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Spring 2002 USD Magazine Spring 2002 17.3 University of San Diego

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Digital USD Citation University of San Diego, "USD Magazine Spring 2002 17.3" (2002). USD Magazine. 32. http://digital.sandiego.edu/usdmagazine/32

This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the USD News at Digital USD. It has been accepted for inclusion in USD Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital USD. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Why the SAT shouldn't rule • ~ a high school student's life /

'' • _i ' A JOURNEY OF discovery at the UNIVERSITY of SAN DIECO Universi1y of San Diego Archives SPRING 2002 vo lume 17 • no . 3 USD MAGAZINE

USD Magazine features http://www.sa ndiego. edu/ publica ti ons On the Map ED ITOR 8 During her 15 years as dean of the Susan Hero ld nursing school, Janet Rodgers turned e-mail: Shero [email protected] the budding program into one of the CONTR IBUTING EDITORS premier nursing schools on the West Coast. Michael R. Haskins Mhas kin s@sandiego. edu Last Minute Spring Fling Timothy McKern an Whether it's London, Mexico or points Timothym@sa ndiego.edu 10 in between, Spring Breakers have one Krys m Shrieve thing in common when it comes to Ks [email protected] travel planning - they don't. DESIGN & PRODUCTION Wa rner Des ign Associates, In c. The Stress Test PHOTOGRAPHERS 14 In recent years the SAT has become the Rodney Nakamoto most important rite of passage in a high Gary Payne '86 school student's life. And it shouldn't be. Brock Scott cover photo by Rodney Nakamoto A Lesson in Faith 18 Opening a private Catholic school in University of San D iego San Diego's poorest neighborhood is a huge challenge, but David Rivera '96 departments PRESIDENT prefers his chall enges giant-sized. Alice Bourke Hayes Alcala Almanac VICE PRESIDENT FOR 4 Behind the scenes at the UNIVERS ITY RELATIONS WCC Tournament. John G. McNamara Alumni Gallery EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR COMMUN ICATIONS 26 Bill Bartek '75, the other half of Team AND MARKETING Guido, cashes in on his TV celebrity Harlan Corenman from the "Amazing Race." ... Author

USD Magazine is published quarterly by E. Hughes Career Achievement Award the Uni ve rsity of San Diego fo r its alumni, winners. parents and friends. Editorial offi ces: USD Magazine, Pub li cations Office, Uni versity In Their Own Words of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, Professor Rafik Mohamed explains what CA 92 110-2492. Third-cl ass pos tage paid 34 at San Diego, CA 92 11 0. US O phone num­ it's like living in a student dorm. ber (6 19) 260-4600 ; emerge ncy security (61 9) 260-2222; di saster (6 19) 260-4534. Calendar Postm as ter: Send address changes to USD 35 Magazine, Publica ti ons Offi ce, Uni vers ity of San Diego, 5998 Al cal a Park, San Diego, CA 92 110-24 92. (4/ 15 43,900)

3 El ALCALA ALMANAC ··.:,:::

Gettin' Jiggy With It Frank Toddre, a junior majoring in history and political science, had just taken his courtside seat before USD's first-round game with USF when he got the call to enter the game. And he's not on the roster. It seems the student who usually plays the Torero mascot was late, and Toddre got pressed into service by a frantic Renee Wiebe, assistant athletics marketing director, to get the home crowd pumped up. "She just came up to me and said, 'Wanna be the mascot?"' Toddre said. He go t fi ve minutes of Mascot 101 before climbing into the 9-fooc-call inBacable suit. The regular masco t arrived shortly chereafrer, but not before Toddre go t a new appreciation for what i c cakes ro be the top cheerleader. "You look out of the chest, and th at cos­ tume is a lot heavier than it looks," he said, the sweat still pouring off him minutes after removing the costume. "le was kinda hard ro move my arms. I had a hard time raising the roof in chat thing!" The Number One Fan W hile the Hooligans shouted themselves hoarse and the USD chee rleaders ralLed the crowd during the games with USF and

hile perennial favorite Gonzaga prevailed Sleeping Attire Optional W at the 2002 West Coast Conference T here's no question the Jenny Craig Pavilion Basketball Tournament, the USD men's is a comfy place for Torero fans, especially Toreros had the powerhouse worried with Allen "Murph" Jones '00. Jones was in the a scrappy second-round challenge, losing front row wi th the Hooligans - USD's to the Bulldogs in the final minutes, 87-79. rowdy student booster group - for the T he women Toreros were knocked out in USD-Universicy of San Francisco game the first round by Santa Clara. decked out in the same striped bathrobe he's But not all the highlights of the tourney, been wearing to games si nce his freshman year. held Feb. 28 through March 4 in the Jenny While the robe may be a sentimental Craig Pavilion, made it to ESPN. Here's a favorite, there's no denying its special powers few things you didn't see: as a chick magnet. Jones was wearing the robe at the 200 I W CC Tournament when he met Lisa Mrkvicka, a Santa Clara University student. The two were engaged earlier this year. "The robe was definitely -\' ,, unique," Mrkvicka said. "I thought he was fun . Kinda quirky, but nice." Evidently, fun-quirky-nice has its limits. Mrkvicka was taking in the game from behind the USF bench - directl y across the court from her fiance . "It's our third game today," she said with a Senior Andre Laws played his last game as laugh, "and he's really loud. I needed a break." a Torero against Gonzaga.

4 USO M AGAZ I NE in size, had a 30 percent participation level. Participation rates are even used when USD Gonzaga, the man who is undeniably the applies for research grants and other funding. So, Toreros biggest fan stood on a chair in a cor­ your $25 gift could result in a $100,000 grant ner of the pavilion, sil ently rooting them on. down the road. Over the next five years we'd like with Jack Kelly Father J .J. O'Leary, who leads the team in to be somewhere around the 30 percent level. prayer before every game, was with the team Alumni Relations Director What if alumni can't participate in spi rit on eve ry fast break, free throw, A 1987 business rebo und and three-point sho e. administration gradu­ financially? "I spend all week with these guys," he said ate, Jack Kelly stepped Part of what we haven't done is engage during a timeout, when he allowed his atten­ into the alumni direc­ A people who aren't on the alumni board in tor's post last fall for tion to be diverted from the court. "Every alumni board activities.We'd like to get them John Trifiletti '78, involved in regional alumni boards or on subcom­ one of them is special to me. They are a whose Rolodex-like mittees. We have hosted programs in several remarkable group of yo ung men. " mind of the USD com­ cities this year, and we're looking at programming T he night before the crushing loss to munity is now spinning in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Orange County Gonzaga, when Andre Laws' last-second away as the university's to give our alumni the opportunity to get back in jumper propelled USD to victory ove r USF, director of major gifts. touch with USD. We'd like to develop a pool of no player's smile was as broad as O'Leary's. Kelly brings to the job a background in the pri­ vate sector, a unique connection with the univer­ talent among our graduates and call on them for "We did it, we did it!" he yelled, shaking sity through his years as an alumni volunteer (his certain events or projects. the hand of anyone who wandered by the wife, Sue Ventimiglia Kelly '89, is a USD career team's locker room. "I am just so happy for counselor), and a love for the campus developed What will it take to get those these wonderful men. God bless them." as member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He alumni not involved to get also has a very distinct vision for USD alumni. involved? Please, Don't Take Your Ball We need to engage people socially and Go Home What is your top priority A and spiritually.We want to provide them During the tournament, WCC Commissioner as alumni director? access to all the things going on on campus. We want to connect people back to what they were Michael Gill eran announced the league's To raise the profile of the Alumni involved with in school. So if you were in Associated vote to recommend chat the tournament A Association. We need to establish a long- Students, you would have an Associated Student return to the Jen ny Craig Pavi li on in 2003 range plan and provide more professional enrich­ alumni group or connection to others who were and 2004. But not everyone was happy with ment opportunities, as well as social opportuni­ involved. the decision. ties, for our folks. Moments after his Bulldogs defeated There is a lot of programming that already What can alumni USD, Gonzaga coach Mark Few had a few exists - for example, the law school will have a do for USO? choice words about the decision, saying the speaker on civil rights, but only law alumni know Stay in touch. Let us know what you venue was unfair to his team, which was about it, or the business school will have a forum A are doing personally and professionally. ranked seve nth in the nation at the time. on the economy or careers, but the word only Come back to USD - whether it's a campus or "I thought long and hard about not bring­ goes out to those in business. We also need to regional event. Assist us with parents programs ing my team down here this week," he said. raise our profile among alumni, and educate them like the Summer Send-offs. Make phone calls to on how important they are to the university's via­ "We withstood a tremendous effo rt from students after they are accepted at USD to bility. San Diego. We didn't stop them, we just answer their questions. Go to college career fairs outscored them. To overcome that and the How involved are alumni in your area and talk about USD. And feedback - position this ridiculous league puts you in with USD? you can tell us what we are doing right, but more important, what we aren't doing right. to come down here and play a home game We have a very dedicated core on their court after being seventh in the A group of alumni. Our Alumni Board of What can USD do nation ... I give a lot of credit to my guys." Directors is responsible for the programming and for its alumni? Few's comments were perplexi ng to many. benefits we offer, and the schools of nursing, law Take a close look at the benefits for Gilleran refused to comment on the coach's and business have alumni boards and committees A our alumni, everything from basic dis- claim about not showing up to the league volunteering their time and talent. count programs for things like car rentals, to pro­ tournament, dismissing it as "not in the Another critical way alumni involvement is viding gap insurance between graduation and that realm of reasonable behavior." measured is through financial participation levels. first job, to creating professional development Tom Lippold, USD's senior forward, That's how U.S. News & World Report measures opportunities. We need to be aware of our alumni's merely shook his head. alumni satisfaction with their education. Last year, wants and needs when it comes to what we can "I don't know what he's complaining 13 percent of our alumni gave to the university. do for them. Santa Clara University, which is comparable to us about," Lippold said. "If I had a team that good, I'd play in Siberia. " Are you interested in serving your alma mater? Would you like to reconnect with your former class­ mates? Do you want to help promote USD traditions? Then a position on the USD National Alumni - TIMOTHY MCKERNAN Board may be what you're seeking. Call the Office of Alumni Relations, (619) 260-4819, for information.

