for the firm’s ed with an impressive 3.99 GPA in consultant for the firm in San Diego. reporter for WNCT CBS’ 9 On Your Mission Systems as a software mechanical engineering. She was Side in North Carolina. engineer in their San Diego loca- active in undergraduate research, KALEB DUKE (BS/BA) accepted tion. She will be working on a a member of three honor societies a position as a mechanical engineer ERICA JENKINS (BS/BA) in- product called TIGER used for and served twice on the board of for the Southwest Regional Mainte- terned with Dexcom as a student at testing and training. the American Society of Mechanical nance Center (SWRMC) for NAV- USD and is now a technical project Engineers student organization. SEA in San Diego. manager for the firm in San Diego. AGUSTIN OCHOA (MBA) is Ava also participated in the USD working at Borrego Solar Systems Honors Program and was a member ABBY DYKAS (BS/BA) moved ANDREW JONES (BS/BA) accept- in San Diego. “I am ecstatic and of the chool’s Industry Scholars and to Boise, Idaho where she works as ed a job as a test engineer for Gener- immensely grateful, as this is a Mentorship programs. a management trainee for Simplot, al Atomics based out of San Diego. dream come true for me, and I one of the largest privately owned couldn’t have done it without the CALEB BENSON (BS/BA) is an companies in the world. CHRISTOPHER JUNG (BS/BA) MBA education and USD’s net- industrial engineer for Medical received three job offers and works work,” he says. “I am thrilled for Devices, based out of San Diego. BRIANNA DYRDAHL (BS/BA) as an associate software engineer in the opportunity to fight climate is a systems engineer in cyber- San Diego for Insulet Corporation. change, an issue that I care deeply CHARLES BULLARD (BS/BA) security for Lockheed Martin in about, and to help build a greener launched LyfBox, which offers a Moorestown, New Jersey. ELIZABETH KRESOCK (BS/BA) and more sustainable world. Here’s basecamp solution for natural turned down two job offers prior to to becoming an active Changemaker disasters. The Lyfbox entrepreneur- ALTHEA FASTIDIO (BS/BA) graduation to attend the University in the green energy revolution!” ship team participated in five pitch is working in El Segundo, California of Tulsa for a PhD in computer sci- competitions over two years leading as a technical development program ence. She is part of the TU-Team8 EDUARDO ORTEGA (BS/BA) up to graduation, winning thou- engineer I for AT&T. Cyber Fellows program, which works as an associate test engi- sands of dollars in seed funding. selects 10 students from different neer for Insulet Corporation in Lyfbox was awarded the Innovation VALERIYA FOX (BS/BA) works STEM disciplines to complete an San Diego. Ortega’s role is to Award in the 2020 Fowler Global in Redondo Beach, California as an accelerated PhD in four years. conduct automated tests and Social Innovation Challenge. associate electronics engineer for debug solution implementation Northrop Grumman. CASSIDY KUHN (BS/BA) works for Insulet Omnipods, an innova- CHRISTOPHER CAYLOR (MEd) as an electrical engineer for tive insulin delivery system. has been doing lots of workouts as ZACH FUKUHARA (BS/BA) Northrop Grumman in Baltimore, he prepared for a powerlifting meet accepted a position as software Maryland. JAMES PALA (BS/BA) was com- at the end of 2020. After 11 inter- engineer for Clearwater Analytics, missioned in the U.S. Navy, begin- views with schools and school dis- which is based out of Boise, Idaho. BRYAN LEONOR (BS/BA) in- ning training as a Surface Warfare tricts, he accepted a full-time posi- terned at Cubic Transportation Officer last summer. He received the tion at Mt. Carmel High School in KELLEN GAEIR (BS/BA) interned Systems while at USD and is an Alcalá Award for the Class of 2020. San Diego teaching 12th grade eco- for DPR Construction while at USD. associate mechanical engineer The award is presented to two se- nomics and 11th grade literature. He received three job offers prior for the firm in San Diego. niors who have achieved the bal-

38 USD MAGAZINE anced and holistic development that is the goal of a USD education.

JOHN PENDAS (BS/BA) works as a data analyst for Viasat in Carlsbad, California. He obtained the opportunity through an on- campus recruiting function.