SPRI NG 2002 5 ~ ALCALA ALMANAC .. ~C

In the News

defects in the former Soviet noon to 6 p.m., Thursdays. nation of Georgia. Mother The exhibit is free and open Hill winners include Annette to the public. (Russick) Welsh '79, who direct­ ed USD's liturgical music, and Sally North Asbille '82, who Sign Up for helped organize the Hughes Career Achievement Awards. Summer School Nominations will be accepted tudents can pick up some until May 31 by rhe Office of Sadditional credits this summer Alumni Relations, (619) 260-4819. and rake courses as varied as Spores Marketing and Chinese History Through Film during six summer The Misery sessions. More than 100 classes will be offered, allowing students ofWar to rake courses within their major onsidered one of rhe 20th or try our an interesting elective. Ccentury's great expressionist For information or to receive a painters, French artist Georges summer course bulletin, call Rouault also produced a land­ (619) 260-4800, e-mail mark series of prints portraying [email protected] or log the pain and suffering of World on to www.sandiego.edu/ War I, as well as the accompany­ specialsessions. Give Them graduates devoted to social or ing faith, hope charitable causes, and the Mother and redemption. Some Props Rosalie Hill Award, presented The 58-print o you know of a former to an alumna or alumnus who series, Miserere, Dclassmate who does ex­ works tirelessly on behalf of the is on display traordinary work on behalf of umvers1ry. through June 1 in humanitarian causes or has a Previous winners of the the Joan B. Kroc unique dedication to USD? If Bishop Buddy award include Institute for Peace so, rhe Alumni Board wants to Dennis Wick '65, who pio­ and Justice. hear about them. neered a program for mentally The work is The board's recognition com­ retarded young adults in part of a co llec­ mittee is seeking nominations Southern California, and Cindy tion of prints for its two annual service awards Basso Eaton '89, a member of donated to USD - the Bishop Charles Francis Global Healing, a nonprofit that by trustee Robert Buddy Award, which recognizes cares for children with heart Hoehn and his wife, Karen. The co llection also includes Francisco Goya's Disasters We'll be testing your knowledge of~rand and memory of Alcala Park in Jacques Callor's each issue of USD Magazine by Miseries of ~r, running photos of campus land­ marks, hot spots and haunts. which were on If you can identify the above exhibit earlier photo, congrats, you've got a this year. keen eye. If you need a little Gallery hours help, turn to page 28 for the are noon to 4 p.m., complete picture. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and

6 USO MAGA Z I NE ON THIS The Diploma By holding the arcs and sci­ More Parking DATE IN ... ences ceremony at 9 a.m., and Goes To ... the business, education, nursing Under Way 1994 ne of the hottest rickets on and diversified liberal arcs cere­ ork is expected to begin this 0 campus - Commencement mony at 2 p.m., organizers were Wsummer on a multi-level Twenty-five students 2002 - got a little easier to able to distribute more tickets to parking structure on the west and faculty participated score, thanks to a change in the graduates. In case graduates have end of campus to accommodate in a complete reading more guests than the new Science and Technology of John Milton's epic rickets available, a Center and relieve parking con­ poem "Paradise Lost." simulcast of the gestion on campus. The structure The reading began at ceremoni es wi ll be will add at least 750 more spaces 5:30 p.m. on a Friday held in the and be set into the hillside below evening and concluded University Center. Marian Way to minimize its at 5:30 the next A reception open impact on the area. Designed in morning. to all graduates the Spanish Renaissance style of On the heels of his hit and their guests campus buildings, the parking movie "JFK," director wi ll be held at 11 structure wi ll cost around $10 Oliver Stone spoke to a.m. between the million and is expected to open a packed house in the two commence­ in Spring 2003. UC forum. ment ceremonies. graduation ceremony lineup. Law graduates will receive A new coffeehouse Seniors will be given eight tickets their diplomas at a 10:30 a.m., called Aromas opened each to the May 26 ceremonies May 25, ceremony in the Jenny on the first floor of in the Jenny Craig Pavilion, up Craig Pavilion. No tickets are Maher Hall. from the six per graduate last necessary for that event. For year. information, call (6 19) 260-7550.

USO by the Numbers Center for Science and Technology 0.5 Size, in nanometers, of DNA, the smallest object viewable in the center's electron microscope 4 Science departments to be housed in the center - biology, chemistry, physics, and marine and environmental studies 6 Units of science coursework required of every USD undergraduate 73 Laboratories in the center 4 7 Millions of dollars to construct the center I 00 Species of animals and plants present in the aquaria and green­ houses 1883 Year of German botanist Theodore Englemann's landmark experi­ ment in photosynthesis, an artistic rendition of which will be featured in the lobby 2003 Year that Center for Science and Technology will open 5,000 Gallons of seawater flowing through the center's aquarium 50,000 Number of students who will study in the science center in next half-century

SPR ING 2002 7 Put USDS School of Nursing '

or the record: A poster of that infamous New Yorker cover that shows the world pretty Fmuch ending at the Hudson River does not hang in Janet Rodgers' office. But it would be hard to find an image that better summed up her view of the world when she was con­ tacted in 1987 about heading the nursing school at a small, liberal arts university in San Diego. The one-time Manhattan resident, who is perfectly suited to the city that doesn't sleep, was ambivalent about the prospect of living in a smaller beach town. "One of my first thoughts after I was asked about the job at USD," she says, breaking into a smile, "was, why in the world would anyone want to live in California?" But Rodgers made the cross-coun­ try trek to interview at Alcala Park, and found something she didn't have in the Big Apple: an opportunity to influence her profession by transform­ ing a nursing program in its infancy into a top research school. By Timothy McKernan

"Plus," she adds a little sheepishly, "it took '87, D.N.Sc. '98), chair of the nursing program from scratch, landing a grant to me about 15 seconds to fall in love with the department at National University. "The construct the building and almost single­ city and the campus." people responsible for the big grants just handedly creating programs for the students. Rodgers retires from USO this spring after automatically tended to think of East Coast Rodgers' relaxed approach was somewhat in 15 years of preparing registered nurses for schools. Janet was the driving force that contrast to Palmer's no-nonsense leadership leadership roles in the health care field. helped change that, to get people to look style, but Author E. Hughes, the university's Under her guidance, the Hahn School of beyond the huge programs (to USO)." president at the time, says the different man­ Nursing and Health Science has produced When the former East Coaster thinks agement methods complemented each other. countless graduates who now are hospital about how she shook up the established "Irene was a firm believer in the hierarchy and clinic administrators, educators, pecking order, she delivers her trademark of authority, and given what the nursing pro­ researchers, nurse practitioners - those on laugh, a striking, throw-your-head-back fession was like at the time, that was proba­ the front lines, and the cutting edge, of number with a charm all its own. Much bly what the faculty expected," Hughes says. health care. Among her alumni are Daniel like Rodgers. Her personality- the positive "Janet is much more relaxed, and she works Gross, CEO of Sharp Memorial Hospital, perspective, the infectious energy - is the very hard to build a consensus and involve Rear Admiral Kathleen Martin, director of engine that helped drive the school from people in decisions, a style very well suited the Navy Nurses Corps, and Jaynelle its adolescence to its current status among to the '80s and '90s. " Stichler, whose firm designs health care facil­ the nation's best programs. ities throughout the world. USO prepares these leaders by operating differently than traditional nursing schools, Her personality is the engine that helped drive the which train graduates for the clinical side of school from its adolescence to its current status the profession. Rodgers created programs in among the nation's best programs. which students researched the health needs of the community and its underserved popu­ lations - the homeless and migrant work­ "S he has a warm, friendly way about her Rodgers built on the foundation Palmer ers, for example - and developed ways to that really helps when you address big prob­ laid. She created a higher national profile for serve them. lems," says Frank Panarisi, a long-time friend the school by serving as president of tl1e Rodgers also established the university's and colleague. "Her manner created an envi­ American Association of Colleges of first Ph.D. program, enabling nurses to win ronment to settle some pretty contentious Nursing, a role that allowed her to partici­ research grants and break new ground in the issues. She leads with a velvet glove, and she pate in some of President Bill Clinton's ever competitive health care industry. Word always has that laugh. It's hard not to get health care reform measures in the early 90s. about her innovative approach got around, along with her." She published extensively and was an in­ especially when Rodgers began landing Rodgers needed every ounce of her can-do demand speaker across the nation, address­ grants that customarily went to the bigger attitude when she arrived at USO and a ing a variety of topics with one basic under­ schools back East. nursing school that was barely a decade old. lying tl1eme: advocating an increased role for "The West Coast has few really strong The previous dean, Irene Palmer, was a nurses in the health care system. nursing schools," says Nancy Saks, (M.S. strong-willed woman who literally built the continued on page 33

SPRING 2002 9 I

Whether it's London, Mexico or points in between, Spring Breakers have one thing in common when it comes to travel planning- they don't. by Krystn Shrieve

itting in a corner of the University to borrow my cousin's adaptor and sleeping when students, shaking off their books and Center deli, nibbling on Sun Chips bag, and I'm going home to buy some midterms, head out with a carload of friends and sushi, juniors Michelle Guerrero luggage, and my passport's still good ... " and an expectation that what li es ahead will Sand Erin Shea plot their spring The quest for the perfect spring break be the ultimate college experience. break adventure. But their plan, if you can usually begins when the February chill is in Shea, therefore, is not the least worried call it that, is skimpy at best - hop on a the air, as rumors and gossip about the that her biggest accomplishment three weeks plane ro London, hook up with a classmate coolest place to go - where both money before traveling is to call her credit card who is studying abroad in Oxford, maybe and fun can last the whole week - seep company, warning it not to be alarmed when buy a train pass and wander from one youth through campus. But planning the actual, charges appear from overseas. She still needs hostel to the next, hit as many historic spots gulp, details is put off until the days and to rent a backpack, buy a money belt, get as possible in between. hours leading up to that March weekend her travelers' checks and find a coat. But "So, I've got my plane ticket, and that's about it," says Guerrero to Shea, realizing that there's not much else she can check off her list of things to do. "Oh, and I'm going

Michelle Guerrero (white beanie) and Erin Shea gather necessities at the last minute before heading out on their European adventure.

10 she's got a plan for how to stay comfortable houseboat, blew a pipe. "I didn't shower for North America, a nonprofit professional as they hoof it around England, and possibly four days," Alves says. "But, you know, who trade association, says rhe latest trend with make brief appearances in Spain and Ireland. cares, you just jump in the water." the so-called Y generation is for students to 'Tm just gonna chill it in my sandals," When Chavez inquires about derails of the spend their spring break on service-learning Shea says. trip, the answers from Alves are quick and trips, like those organized by USD's Office "Sandals! " shrieks Guerrero, "It's 30 degrees. easy. Where will they eat? Alves says most of Universiry Ministry. Ir's probably snowing. You'll get frostbite. people bring food and share it. In an emer­ "Students are going to see Broadway You're going to need boots or tennis shoes." gency, he says there's a Wendy's. What shows with their theater troupes, or they're And so Shea, who doesn't even own a pair should they pack? Alves says shorts. Maybe building houses in Mexico," Palmer says. of tennis shoes, makes a mental note to cake a sweatshirt. a trip to the mall. Travel agents who cater to the Seniors Jose Chavez and Brad Alves spring break crowd aren't fazed by She still needs to rent a backpack, selected a destination closer to home, Lake the we'll-figure-ic-out-at-the-last­ Havasu, on the Colorado River in Arizona. minute attitude. Dave Robertson, buy a money belt, get her travelers' Their plan is to rent a houseboat with a manager of Pacific Beach's Council group of friends from Chavez's fracemiry, Travel, says chis year he featured checks and find a coat. Delta Tau Delta, and Alves' buddies from several spring break Mexico pack­ New York and San Luis Obispo, Calif. Six ages. In early March, however, just weeks out, they have yet to reserve the boat. weeks before travel time, he had only seen "They're finding destinations where rhey can Alves, who had been to the hoc spot for a few USD students trickling in to get hang out with their friends and have fun, his freshman spring break, assures Chavez information. but also learn or spend time helping ochers." chat's not a problem. "We plan spring break for months and Senior Joseph Horejs has spent every one "There are dozens of houseboats all tied months, even before the winter semester of his spring breaks on Universiry Ministry together like a massive floating island," says ends," Robertson says. "But every year, retreats in Mexico. This year he is one of Alves, a business administration major. "It is it never fails, students wait until the last two student coordinators planning a trip to a big free-for-all. I remember sleeping on a minute to make their plans. Thar's the Tijuana for nearly 50 USD students. cable or the floor or wherever I could find a norm." "Ir's such a moving and powerful experi­ spot. Nothing beats chat, I can't wait to go Michael Palmer, executive director of the ence, and a chance ro put yo ur faith into back." Student and Youth Travel Association of practice," says Horejs, who majors in Spirits, he recalls, weren't Spanish and rheological and dampened, even when the religious studies. "It's so exciting one rusry shower on the to know char we have helped to make a difference." Jose Chavez (floppy hat) and Brad Alves pack up the ir truck with the essentials fo r their trip to Lake Havasu.

This year, the students plan to play with Padre Island, off the children in an orphanage, visit a home for Texas coast. the elderly, serve food at a soup kitchen and "Spring break, as we build house in one of the city's poorest know it, has been neighborhoods. around since the 1950s "Ir's hard work, but we can handle it," and '60s, when Frankie Horejs says."You should see people just Avalon's movies pro- jumping right in, picking up shovels and moted warm-weather beach ventures," "We hooked up with a more economical, getting to work. Ir's so fulfilling. I've found Palmer says. "In the '70s and '80s domestic off-brand college tour group, made it down that the impact of serving others is much locations were popular. The desire to travel to Mexico on a fairly inexpensive flight, more long-lasting than any other more tradi­ to places like Cancun and Mazatlan started stayed in a motel where we at least hoped tional spring break trip I could have taken." in the mid-to-late '80s and blossomed in the sheets were changed every day and did Nevertheless, Palmer says because students the '90s." our best to sneak into all the big, brand­ will forever be drawn like magnets to seaside Richie Yousko '87 calls his senior-year name parties," says Yousko, a sporting goods havens, the more traditional spring break spring break one of the top 10 memories of store representative. 'The big thing was vacations will always be in style. The most his college days. The be-all, end-all destina­ parasailing. Other than that, we spent our popular destinations, he says, have at least tion in his day was Mazatlan. Yo usko and time pursuing different beaches, playing two key ingredients - warm weather and several of his buddies were able make it to volleyball and hunting down the cheapest miles of sandy beaches. The No. 1 hot spot all the parties by cleverly bringing along drinks." is Cancun, Mexico, followed by Jamaica, the from home their own wrist bands in every Chris Gualtieri, who graduated in 1983, Bahamas, Hawaii, Lake Havasu and South color of the rainbow. says his favorite spring break trip was during his sophomore year, when he and a gro up of friends from the biology cl ub ventured to San Felipe, Mexico, where they spent their "The most important thing is to have a great time camping on the beach and collecting • aquatic crabs and other sea life for research. experience.You just want to come back "We played volleyball, swam, cooked fish right out of the ocean, made sushi for the and have a great story to tell." first time and camped out under the stars," says Gualtieri, now a San Diego ophthalmol­ ogist. "All the experiences were new. And when we al l get together for Homecoming or other campus events, it's still a topic of discussion even 20 years later. " Gualtieri says he's amazed at the party atmosphere surrounding spring break today, which he and others blame on the hype creat­ ed by MTV and its week of programming

12 USO MAGAZINE dedicated to the event. The media, he says, pressures students to go wild and crazy "Calculator. Write that down," Shea says how they' ll get over the obstacle of nor hav­ during their trips if they co Guerrero. "We'll be in trouble without it." ing a houseboat. Alves says not co worry. expect to be part of the Shea plans co bring $600 in spending "Everyone is really friendly with everyone glamorous, in-crowd. money, mostly donations from friends and else and you just ask around for someone "But chat's just a produc­ family for her 21st birthday. Guerrero will co give you a lifr and then just hang out tion, it's not real life," Gual ti eri says, "and bring the $1,100 she's been saving. That, with them," he says. "Ir's cool. When I went students could be disappointed when their they say, should be enough co see the sights freshman year, we always had random people trips don't look like the television versions in London, plus spend a few days in Dublin. on our boat." they're used co seeing." The stop in Spain is off the list, but they're So the new plan is co get co Lake Havasu While some students may be subcon­ now on the fence about whether Scotland and simply bum spots from other houseboat sciously seeking a choreographed television should be added co the mix. version of spring break, Guerrero and Shea's "I don't know, " Guerrero says. trip is anything but. Shea's mother, Christina "It's just a bunch of cold, dark "Trying to schedule things is such a Azevedo, says chat while it's nerve-racking castles. Plus, I don't know if we'll knowing the pair are going overseas without have the money co get there, or hassle,so maybe we should just much of an itinerary, she is proud chat the time co enjoy it if we do. " they're gutsy enough co do it. One week before break begins, let things happen ." Although she knows there's a chance they Chavez says the Lake Havasu plans won't use it, Azevedo had a fami ly friend are officially in the hope-ic-works- who cakes students on Europe trips write up out stage. The houseboats at Lake Havasu passengers, hopping from one co the next a list of places to stay and things to see. are booked - and have been for months. so as co not overstay their welcome. If not, "If I had things my way, I would like co The fraternity friends with whom they were Alves says there's always Las Vegas or know that someone is meeting Erin at the initially going bailed our, and ocher fri ends Rosarico, Mexico. The two of them figure airport and that she has places co stay, or failed co put down a deposit co help pay for they'll need a mere $200 each. at least know which towns she would be the essentials. "We could do a little bit of everything," staying in," Azevedo says. "You're protective 'Tm the organized one, so everyone's Alves says. "We could go to Rosarito, and of your children, even when yo u know, putting everything on me and aski ng me co then co Vegas for a few days and then end deep in yo ur heart, chat they'll do fine. But front the money because I have a credit card," with some time on Lake Havasu. Oh yeah, knowing Erin, and how nothing stands in Alves cells Chavez between classes. "B ut I'm we should do chat." her way, she'll be all right. She's a dynamo." nor about co put down money if it's nor going It matters nor co Chavez. All he cares Three days before they leave, Guerrero co work out. So, I figure we should just go about is being out in the sun. and Shea go over their co-do list. Shea has and work it our when we gee there. Trying "The most important thing is co have a purchased a warm coat and a pair of tennis co schedul e things is such a hass le, so maybe great experience," he says. "You just want co shoes, a travel purse and a disposable camera we should just lee things happen." come back and have a great story co cell." + - which reminds Guerrero chat she needs Since hanging out on the shore isn't half as co buy film - which then reminds Shea that cool as kicking it on a boat, Chavez wonders she can't leave home without a calculator.

SPRING 2002 13

''We're all pretty stressed out by the SAT, and it's even worse when we see seniors who worked so hard and scored really well get turned down by colleges?'

by Michael R. Haskins

AKE A FEW SECONDS AND PONDER THIS: Did che SAT ruin your life? Have you ever been turned down for a job based on your SAT score? Are you now less successful or fulfilled chan che kid who, years ago, scored 50 points higher on the SAT than you did? Ridiculous questions, aren't they? Yet, as you read this, thousands of high school scudents nationwide are anxiously awaiting their scores from the March 16 SAT, wholly convinced chat the three hours they spent on a Saturday morning caking the rest could make - or break - their fucures. In recent years, a cul cure of panic has sprung up around che SAT, a once-innocuous rest designed to help college admissions officers predict a scudent's first-year college performance. Fed by highly publicized college rankings that showcase stellar SAT scores, hyped-up media reports on the supposedly ultra-competitive university admissions process, and the public relations efforts of colleges themselves, scudents and parents have been led to believe that a stratospheric SAT score is viral. A high score, they believe, is the key char wi ll unlock admission into che hallowed halls of the few elite universities ch at can magically guarantee a successful life. With this notion in mind, students now pay an inordinate amount of accention to SAT scores. Some begin preparing for che cesc, taken in che junior or senior year of high school, in the seventh grade. By the time they sic down co cake the SAT, it's not unusual for students to have taken dozens of practice cescs and paid hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars to cesc preparation agencies and tutors. Others cake the SAT as many as a half-dozen rimes in an effort to bring up their scores. They may well have studied hundreds of hours for this one test, at the expense of pursuing ocher activities and interests. Ir's a not a private thing, either. When the SAT scores scare arriving in the mail, you can bee that che first question kids ask each ocher in home­ room will be, "What did you gee?" "Every kid I meet is so stressed about getting into college chat SAT preparation rakes away rime from enjoying che rest of their lives ," says Ali Norman, a USD graduate counseling student who works pare-time at San Diego's Kearny High School. "With chat much pressure, some worry to the point chat they gee sick during che cesc." And ic's hogwash. Yes, a decent SAT score is an important pare of a high school student's coll ege application package. But lee's add some per­ spective. There are about 4,000 colleges and universities in the country, all of which produce successful, well-rounded and intelligent graduates. Beyond the top-ranked 100 or so schools - the ones that reject more than half che students who apply - che SAT score isn't among che most important considerations in an admissions decision.