DANIELLE ROMASANTA (BS/ BA) was hired directly by Northrop Grumman, starting as a manufacturing engineering intern while attending the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, and now serves as an industrial/manufacturing engineer in Woodland Hills, California.

ALEXANDRO SCALCO (BS/BA) is a test engineer at General Atomics working out of its San Diego office.

ZACH SOURWINE (BS/BA) found his first professional job out of college through the USD Fall Engineering Career Fair. He works as a naval architect for the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center SWRMC) for NAVSEA in San Diego.

MICHAEL STEAD (BS/BA) received four job offers and accepted a position as a software developer for Leidos based out of San Diego. His LEGRO STANLEY OF FAMILY THE OF COURTESY position requires him to aid the software architect and algorithm team to [rest in peace] develop a cohesive system that works across multiple platforms using different programming languages and operating systems.

SAMANTHA TERRANOVA (BS/ BA) works for General Atomics in RIP STANLEY LEGRO Poway, California as a price/cost analyst. This position is responsible Real estate program visionary passes away for analyzing statistical and pro- posal data to develop independent price and cost recommendations he University of San Di- forces with USD, ultimately maintenance of environmental to support negotiations with cus- ego and the law school, in funding the Stanley W. Legro quality rather than reacting, of- tomers and suppliers. Tparticular, lost an ardent Professor-in-Residence in ten with limited options, to envi- THERESA THOMAS (BA) has supporter of the environment Environmental Law. He taught ronmental crises as they occur.” moved to Omaha, Nebraska to begin and an ordered system of envi- as an adjunct professor of law Owing to Legro’s legacy of ser- her first year of medical school at ronmental law on August 20, at USD, joined the Board of vice on both the law school’s Creighton University. She is interested 2020, when Stanley “Stan” W. Le- Visitors in 2001, and the Board Board of Visitors and USD’s in specializing in surgery. “I have so gro passed away. of Trustees in 2011. Board of Trustees, President many mentors and advocates at USD to thank for their support along the After graduating first in his In 1975, Legro became the as- James T. Harris sent a personal way,” she says. “I am beyond stoked to class from the U.S. Naval Acade- sistant administrator for enforce- message to USD Board of Trustee be joining other alumni as part of the my, Legro served in the U.S. Ma- ment for the U.S. Environmental members inviting them to “honor Torero-Bluejay family!” rine Corps before earning his Protection Agency, where he Stan’s memory and his impact in Juris Doctor degree in law from worked on preserving the envi- environmental law, gifts may be WILLIAM TREVENA (BS/BA) received the University of Florida Harvard University in 1966. He ronment and solving pollution made to the Stanley W. Legro Graduate School Preeminence Award immediately began his long and issues. Legro said in the EPA Professorship in Environmental for its PhD program. The program storied career defending the en- Journal at the time, “It is critical Law Fund or to the Law Student helps academic units offer highly vironment. In 1968, he joined that we plan now for future Aid Scholarship Fund.”