SPRING 2002 IS At USD and most other universities, the vary significantly around the country. Despite this, for most high school students SAT is just one of many elements taken into Initially tided the Scholastic Aptitude Test the perceived path to happiness has come to account when deciding whether co admit a and then the Scholastic Assessment Test, it is resemble a row of dominoes. Carefully set student. Nearly 400 colleges - including now officially named just SAT - an evolu­ them up - grades, extracurricul ar activities, highly regarded institutions such as Mount tion critics say exemplifies the debate about talents, community service, recommenda­ Holyoke and Bard - require neither the exactly what the test measures. According tions - and they'll all fall neatly in succes­ SAT nor the ACT, the other nationally to the College Board, which administers the sion, ending with admission to a top-ranked prominent co llege admissions exam. Others SAT, the rest evaluates verbal and math abili­ college fo llowed by a great career and a have de-emphasized standardized rests in ties that are necessary for success in coll ege happy life. Miss just one, however, and the their admissions processes. Instead, those and life in general. whole scenario falls apart. And the SAT has schools use expanded applications and per­ Like USD, most schools rake the big pic­ become the most important domino. sonal interviews co fi ll their freshman class. ture into account in the admissions Taylor Fleming is an So why all rhe hubbub about scores? process, all the abilities ideal example. A bright, "People primarily hear about the very small and talents that cannot be articulate and outgoing high school junior, she's an A student, involved in The ABCs of the SAT student government and plays soccer and softball. SAT I - Known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test or the Scholastic Assessment Someday, she might Test and first offered in 1926, the mostly multiple-choice three-hour exam has want a career in sports two sections, verbal and math, each of which are graded on a 200 to 800 point management or public scale. The test is designed to be independent of high school curricula and is relations. No matter designed to predict first-year college performance. The test is offered about seven .. what she chooses to times during the school year. "~----~-,, ... do, however, she ,, _ SAT II - Once called "Achievement Tests " and also graded on a 200 to 800 will have the benefit of a coll ege point scale, they are one-hour multiple choice exams in specific subjects such as education. Like nearly all her classmates at math, science, language and English. Francis Parker School, a private high school PSAT - The Preliminary SAT is a practice test and scores are not reported to colleges, just up the street from USD, she's headed for however test scores are used to select semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships, a privately one of the nation's top four-year universities. financed academic competition that began in 1955. Taylor's cheerful confidence wanes only ACT - The biggest competitor of the SAT, the ACT Assessment was founded in 1959 and when she talks about the SAT. She's got little differs from the SAT in that it is tied to high school curricula. The test, accepted by most reason to be fearful - she scored the equiva­ colleges, is designed to assess ability to complete college-level work and covers English, lent of 1,360 (out of a possible 1,600) on mathematics, reading , and science reasoning . Unlike the SAT, students can choose to send the PSAT, a practice rest given early in the only their best or latest scores to colleges . junior year. Her parents, concerned that so many of her classmates were raking review courses, arranged for an SAT tutor, who group of elite schools, the ones that receive measured by the SAT. Pultz says the rest is spent an hour a week drilling Taylor on SAT tens of thousands of applications and there­ most valuable when considered in conjunc­ questions and administered twice-monthly fore have to put more emphasis on SAT tion with other facrors such as high school practice exams. scores," says Stephen Pultz, USD's director grade point average, academic transcript and But Taylor says she really "fell in love" with of admissions, "and they assume it's that way types of courses taken, letters of recommen­ Stanford University, one of the hot schools everywhere." dation and personal essays . among her classmates and high schoolers The roots of the SAT go back to the early nationwide. Just about everyone in her class 1900s, when the newly formed College Board d while the elite schools (Yale, Harvard, will apply to Stanford, with the inevitable developed a series of essay rests meant to Princeton and their brethren) can result that a good number of them will nor simplify and standardize college admissions. demand high SAT scores from their be accepted. Many wi ll try to gain an edge In 1926, the organization introduced the appli cants, there is no evidence rhar attend­ by applyi ng through Stanford's early decision Scholastic Aptitude Test, using a multiple­ ing a less prestigious university will ruin your plan (see story on right), a process in which choice format rhar made ir easier to quantify life. In a 1999 National Bureau of Economic a high SAT score is even more critical. results. Increased demand for the SAT and Research report, researchers found that school Unlike some of her classmates, however, other standardized tests res ulted in the 1947 selectivity, as measured by the average SAT Taylor says she won't be devastated if she formation of the Educational Testing Service, score, doesn't pay off in a higher income later doesn't get into Stanford. Bur she will be dis­ a national organization devoted excl usively in life. Instead, they said that motivation and appointed. She's already disappointed in the to educational resting and research. desire to learn have a much stronger effect SAT process. The rest was, and still is, promoted as a on career success. They call their finding the "We're all pretty stressed out by the SAT, tool that helps college admissions officers "Spielberg Model," named for the famed and it's eve n worse when we see seniors who compare the intelligence of applicants from movie producer who was rejected by the worked so hard and scored real ly well get different backgrounds, because grading stan­ USC and UCLA film schools and attended turned down by colleges," she says. "I'll be dards and content of high school courses Cal State Long Beach. happy with a 1,350 or 1,400, but I know

16 USO MAGAZINE char might nor be enough for some of the new "core achievement examination," which With chat philosophy in place at USO coll eges I'm applying co . I just hope they would cover reading, writing and mathemat­ and like institutions, Pultz doubts that a look at the rest of my transcript and see ics, be developed in conjunction with the change by the University of California sys­ everything else chat I've done." major national testing agencies. tem will have a major ripple effect. In the wake of the UC criticisms, trustees continued on page 33 tudents like Fleming have caused Uni­ who oversee the SAT announced lase month versity of California President Richard that they may revise the test so it will focus SAtkinson co buck the trend coward more on skills that are actually learned in The Early Bird Gets - overemphasis on SAT scores in admissions, the high school classroom, such as advanced which he calls "the educational equivalent math and writing. If the SAT is amended What? of a nuclear arms race. " In a speech lase year and in place by 2006, it could eliminate the The frenzy over SAT scores has been fed before the American Council of Education, need for a separate UC test. in large part by a surge in the number of Atkinson suggested chat the UC system, one For the upcoming school year, the UC colleges that offer binding "early decision ," of che biggest consumers of standardized test Board of Regents approved a broader "com­ a process through which high school stu­ scores, do away with the SAT as an admis­ prehensive review" admissions process. Uni­ dents apply to one college in the fall of sions requirement. Atkinson co ld the group versity of California students are admitted their senior year and commit to attending about students who spend hours preparing based on 14 selection criteria - 10 academic that school if accepted. Because the col­ for rhe SAT, developing nor the reading and faccors such as grades and test scores, and leges can't evaluate senior year grades, an math ski lls the test is supposed co measure, four "supplemental" criteria chat evaluate early - and excellent - score on the SAT but instead honing their test-taking skills. special talents, unusual intellectual or leader­ is critical. "What I saw was disturbing, and prompt­ ship skills, and accomplishments in the face Early decision advocates say the process ed me co spend time caking sample SAT of personal challenges. The change is char reduces stress among students who know tests and reviewing the literature," Atkinson UC campuses now are able co select their where they want to go to college, but crit­ cold the gathering. "I concluded what many full freshman class on the basis of all 14 ics argue the opposite, saying it puts more ochers have concluded: chat America's over­ criteria, while previously they were required pressure on students to perform well early emphasis on the SAT is compromising our to admit 50 co 75 percent of freshman on in their high school career and on the SAT. educational system." the basis of academic criteria alone. Opponents say the programs mostly bene­ As an alternative, Atkinson proposed an Although comprehensive review for al l fit colleges, allowing them to cherry pick increased emphasis on grade point average students is new to the UC system, Pultz says the best students and boost their status and scores on SAT II tests (once called it's standard procedure at USO. in college rankings like those published Achievement Tests), which measure compe­ "Not all qualities are quantifiable," he by U.S. News & World Report. Schools tence in specific subjects like English, math, says, "but public universities have to be more are ranked in part by the percentage of science and languages. T he UC admissions numbers driven because of the high numbers students who accept offers of admission, board responded by recommending chat a of appli cants. In private education we look a which is higher under binding early deci­ litde deeper." sion programs. Many top private colleges, including seven of the eight Ivy League schools, now accept up to a third of their fresh­ man class early. Harvard , as well as USD, employs a non-binding alternative known as early action , in which students are notified of admissions decisions in December but are allowed to apply to other colleges and put off a final decision until May 1. In part because the early decision process may offer an unfair advantage to wealthy students - who don't need to compare financial aid offers and whose counselors better understand how to work the system - Yale University President Richard Levin proposed last year that elite schools consider doing away with their early decision programs. His proposal was met with reluctance from other institutions, and Levin said Yale will not unilaterally end early decision , because he fears strong applicants will apply and commit to other institutions.

SPRING 2002 17

It's not surprising chat a man who chose the from community leaders frustrated with most improbable of scenarios as his life's work politicians' empty promises co improve educa­ - opening a tuition-free, Catholic school in tion. He lured graduates from the nation's San Diego's worse neighborhood, with a staff cop universities co reach in exchange for room "I could gee a job doing anything tomor­ of greenhorn college graduates as teachers - and board. He convinced his alma mater, row. There is no risk in ic for me compared is playing David co a Goliath of a mouse. USD, co help his rookie teachers become great co the children and families here who have It's a role he's been comfortable in since the teachers by covering most of the cost of their liccle hope or opportunity," he says from age of 26, when he decided chat slaying giants master's degrees in education. outside his "house," an 8-by-20-fooc con­ in the form of social problems was his calling. On chis day, like most, Rivera is crying struction trailer behind the teachers' home Turning his back on a six-figure income; a co do coo much with coo liccl e. In between in Logan Heights. An extension cord hilltop house and a player lifestyle, Rivera did caking a delivery of donated copier paper snaking across the dire backyard provides what many consider unthinkable: he adopted and frantic calls about mutant mice, he is his electricity; he sleeps on a cot. His salary a barebones existence and an unshakable faith looking for more money co keep the small is $91 a week. in God chat compels him co serve ochers. school afloat. The tired van chat transports "These kids who come co school and He has found himself serving a handful the kids co swim lessons is barely lurching these teachers who traveled a thousand of 11-year-olds lefr behind by the education along. About $18,000 in bills comes due miles ro work here for nothing, they are system, kids labeled "at-risk'' because they are each month and he has $6,000 in the bank. che ones who are caking the risk," he says. poor, can't read or ace our because chat's the A promised big-money donation fell through "Talk co chem. They're the story, not me." only behavior they know. Rivera opened a because of the Railing stock market. Yee one-room school in their neighborhood in Rivera's not worried. He believes in divine uc you can't cell the story of this September and promised a 12-hour school intervention, says God will provide. He has improbable school without David day, Saturday classes and breakfast, lunch and in the past - in October, wi ch $19 in the Rivera. Those who signed on for his dinner. He filled the kids' heads with dreams bank, a donor came through co keep che dream of giving low-income kids a of a college degree if they committed co the school going. B first-race education will cell you the sheer demanding curriculum. He filled their par­ "How big of a risk really is it?" says Rivera, force of his will makes che school possible. ents' hearts with hope. now 34, of his decision co walk away from a "Would chis school exist in San Diego Rivera used his considerable charm and successful career and cry co improve educa­ without David Rivera? No," says USD determination co wheedle money and advice tion for San Diego's poor kids. Provost Frank Lazarus. "To scare a school