Spring 2021 39 competitive research/teaching assis- GREGORY S. KUZNIEWSKI, JR. tantship stipends to their most at- ‘92 (BBA) passed away on July 22, tractive PhD applicants. 2020 in Arlington, Virginia; he was 50. Greg was born in Beaufort, KYLE WILLIAMS (BS/BA) re- South Carolina, to Gregory and ceived three job offers before gradu- Lorraine Kuzniewski on January 29, ation and works as a test engineer 1970. As the son of a Marine Corps for General Atomics in Adelanto, family, he lived in several states and California. overseas. As such, he started high school in Yuma, Arizona, and finished in Yokosuka, Japan. Greg attended USD on an AROTC Scholar- In Memoriam ship and was commissioned in 1992 in the U.S. Army, served as a signal LARRY CAUDILLO, the sec- officer in Germany, was honorably ond-winningest coach in San Diego discharged in 1996, later joined softball history and a letter winner the reserves and was promoted to and/or coach with three different To- captain. He eventually became a rero programs, passed away Septem- small business/disabled veteran ber 10, 2020. He was 68. For five entrepreneur in government con- years in the 1980s, he was both the tracting for the Department of softball head coach and an assistant Veterans Affairs. He had a vibrant football coach. He also played Torero personality, loved everyone he met football and baseball for two years as and had the uncanny ability to make a student. Caudillo was the head soft- deep personal connections with ball coach from 1986 to 1993 after others. Greg loved his family, coun- serving as an assistant coach for 15 try, athletics and music but most of years. He was the program’s first Di- all, his Catholic faith. He was a true vision I head coach as the team tran- patriot and devout Christian who sitioned from Division III starting will be missed by all who had the with the 1986 slate. In eight seasons privilege of knowing him. leading the team, he had a .500 or better record in seven campaigns and LELAND POTTER ’81 (BBA) won 30 games three times. He won passed away on April 13, 2020 after 211 games, making him one of only a battle with colon and esophageal two head coaches in program history cancer. He worked as an appraiser with 200 or more career victories. In for the County of San Diego. Lee had [rest in peace] 1991, Caudillo and the Toreros won many fond memories of his time at 34 games — the second-most wins in USD. He looked forward every year a season in program history — and to working as a volunteer at the JOHN J. BOWMAN ’60 (BA), ’73 (MA) passed away June 26, 2020 posted a .708 winning percentage, Homecoming tailgate parties. He at the age of 93 after a long illness. He served in the Air Force in which is the best mark ever for the considered it a high point in his year! the waning days of World War II and subsequently taught high program. Before leading USD soft- school English and history for 40 years. He also coached football, ball, Caudillo began his USD football career in 1973 as a linebacker and cross-country, baseball and track and field, and directed numer - running back for a program that was Send Class Notes ous high school plays at St. Augustine and Ramona high schools. returning to the Division III level af- The educational achievement he valued above all others lay in ter a 12-year hiatus. He helped the Class notes may be edited for length teaching thousands of youngsters the joy of learning from read - Toreros reach the Division III play- and clarity. News of engagements ing good books. His kindness extended far beyond the home and offs in his first year before finishing and pregnancies cannot be pub- out his playing career with the 1974 lished. Please note that content for classroom. “When my dad saw a young man at football practice season. Since leaving USD softball, USD Magazine has a long lead time; wearing tattered cleats, he gave him the pair of cleats he wore Caudillo had been a high school publication of class notes typically at USD as a freshman because the young man’s family could not coach and teacher in the San Diego occurs 4-6 months after receipt. afford such a luxury,” says his daughter, Molly Bowman-Stiles ’87 area. Prior to his passing, he was a (BA), ’96 (MA). “Our home was a sanctuary for several young men biology and math teacher at Hoover E-mail: High School in San Diego. “As both a [email protected] who encountered trouble at home. One student lived with us Torero scholar-athlete and as a coach, for an entire summer!” In his memoirs, Don’t Play on the Trestle, Larry made immense contributions Website: he wrote about how his life was shaped by the kindness of oth - to our program, and hundreds of www.sandiego.edu/usdmag ers, mentors he referred to in his book as his angels. “In turn, young women and men benefited Dad has been an angel to countless family members, students from his coaching expertise and lead- U.S. Mail: ership. He will be remembered as one USD Magazine Class Notes and friends,” Molly adds. He was an avid fly fisherman and bird of the Torero greats,” says Executive University of San Diego hunter. In addition to Molly, he is survived by his wife, Marion; Director of Athletics Bill McGillis. Department of Publications daughter, Eileen Sylwestrazk; son, Conway; and his wife, Survivors include his wife, Judy, and 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, Michelle Woo and two grandsons, Max and Jackson. their two sons, Joe and Woody. CA 92110

40 USD MAGAZINE MICAH FELLOW NINA SCHNEIDER ‘20 NINA FELLOW MICAH (JD) ’10 JESSIE ZAYLÍA KROC SCHOOL STUDENTS MASTER’S @ usd_outdooradventures @gousdalumni @krocschool NATHAN OKORLEY ‘21 AND SUZANNE HAWATMEH ‘22 ‘22 HAWATMEH AND SUZANNE ‘21 OKORLEY NATHAN DOODLEFIRST ROSEBUD USD’S DOG, RUBY (BS/BA) ’20 LEONOR BRYAN @usd_business @usdpres @usd_outdooradventures MEGAN WHITNEY ’20 (BA)YEARS ’20 WHITNEY MEGAN OF IN 2001 SEPTEMBER MEMORY 11, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RHONDA HARLEY RHONDA DIRECTOR ASSISTANT @usdcareers @uofsandiego @usdcareers

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