20 USO MA G A Z I NE like chis takes a visionary with an absolute "There was nothing in San Diego similar passion for getting it done. David has that." to Nativity Prep, a school that deals specifi­ A little more than two years ago, Rivera cally with very, very low-income students walked into Lazarus' office with nothing and develops a Catholic relationship," more than an idea - finding a way to help Rivera says. "I cold my advisers about it, San Diego's poor kids get a better life. He and they said, 'Go out and do whatever you began by asking Lazarus the same question need to make it happen.' " he had posed co other San Diego commu­ Rivera did. He got help writing a busi­ nity leaders. "What is the biggest need ness plan and a needs assessment to get these kids have?" The responses were identi­ funding for the school, landing $300,000 cal: education. in grants - including $50,000 each from So Rivera, who has no background in San Diego companies Sandicast and Hoehn education, decided he would find the worst Motors, and $120,000 from the Catholic neighborhood in the city and come up with a Cassin Foundation - on little more than better way ro reach its kids. He turned down his passion. "I had no idea what a needs job offers as an attorney that would have assessment was," Rivera says. "I was embar­ covered the $60,000 he owes for his Notre rassed to cell Dean Cordeiro that when she Dame law degree to move back into his par­ said I needed one." ents' San Diego house. He covered his bed­ He convinced one of his advisers, veteran room walls with city maps, analyzed census Catholic school principal Bob Heveron, to wo thousand miles from San Diego, data on income, crime and home occupancy, come out of retirement and run the school. Tracey Pavey hung up the phone. The pored over rabies on public school perform­ Rivera had to hire teachers, but had no Notre Dame graduate just promised ance. The pushpins rose like a red weir out of money for salaries. With USD's help he dis­ Rivera, who she had met via e-mail, Logan Heights, a hardscrabble neighborhood covered that AmeriCorps would send him Tthat she would teach at his school in San east of downtown, where the annual house­ volunteer teachers, college graduates inter­ Diego, a city she had never visited, for two hold income is $18,000 and the population ested in service work for two years. To make years for $35 a week. is two-thirds Hispanic. the deal sweeter, he convinced Lazarus and Pavey was thrilled. She always had teach­ Rivera had a neighborhood. Now he USD to pick up most of the tab for the ing in the back of her mind, although she needed a plan. On a flight to a fri end's wed­ teachers' graduate degrees in education. majored in business. The thought of giving ding in Philadelphia, Rivera leafed through Rivera and his advisers decided the it a try at a new school for low-income kids a Parade Magazine and found a story about school should start out teaching fifrh appealed to her altruism. Her mom was Nativity Prep schools. Started 30 years ago graders. Eleven-year-olds, they reasoned, worried about her moving halfway across by a group of New York Jesuits, the Nativity had yet to hie puberty and hopefully were country; her dad thought she was nuts for Prep philosophy contends that 12-hour not drawn in by the gangs and drugs and pitching a Notre Dame business degree in class days, a low student-teacher ratio, sex that filled their streets. They'd reach the favor of volunteer work. college-prep work and a healthy respect for kids through their Catholic values will lead at-risk children to parents, pitching the success. The concept works: 80 percent of school during Mass the children graduating from the original in neighborhood Nativity Prep in New York have gone on to parishes, posting college. There are now 40 similar schools fliers, going door-to­ throughout the country. door. It was last When Rivera's plane landed, he rushed to summer, and Rivera a phone booth, looked up the address and wanted classes to fo und Philadelphia's school. Afrer meeting begin in the fall. the well-mannered kids, who talked about "People said I their plans to go to college despite their should slow down, circumstances, he knew what he wanted to consider other areas create. of San Diego, wait," Rivera parked himself in the principal's says Rivera. "But the office at the University of San Diego High need was too great. School to learn as much as he could about I wanted kids in running a school. He set up meetings with those seats." experts like USD's School of Education It was a great plan, Dean Paula Cordeiro and veteran Catholic a beautiful dream. school principal Brian Bennett. He picked And it had next to their brains, asked for their help and creat­ no chance of coming ed an education advisory board. together.

SPRING 2002 21 for the school had who graduated from Boston College. "I been rented co anoth­ chink I came our here thinking this is a er tenant. Nativi ty really cool thing we're doing, and then it Prep was co open hie you, oh my gosh, what am I doing in six weeks, and it here?" didn't even have A few weeks before classes were to begin, students. Rivera signed a lease on an empty building "David cold us in Logan Heights for the school. Seven char everyone in days before the doors opened, the teachers the county knew hosted an open house for interested fami­ about Nativity Prep. lies. They scanered the few textbooks they My first day here, had throughout the room co make it more I passed out fliers 1mpress1ve. Nativity Prep's IO teachers, who also volunteer at other Logan about the school in "We were rearranging scuff co make it Heights schools, live together in an old house Rivera bought. the neighborhood, lo ok like we had something," says Pavey. and people were say­ "We didn't even have bulletin boards. I Bur Pavey liked the idea of receiving a ing 'What new school?' " Pavey says. "They thought the families would turn around USD master's degree without having co hadn't heard of us. Ir was frustrating. " and walk our." rake our a loan. She liked what Rivera cold While waiting for escrow co close on the They didn't. Nineteen children enrolled, her about living in a big house, a la MTV's six-bedroom, two-bath house char had been an.cl Rivera's school had its first class. "Real World," with other college grads who turned into apartments, Rivera scrambled, wanted co help poor kids. She liked the moving rhe teachers from donated dormi­ riving through San Diego's Logan idea of putting her business background co tories at USD co a Best Western hotel. Heights neighborhood, you would use in a start-up education venture. When keys co the $205,000 house were miss Nativity Prep Academy unless "I thought it would be cool co be in on turned over to Rivera, a woman and her you knew exactly what co look for. DT he one-room school is in a squat, concrete building a school from scratch," says Pavey, five grandchildren were still living in the who hai ls from Rushville, Ind. With her upstairs Aar. The electricity didn't work structure tucked between warehouses and dishwater blond hair hanging at her shoul­ in two of the bedrooms. T he kitchen and plywood homes behind chain-link fences. ders, her clean-scrubbed face and broad bathrooms were filthy. The transplanted A hand-painted sign with the school's logo smile, the 22-year-old looks more like a big teachers had co rip up carper and knock - a white dove soaring over a three-scary sister than a math teacher who answers co down walls, doing much of the work by schoolhouse - is propped up against the the name Ms. Pavey. candlelight. curb. The only hint that children may be "I e-mailed and talked co David several Teacher Margaret Liege! lived our of her here is the lone basketball hoop in a corner rimes, and he convinced me co move our. I suitcase in the living room with another of the parking lot, which doubles as the get our here, and there is nothing. No reacher for nearly three months. Her room playground. Inside, Liege! clears off some space from a table piled with papers co pore over her notes from her language class. Each day, she and the ocher teachers prepare incredibly derailed reports of chei r stu­ dents' progress and behavior. When parents arrive at 7 p.m. co pick up their kids, the teach­ ers hand chem the reports. They'll pull a parent aside if chey have a concern. school. We don't even have a house co live was the one occupied by che grandmother, It's just one example of the intensive in . I thought, 'Are you kidding me? ' " who Rivera didn't have the heart co evict approach the school cakes. When Pavey and the ocher teachers arrived until she found another place. "A lot of these kids were sullen when last August, their house - which was the sire "We had co go our and get donations co they first came here, they never smiled," of several recent drug busts - was still in get the house fixed, and we're washi ng walls says Liege!, 23, whose glasses and ponytail escrow. The building Rivera hoped to lease with cockroaches running our," says Liege!, enhance her rep as one of the "hard teachers"

22 USD M AG A Z I N E among the kids. "They pre­ tended they were cough because in chis neighborhood they had co. Here, though, they can be kids." If a child is having a bad day or aces out, a reacher's first instinct is co phone the parents and find our what is going on at home. In one case, a stu­ dent's big brother was getting out of prison and moving back into the house; in another, a student missed school because the family lose their apart­ ment and was living at the Sc. Vincent de Paul shelter. Nearly all the students have special needs - most reseed at or barely above third-grade level in reading and math. Some have trouble speaking and understanding English. Every one of chem comes from the neighborhood's public schools, sure he attended school because his school where they were promoted from grade co records never materialized. grade along with the rest of che kids. Francisco was tutored privately - an To make sure the children gee the atten­ impossible luxury in public school. While tion they need, two teachers are always in the ocher kids cook cescs on geography, che classroom; usually there are four or five. Francisco, who didn't know che difference Reading, language and math are caught in between a city and a scare, received private "There are rimes when che kids are driv­ blocks. Lesson plans are theme-based: a lessons. Today, he speaks English, reads ing you crazy and you chink, why are they week may focus on insects, so students do simple books and looks his teachers in the acting like chis?" she says. "Then you math problems, write a research paper and eye when he speaks. remember chat their father is gone or their do experiments revolving around bugs. "He has come so far," says Pavey, who brother is in prison. And you are amazed Religious studies, arc history, physical can't help bur worry about the kids when they can even gee up and go co school on a education and social skills also are caught. they leave for their homes each night. "I regular basis. " The kids are awarded points for good hope we reach chem there is more than vio­ One aspect of the Nativity Prep model behavior - raising their hand, saying lence, drugs and gangs, and char they are char especially appeals co Rivera and his please, nor talking our of cum - and use capable of going on co college. Bue in the supporters is char che school is an integral the currency co buy computer time, pencils community chey grow up in, college isn't pare of church and neighborhood. Rivera or notebooks. something parents push the kids into." and the teachers live in Logan Heights, "Ir's almost a 180-degree change from Some educators are critical of programs shop at its scores, worship in its churches. what (schools) these kids came from," says like AmeriCorps or Teach for America, say­ The Mission Valley YMCA provides free Principal Heveron, who began his reaching ing char sending inexperienced teachers co swimming lessons and summer camps, and career in Los Angeles' Wacrs neighborhood cough areas is a recipe for failure, because county health workers give medical screen­ in the 1960s. "We don't fault the public they are not prepared co deal with the issues ings at Nativity Prep. schools, because we know the pressure they of inner-city life. Liege! counters by saying "No school is just a school, nor in the are under with large class sizes. What we her classes at USO have filled in any gaps inner-city," says Heveron, who watched as are doing is showing these parents and kids in her reaching methods, and char Heveron several Catholic elementary schools left the we are committed, chat we are in chis for and her professors help with the day-co-day inner-city for the suburbs in recent years the long haul." problems she faces . She and che ocher (Nacivi ty Prep receives no financial assis­ The commitment is evident in kids like teachers say what they learn in USO classes tance from che Catholic diocese bur does Francisco. When he first came co class, he at night is applicable the next day. gee support from individual parishes). He could barely speak English, could not read Mose important, Liege! says she has came our of retirement co run Nativity Prep or write Spanish or English and could not learned more about herself from kids like in part because of Rivera's relentless enthu­ distinguish leccers. Half the time he fell Francisco than she chinks she could ever siasm, bur primarily because he believes in asleep in class. The teachers weren't even reach chem. its educational philosophy.

SPRI NG 2002 23 needed to develop there," says Rivera, who hadn't attended Mass in 11 years but lacer was a leader in University Ministry. "I was leaving a certain type of lifestyle and raking Ol'l a new one with God at its cen­ ter. And USD is where I had to be to do ir." Rivera rook the slate of community college classes suggested by the counselor, got good grades and was accepted Twice a week the kids load up in the school's old van for swimming lessons at the YMCA. into USD. In 1996, he graduated with a 3.4 "I inherited 10 enthusiastic reacher vol­ wanted to make a lot of money and I didn't GPA in political science and philosophy. unteers and a warehouse with next to noth­ want to work coo hard." He then focused on getting into Notre ing in it," he says. "Together, and with all He researched the market and discovered Dame Law School - another seep in the the ocher help we've received, we've made chat the west Lemon Grove area of the city plan. Placed on the wait list, he cam­ this school happen. We did it by holding had few real estate agents. In his first year of paigned for admission by writing a letter a on to the vision David created." selling, he made $1,200. By year three, his week to the school's dean. He even had a commissions totaled in the hundreds of going away parry for himself at his parents' ·vera wasn't always such a visionary. thousands of dollars. By then he had the hot house, even though he had no guarantee he For much of his young life, he slid car, the great house, the big-screen TV, the would get in. along on his incredible charm, his all-night parries. Bur one moment changed "Parr of me thought David was nuts," athletic ability and his good looks. his life - when God mapped out, with says Mike McIntyre, USD's director of RThe third of four boys growing up in the absolute clarity, his life's mission. University Ministry, who ministered to Skyline area, he tagged along with his "I've tried to describe that night before Rivera while he was a student. "The other parents, vibrant leaders in San Diego's and I never can get it right," says Rivera of part of me thought if anyone co uld make it Hispanic community who knew political Oct. 16, 1993, the date of what he calls his happen, Dave could. He doesn't take no for and church leaders on a first-name basis. religious conversion. He falls silent for a few an answer, and I mean that in the best His father co-founded several nonprofits moments before he begins. "It was lace at sense of the term." and helped immigrants find jobs; his night and I was wide awake, looking our the Rivera showed up on the first day of law mother had a 35-year career as a social window and the lights below Mount Helix, school orientation and planted himself in worker for the county. just reflecting. I had been all about athletics the dean's office. When the dean's secretary Rivera stayed up late as his dad cooked and wealth up until then and I just wasn't sat­ - who opened rhe dean's mail - asked carne asada for friends. He got used to the isfied. I was just really disgusted with my life. bishop dropping by the house after Mass. "And then," he says, "I was overcome with He loved the social whirl chat surrounded thoughts chat I knew weren't coming from his parents, bur cared little for the issues. myself." Rather, he dreamed of being a pro athlete Those thoughts included a blueprint for and spent his free rime playing basketball, his future: Graduate from USO, attend baseball and football at Helix High School. Notre Dame Law School, return to San Rivera was the kid who showed up early Diego and help its poor children by starting and stayed late for practice. Because of his a non-profit venture. Thar night, Rivera quit small size, he often played hurt. his realty job by leaving a message on his He bounced around between a half­ boss's answering machine. That weekend, he dozen community colleges on various ath­ sold most of his possessions, put his house letic scholarships, playing football and base­ up for rent and gave his big-screen TV to his ball. Bur Rivera's dream ended when his stunned brother. By Monday morning, he ankle shattered during a botched play. He was sirring in a USD counselor's office, ask­ left school with a 1.47 GPA and four metal ing what it would take for him to get screws in his leg. accepted. "I quit school, came back to San Diego "USD is the Catholi c university in San and got a real estate license," he says. "I Diego, and there were certain relationships I

24 USO MA GAZ I N E personal resources? Yes, " says Lazarus, who first became familiar with Nativity Prep through a school in his former home- town of Milwaukee. Rivera his name, she came over and gave char required by the state, he says religion "There comes a rime and place where people him a hug. would be offered as an elective, after­ have to decide where they stand on educa­ "She went and got the dean, who came school activity. "Ir's big," he says of his tion, and you have to do what it takes to our after a few minutes and said I was in," plan. "We're talking about thousands of make it happen. This is char time." says Rivera. "I had no doubt. Ir was part of kids in a college prep program in the If the charter designation isn't granted, the plan." lowest-income areas of San Diego. Ir will Rivera says with all earnestness that he isn't go K-12. Absolutely." worried. He says rhe Nativity Prep concept always, Rivera has more to his plan. Part of his plan relies on USO, which will carry on, because it works and because He intends to enroll a new Rivera would like to help supply and train there are enough talented people support­ crop of fifth graders chis fall, and more teachers. Aware of the financial bur­ ing it. As he has in the past, he says God provide sixth-grade instruction to den an expanded program could mean will see to it that the children will be A (USO currently covers about $180,000 the current group of students. Most of his taught. volunteer teachers are committed to a sec­ in tuition coses for Nativity Prep teachers), In an uncharacteristic moment of uncer­ ond year, and 65 college seniors already and wanting to maintain autonomy between tainty, Rivera wonders aloud if he might applied for the new reaching positions. USO and Nativity Prep, Lazarus and nor be the best person to lead the school. Bur Rivera dreams big. He sees che Cordeiro are looking at ways to possibly He admits he gets easily distracted by the Nativity Prep model eventually expanding expand USD's assistance if the school grows. little things - mousetraps and copier from kindergarten through high school, One option may be to partner with a paper. He worries that he doesn't know reaching thousands of students and includ­ Notre Dame program that gives students enough about education, that his expertise ing a residential component. To help make interested in serving low-income areas a lies more in raising money, raising hope. that a reality, chis month he will join crash course in education before they are His humbleness refuses to let him take Nativity Prep adviser Brian Bennett in a sent our to reach. Many ofUSD's under­ credit for what he has created. proposal before the San Diego Unified graduates join VISTA or the Peace Corps, "I chink if I went away someone would School Board to open a K-5 charter school and Lazarus sees this as a way for them to come in and pick up the slack and do a in Logan Heights that, like Nativity Prep, serve their local community (several USO better job," he says. "This isn't thriving includes a 12-hour school day and volun­ seniors have applied to reach at Nativity because of me, it's thriving despite me. teer teachers. Prep this fall). Alternative means of deliver­ The spirit is leading this and it has a life With charter school status comes a guar­ ing che master's curriculum to the teachers of its own. I'm just going with the flow of anteed stream of income to run the school, also may be considered. what the spirit wants me to do." + eliminariri.g one of the major hurdles that Lazarus is cautious about the loss of inde­ Nativity Prep now faces. In exchange for pendence that comes from a charter desig­ For information on Nativity Prep Academy, the state money, however, the new school nation, as well as rhe Catholic identity issue. visit www.nativityprep.org, or call could not be designated Catholic, to pre­ Yee he says the Nativity Prep model is so (619) 239-9285 or (619) 544-9455. serve separation of church and state. viral to inner-city kids that ic must carry on. Rivera doesn't see char as an issue. "Will USO continue to support David Because the school day is longer than whenever ic can, in organizational as well as

SPRING 2002 25 ~ ALUMNI GALLERY '

Class Notes

Harlequin Hisrorical novels were just translated for the Czech Rep ublic, the 11 ch foreign country co publish he r books. Her first non­ fiction book, Papa Was a Boy In Gray: Memories of Confederate Veterans by Their Liv in g Daughters, recen cl y was released. 'Team Guido' Cashes in on 1961 UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI TV Reality Show Celebrity 1966 Siste r Patricia Hanson provides UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI spiritual direction at the La Providencia Richard Nelson is a foreign Spiritual Renewal Center in Alpine, service officer at the U.S. Embassy Calif, which incl udes workshops for in Athens, Greece. After graduating people of all faiths. from USD, Richard served three years in the Peace Corps in Brazil 1961 and th en had a fam ily cons truction IKE THE DOUBLE-CROSS­ respondents for the "Rosie UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI business in Los Angeles for 25 years. ING, DESPICABLE TELEVI­ O 'Donnell Show," a shot at Patricia (Young) Williams He joined the Foreign Service after continues to enjoy her busin ess, SION REALITY SHOW hosting their own cable talk worki ng as an adm inistrative officer Patrycakes, which does catering, VILLAINS WHO show and a legion of fans who for the Peace Corps in Cape Verde, personal assisting and caring for the Africa. GRACED THE shower them with their trade­ elderly. Her eldest daughter, Reina '9S, tube before him - think mark Chardonnay wine. was married ro Thomas Ladd "Survivor's" Richard Hatch - Robinso n in March 2001 at the "It's like I say, everyone knows Grande Colonial in La Jo ll a. Her Bill Bartek '75 knows the value who Alexis Colby was on the TV yo ungest da ughter, Andrea, works in being the TV guy you love to show 'Dynasty' because Joan in the J. Smith National Forest in hate. Collins made her such a great Crescent Ciry. As a new class corre­ While Bartek and life partner villain. But no one remembers spondent, Patricia would love ro Joe Baldassare's third place finish , because she hear from her classmates at patry­ 1976 [email protected]. last fall on the CBS reality show was the good girl," says Bartek, UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI "Amazing Race" netted them 48, who, when he's not trotting 1965 Hope (Kirk) Hernandez is busy vol unteering with church only $10,000 - a pittance com­ the globe in reality shows, is a UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI mi ni stries, traveling, dancing and pared to the $1 million first real estate broker in southern Sarita Doyle Eastman is a remodeling her house with husband prize - the reputation they physician in the Carmel VaJl ey area , California. Bernardino. north of San Diego, special izing in developed as bad boys during A Web poll of the show's fans developmental and behavioral ped i­ the six-week global treasure ranked "Team Guido" - the atrics .... Mary W. Schaller's hunt earned them stints as car- moniker he and Baldassare used

26 USD MAGAZINE delay them a bit;' Bartek said of ble, Bartek says the tests of his hard part, he says, was keeping a the Tunis airport, where a brief will were the most memorable. lid on the emotional stuff so the shoving match ensued. "After "There were days where you pai r's dirty laundry wouldn't be that, anything we did at all had a didn't eat or sleep, but it was the aired in public. To that end, he hint of evilness to it. Other mental part that was the most and Baldassare agreed that if teams treated us like outcasts, stressful. I'm acrophobic, and I things got stressful, they'd simply but you can't be pals with the had to bungee jump off a 300- say "enough said" and drop the people you are trying to beat in foot cliff," says Bartek, whose subject until they could discuss it a race." ear-splitting scream as he leapt off-camera. Bartek says he's square with left him without a voice for two "There were a lot of implo­ his fellow contestants now that days. "It (the race) made you do sions going on with other rela­ the show has ended, and is good things beyond what you ever tionships, but we never got into friends with a few of the teams, thought you could accomplish." it. The producer finally asked us who traversed 41 ,000 miles in But what about the real chal­ why we kept saying 'enough said; 3 I days following clues and per­ lenge - living for a month with and we just smiled," Bartek says. forming challenges like bungee a camera crew watching and tap­ "The funny thing was, we never jumping or slogging through the ing your every move? did talk about those things that Paris sewers. While the opportu­ Remarkably, Bartek says he got us angry later, so they must some horrible international inci­ nity to see the world on the got used to eating, sleeping and not have been a big deal in the dent ... when we just wanted to network's dime was immeasura- living with strangers 24/7. The first place."

SPRING 2 002 27 ~·-. ALUMNI GALLERY

1977 1983 Edged Adventure to Nowhere, recently passed the New Jersey and UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI described as a work of "ridiculous New York bar exams after finishing Maureen (Griffin) Ricketts Randolph M. Hammock Q.D.) outcasts and outlaws, biting dia­ law school at Rutgers University. (M.Ed. '78) is in her first year as an is a senior trial attorney for a logue, head-spinning wordplay and Michelle lives in New York and is a elementary school assistant principal nationwide law firm specializi ng in an over-the-top storylin e." Arian, judicial law clerk for a Superior in Cupertino, Calif., after reaching motorcycle-related cases. He is who is a public information officer Court judge. in special education for 22 years. licensed to practice law in 11 states. with the City of San Diego, is sell­ Maureen is attending Santa Clara ... Mark Tunney, director of sales ing his book on Amazon.com and GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI University to earn her administra­ and marketing for the Westin Borders.com .... Madeleine P. Lynne (Shaughnessy) tive credential and is busy with her Michigan Avenue Hotel, is running Ferbal currently is serving aboard Medsker (M.Ed.) is a guidance three children, Erin, 19, Sean, 18, for the 7th Congressional District in the USS john C. Stennis, which is counselor at Westwood High School and Colleen, 14. Illinois. Mark decided to make his engaged in the war against terror­ in Massachusetts and has two chil­ first run at public office because he ism .... Mark Veals is a controller dren, Shawn, 2, and Hannah, 1. ... 1978 says the district is represented by for a real estate developer in Portland. Julie Cowan Novak (D.N.S.) UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI career politicians and needs a fresh Mark and wife Maureen have a recently was named president of the Anne Carey Brandt (M.Ed. perspective. daughter, Haley, 1. National Association of Pediatric '80) is in her 18th year with the Nurse Associates and Practitioners, Julian Union School District as a 1984 GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI an organizarion of 6,200 pediatric special programs coordinator and UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Michael G. Vranicar Q.D.) prac­ nurse practitioners who ptovide pri­ special education counselor. Anne Vincent Kasperick is founder tices patent litigation with Fi cch, mary health care to children. Julie and her three daughters, Courtney, and president of AIMLOAN.com, Even, Tabin and Flannery in Chicago. and her husband, Bob, have three 18, Catherin e, 15, and Caileen, 11, an Internet mortgage company chat college-age sons, Andrew, Nick and live in Ramona, Calif. ... Sylvia offers discount mortgages and realty 1988 Chris. Ferrer-McGrade (M.Ed. '79) services. GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI teaches kindergarten at Dingeman Maureen Orey (M.Ed.) is a Elementary School in San Diego. 1985 regional manager for the American UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Society for Training and Development. 1979 Bob Infantino Jr. recently was Maureen works from her home GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI named associate dean of undergrad­ office in Spring Valley, Calif. , and Mace Yampolsky Q.D.) recen tly uate programs at the University of travels to 19 Western states working was certified as a trial advocate by Maryland, and also will serve as the with ASTD chapters. the National Board ofTrial director of che biological sciences 1990 Advocacy, the only national board program. Bob and his wife, Doris 1989 UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI certification for trial attorneys. Campo-Infantino, have two chil ­ UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Richard and Kimberly Hell live dren, Ann Marie, 17, and James, 7. Kathleen (Kelley) and David in Monterey, Calif., where Richard Pugh moved to Virginia in June, is in private practice as a gastroen­ GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI where Dave is a lieutenant com­ rerologist. Kim is caking a break Doug Kroll (M.A.) received a mander in the U.S. Coast Guard. from her nursing career to be a full­ Ph.D. in history from Claremont Kathleen is at home raising their time mom to their son Johann, 2. Graduate University in 2000, and three children, Kelley, 7, Kacie, 6, .. .William Sheibner recently teaches history at the College of the and Evan, 2 .... Michelle Quinn completed a two-year assignment in Desert in Palm Desert, Calif. ... 1980 Robert Santillan (M.A.) is GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI director of special education with Capt. Charles Mount (M.Ed.) the Santa Ana Unified School District. is commanding officer of rhe Naval WHAT IS IT? (from page 5) School Sciences in Portsmouth, Va., 1986 It is the statue of Our the Navy's largest medical training GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI Lady of Grace, which command for physician assistants Carlos Juarez (M.A.), an adjunct rises 11 feet above The and hospital corps staff. Charles pre­ faculty member at USO from 1994- lmmaculata dome and viously was commanding officer of 96, is an associate professor of polit­ weighs nearly five tons. the Naval School of Heal ch Sciences ical science and academ ic coordina­ Created by artist Chris in San Diego. tor for international studies at Hawaii Mueller, it has been long­ Pacific University in Honolulu. rumored that he used then 1982 Carl os, who received his doctorate budding actress as a model for the UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI from UCLA, was a Fulbright schol­ statue's face. When it was Gilbert March recently left ar in Mexico, 2000. lowered in place by a heli­ Pitney Bowes after 12 years for copter on Dec. 8, 1958, the additional training and a job search 1987 statue almost failed to in information technology, and says UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI reach its target - a gust of he'd love to move back to San Diego. Sharon Amend is the U.S. tax wind from Tecolote Canyon As a new class correspondent, Gilbert manager for Science Applications caught the helicopter, encourages his former classmates to International Corp. in San Diego . ... which lurched several feet, e-mail him wirh their news at Arian Collins recently published nearly hitting the church NT4mcp99@hocma il.com. a novel, F/,amma! Sword ofa Double- roof.

28 USD MA GAZ INE lnsranbul, Turkey, and now works at 1996 TELL US ABOUT IT the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Send class notes co either your class correspondent Elizabeth (Khan) Boyd and or one of the following addresses, and we'll get GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI husband Johnny li ve in Sc. Louis, it in USO Magazine as soon as possible. Class Janet (Gaunt) Coover is a where she works at a CPA firm. notes are edited for space, and only wedding counselor at La Presa Middle School Elizabeth recently earn ed her mas­ information, not engagements, will be published. in La Mesa, Calif She has two step­ ter's degree in taxation from Golden E-mail: [email protected] sons, Paul and Jeff, wirh husband Gate University. Steve. USO Magazine 1998 Publications Office 1991 UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI University of San Diego UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Valerie Franz:iska is a United 5998 Alcala Park Danielle (Sherman) Kaplan Airlines flight attendant... . Amy San Diego, CA 921 I 0 (M.B.A. '00) is the accounting man­ Knoten is working on a master's ager at Molecular Simulations, Inc. degree in European studies and in San Diego. She and husband Ron international economics from Johns are che parents of a daughter, Rachel Hopkins University. After a year in Fortune '9S married Mark Lilley ... Tom Gabon '99 wed Angi Vest Leah. Bologna, Italy, she will finish her on 0cc. 6 in Phoenix. The couple las t September in Boulder, Colo .... work in Washingron, D.C. ... Julie bought a home in , where Erin Fleming '01 married Steven GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI Shepard received a $20,000 grant Mark works for a Web site design Block on Sepe. 15 at che Quail Candace (Browning) ro pursue her elementary school company and Kari is in a communi­ Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, Easterling is working on her teaching credential and master's cations position . ... Ryan Az:lein '96 Calif The co uple live in Encinitas reachi ng credential at Cal Scare San degree in education at Pepperdine married Nicole Castillo on June 22 and Erin works in Del Mar, Calif, Marcos. She and her husband are University. in Camarill o, Calif The couple live where she is an administrative assis­ raising two boys, Gabriel and in Woodland Hills, Calif Nicole tant fo r a company called Verticalband, Dominic.... Peter "Chris" teaches kindergarten and Ryan, who Led .... Robin Perkins '01 wed Hove is a vice president of com­ \ ~v' -~-. graduated from U.C. Berkeley Ben Mosley '00 in Founders . ' '- .1 ~\ mercial banking at rhe First - ':I . - School of Law in 1999, works in a Chapel in June. The couple live in National Bank of Omaha. ~ Los Angeles law firm .... Jodie Del Rio, Texas, where Ben is a sec­ .....· ,;T. . - - I Dawson '96 married Sean ond lieutenant in the Air Force and 1993 2000s Flannery '96 on June 16 in Robin is a dance instructor. UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Founders Chapel. ... Nicole Curtis Foust (M.B.A. '95) lives 1001 Messineo '96 was married co GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI in West Virginia and is a contract­ UNDERGRADUATE' ALUMNI Sean Anthony of Licrlecon, Colo., Patti Garcia '89 (J.D.) married ing officer for the United Scares Brianna Tatarian has been on Nov. 3 in Founders Chapel. Frank Thomas on May 6 in Sc. Department of the Interior. He has named a travelling consultant for N icole is an attorney with Tobin John, one of rhe U.S. Virgin Islands. plans co visit Europe this summer. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. Lucks, a workers compensation Patti is a San Diego Superior Court .. . Jennifer (Gardner) Wiede I She will visit more than 30 chapters defense firm in Irvine, Calif, and Commissioner and Frank is a mar­ and husband Courtney live in New of the fratern ity, assisting in chapter Sean is a golf professional. The keting executive for Claricas. Zealand. T he couple travel exten­ organization and programming. couple li ve in San Clemente, Calif sively and Jennifer reports they have ... Tamela Bernhart '97 wed had many fun adventures . ... West Reese on 0cc. 5 at the Grand A ngela (Haddad) Olson is a Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawai i. The teacher in Las Vegas. couple live in downtown San Diego, where Tamela is director of public 19 94 relations for a construction firm and UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI West is a branch manager fo r a Debbie Presson earned her mas­ Hertz equipment rental score .... UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI ter's degree in counseling from UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI Heather Parker '98 married Jill (U' Ren) Ramar '87 and her Loyola Marymount University and Edward Bahny '92 wed Janna Daniel Piombo on Nov. 3 in La husband, Dan, celebrated che birth reaches Spanish in Palos Verdes, Copley on Aug. 25 in Beverly H ills, Jolla, Calif. They live in San Diego, of their first child, Nathan Daniel, Calif Calif The couple honeymooned in where Heather is a certified public on 0cc. 15. T he family lives in Belgium and Iraly and make their accountant for Bruno, Mack & Santa C ruz, Calif ... Kiersten 1995 home in Hermosa Beach, Calif Ed Barclay, and Dan is a tax specialise (Schwoob) Light '88 and her UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI is a probate and elder law attorney for RSM McGladrey. ... Amy husband, Adrian, welcomed their Lisa (Rigney) Teves and hus­ and Janna works in production for Willmon '98 and Dominic second child, Benjamin Colwell , on ba nd Larry are parents co twin TNT original movies .... Vicki Repetti •oo married on Aug. 18 Nov. 10. Benjamin joins sister daughters and a son. The family Cz:arz:asty '9 S married Charles in Santa Barbara, Calif The couple Sophie, 3. Kiersten is a program lives in San Diego. Ailey on 0cc. 20 in San Diego. recently bought a house in manager with Agilent Technologies T hey now li ve in Panama City, Fla., Encinitas, Calif Dominic is an in Santa Rosa, Calif ... Meredith where Charles is stationed ar investment broker for A.G. Edwards Manning '90 and Jeff Youel '91 Tyndall Air Force Base. Vicki is che in La Jolla, Calif, and An1y is a celebrated the birth of their daughter, director of catering ar Edgewater third grade reacher at a private Alexandra, in February. T he fami ly Beach Resort in Panama City school in San Diego. She currently resides in Carmel Valley, Calif ... Beach, Fla .... Karen "Kari" is finishing her master's in education. continued on page 32

SPRING 2002 29 ALUMNI GALLERY

AUTHOR E. HUGHES

WARDS

SD GRADUATES KNOWTHEIR campuses and helped build USD into one of Davis, a pair of brothers who employ thou­ DIPLOMA MEANS MORE THAN southern California's premier Catholic uni­ sands in Mexico and South Ame rica, and a UA UNIVERSITY EDUCATION - ve rsities, the award highlights the professional nurse who travels the world delivering med­ it signals a lasting commitment to service and accomplishments of a graduate from each of ical supplies to some of its poorest residents. community. Each yea r, the un ive rsity recog­ the five schools - arts and sciences, educa­ The honorees will be recognized at a nizes five alumni who live out that mission by tion , law, business and nu rsing. black-tie gala on May I I at the Manchester honoring them with the Author E. Hughes This year's recipients include a prominent Grand Hyatt in San Diego, and all alumni are Career Achievement Award . law enforcement official, an educator who invited to attend. For tickets and information, Named fo r the president emeritus who brings community service into the cl assroom, call (619) 260-4819. led the merger of USD 's men's and women's the chief of staff for Californ ia Gov. Gray

School of Business ~ Andres '94 (M.B.A.) & David '97 (M.I.B.) Garza Herrera Owners, Xignux Corporation

Ir seems as if Judy Rauner has Brothers Andres and David Garza H errera came been training all her life fo r her ro USO ro learn about intern ati onal business career. As a yo ung girl , when a and fin ance, using rhose lessons ro expand the Rood hit her smal l Iowa home­ company starred by their fa ther and ro help ir town in the lare 1940s, Rauner flourish in a nati on that only recently opened irs convinced rhe local Red Cross ro borders ro co mperion. allow her ro volunteer, even The siblings own Xignux, a Mexican company though she was under-age. Since rhar sells aura parrs, li ghting, chemicals, food, that day, she has carved a life path cable and electrical goods in more than 40 coun­ centered on giving back to her tries. Xignux has fi ve divisions and more rhan community. 24,000 employees working in 35 manufac turing For the pas t 16 years, Rauner facilities and 50 distribution centers in Mexico, has directed US D 's community David Garza Herrera the United Scares, Argentina and Brazil. service-learning program , which "When rhe company was first starred in 1956 by my father, Mexico had puts students ro work in sur­ a closed economy," Andres says. "When Mexico starred opening its economy rounding neighborhoods as pare of co rhe world in 1985, we began forming partnerships and di versify ing." their holistic educati on. Students Andres ove rsees rhe co mpany's wire and harness branch within rhe aura volunteer ar juvenil e hall , rhe parrs division. David heads rhe power and Linda Vista Teen Center, Kearny High School and rhe Tecolore Canyo n Nature cable department within rhe wire and cable Reserve, and serve as marh , language and computer tutors, recreational assis­ division. Under rhe leadership of thei r tants and H ead Starr aids ro children ar nearby elementary and middle schools. brother, Eugenio Garza, rh e co mpany's chief When Rauner came ro USO, only one offi cial service project - a seni or citi­ execurive offi cer and pres ident of rhe board , ze n vo lunteer program - was on rhe books . The program now includes three rhe business has tripled in sales since 1994. sraff members, 20 student AmeriCorps volunteers, 40 student volunteer lead­ The co mpany's nex t goal is ro launch opera­ ers, 1,200 student classroom volunteers, 1,000 students vo lunteering outside of tions in C hina. rheir course work, and l 00 work-srudy srudenrs. "We are ve ry pleased and honored ro have "For me, rhis type of work is nor a career bur a vocation," says Rauner, who been selected fo r th is award ," Andres says. will retire from USO in June. "We address real projects and we do it by com­ "We fee l we are re presenting our university bining service and learn ing. To see rh e tremendous co ll aboration and rh e recip­ and our co untry, and we fee l a need ro suc- rocal learning among students and neighbors has been such a joy. " ceed nor only fo r ourselves, bu t for US O .'' Andres Garza Herrera

30 US O MAGAZ I NE School of Nursing 3 Ruth Grendell '81, '91 (M.N.Sc., D.N.Sc.) Nursing Professor

As a nursing professor for 18 Diego more than 30 years years at Poi nt Loma Nazarene ago, joined the Federal Uni ve rsity, Ru th Grendell knew Bureau of Inves tigation her education transform ed stu­ and fo und a lifetime calJ ­ dents in to nurses who someday ing. The culmination of would be on the front-lines of his career came fi ve years health care. Bu t as a nurse, she ago, when he returned co missed that feeling of nurturing his hometown as the spe­ a soul back to heal tl1 . cial agent in charge of the To chat end, Grendel! blended San Diego and Imperial her nursing ski lls witl1 community co unties FBI field office, service by organizing yearly the 11th largest office in expeditions ro provide heal th the nation. education and im munizations in Ac any given rime, remote villages and missions in Gore supervises more South Am eri ca, Afri ca, C hina than 250 agents investi­ and rhe Navajo reservation in ga ting about 1,000 open Arizo na. cases. After the terrorist Grendel! and her nursing stu­ attacks of Sept. 11 , his dents brought medical supplies responsibilities expanded into examining San Diego connections to the attacks, and nursing texts to hospitals in unearthing information about potential securi ty threats in the region and pro­ India, where there was no electri city or ru nning water and the most recent tecting against future attacks. medical books were 30 years old. She caught villagers in the Andes moun­ "Everybody in the FBI is acutely aware of the immense responsibility that tai ns in Peru how to brush their teeth, and offered info rmation about has been placed upon them since Sept. 11 to not lee ir happen agai n," Gore nutrition and hygiene to rural farmers in the Philippines, who were living said in a recent USD Magazine article. in refugee camps after los ing rheir homes in a vo lcanic eruption. Most Gore, a former naval aviator, joined the FBI in 1970 and investigated bank recently, GrendelJ traveled to China with a group char raises funds fo r ro bberi es, fugitives, bombings and hij acki ngs at offices in Kansas City and humanitarian projects and investigated how so me of the country's orphan­ Seattle. As part of the bureau's National Securi ty Division, he helped imple­ ages were using that funding. ment the historic Foreign Intelligence Su rveillance Act, which shifted authori ty W hile she knows tl1at she can't cure all the ills of the world, Grendel! fo r wiretaps in counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism investigations from does what she can to make a difference. the FBI director and the attorney general to a panel of federal judges. "I have to know that while I was there I did something chat impacted In 1988, Gore was the FBI representati ve to the National War College, the li ves of the students or the people I treated," says Grendell, who now where he specialized in the study of Eas tern Euro pe. In 1994, he was appointed reach es nursing part time at the Uni versity of Phoenix campus in San as one of nine national assistant FBI direcrors and put in charge of the Diego. "Perhaps it had enough of an impression on the students chat mey Ins pection Division, which evaluates FBI field offices around the world. will have more compassion in their work. " W hen he arrived at the San Diego office, Gore undertook a crime survey of Dottie C rummy, chai r of the nurs ing department at Point Loma the region, resulting in rhe formation of a cybercrimes squad ro address high­ Nazarene Uni versity, says Grendel! helped make her students become better tech fraud, embezzlement and espionage. Gore also founded a Joint Terro rism nurses. "When students come back from a trip wim Ruth, mey have such Task Force and continues cooperative international efforcs ro combat drug traf­ an appr,;ciacion fo r what we have in America chat it changes their li ves fi cking and medical fraud on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. fo reve r.

Lynn Schenk sought a career promoting sions when I dared to take a risk, to face women's rights, and her name has been asso­ doubters and even ridicule to stand up fo r ciated with many ''firsts" - she was San what I believe in because it was the right thing Diego Gas and Electric's first female attor­ to do. " ney before working as special assistant to Schenk's husband fo r the pas t 30 years, vice presidents Nelson Rockefeller and School of Law Professor Hugh Fri edman, Walter Mondale, she was me fus e woman to says he's pleased chat the school had a ro le represent San Diego in the House of in fas hioning such an alumna. Representatives, and she is the first woman "I've al ways felt that Lynn was very to serve as chief of staff to a California governor. special in the kinds of talents and gifts she Schenk, who has been Gov. Gray Davis' possesses, and her motivation to use chem chief of staff and senior policy adviser since to make a difference in people's li ves, " 1998, describes her job in two words: "cri sis Fri edman says. manage r. " She was deeply involved in nego­ "O ver the span of her career, it has prob­ tiatio ns wim power companies duri ng ably been her service to me equal ity of Cali fo rnia's recent energy crisis, she devel­ opportunities fo r women that has made me oped che governor's agi ng wim digni ty ini­ mos t impact," Fri edman says. "[ know if ir tiative, and she has worked on expansion of wasn't fo r Lynn mere wo uld be a lot fewe r the state's trai n service and safe skies program. women holdi ng public positions and sitting "The as pect of my career of which I am as judges ." mos t pro ud," Schenk says, "are th e occa-

S P RI NG 2 00 2 31 ALUMNI GALLERY Class Correspondents If your class does not have a correspondent and you would like to volunteer, please contact USO Magazine at (619) 260-4684, or e-mail Births, continued from page 29 In Memoriam us at [email protected]. If your class has a correspondent, please send news directly to him Robert La Flamme '91 , a cap­ The Rev. Patrick or her, or e-mail notes to [email protected]. tain in the U.S. Army, and his wife, Cahill, director of Kristin, had their second child, a achlecics from 1979 to 58 Nadine G. Thomas 87 Niamh Foley-Homan daughter named Katja Alina, on 1988, passed away Feb. 252 Willow Lake Dr. 158 Jones Street Oct. 10 in Wiesbaden, Germany.... Aiken, S.C. 29803 Middletown, R.I. 02842 5 at Sr. John's Hospice [email protected] [email protected] Lara (Smith) Blair '93 and her in Springfield, Ill. He husband, Dave, welcomed their sec­ 61 Dennis Halloran 89 Colleen Blackmore was 69. Rev. Cahill guided the tran­ 23896 Taranto Bay 6910 Blue Orchid Lane ond daughter, Rachel Mae, in August. sition ofUSD achlecics from Monarch Beach, CA 92629 Carlsbad, CA 92009 Rachel and sister Kacie hang our Division II to Division I in 1979 [email protected] [email protected] with mom as she cakes a hiatus from with the school's acceptance into 62 Patricia W (Young) Williams 91 Glenn Hickok reaching .... Julie (Underhill) the West Coast Conference, and 3157 Evening Way #B 805 Ramsey Sr. Butscher '93 and her husband La Jolla, CA 92037 Alexandria, VA 22301 was respons)ble for adding men's, [email protected] USD 1991 [email protected] welcomed their first child, Andrew and womens cross country, mens Underhill, on June 20. The fami ly 64 Delle Willett Startin 92 Mike Williams soccer and softball as intercollegiate 2440 Caminito Venido 1020 Honeysuckle Drive lives in Littleton, Colo .... Heather spores. He was inducted into the San Diego, CA 92107 San Marcos, CA 92069 R. (Schroeder) Cook '93 and USO Athletics Hall of Fame in [email protected] [email protected] husband Rory were blessed with 1995 for his tireless work on behalf 67 Joseph Walker 93 K. Hays (Fraim) Padrnos their first child, Riley Benjamin, last of US D's spores programs. Rev. 715 Sourh 32nd Street 9832 Crysrallo Court spring. The parents are optometrists Renron, WA 98055-5097 Parker, CO 80134 Cahill left USO in 1988 to serve at [email protected] [email protected] in the same Portland, Ore., office .... Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Neal '94 and Gina (Hamilton) 73 Michael Aeling 94 Lauren (Riaski) Young Vegas, which he left in 1996 to 48 Darlene Street 7948 E. Vassar Drive Meyer '93 welcomed their daugh­ become pastor of Sr. Jude Catholic Sr. Paul, MN 55119 Denver, CO 80231 ter, McKenzie Dakin, on Oct. 27. Church in Rochester, Ill. Memorial [email protected] [email protected] Neal is a scout for the Portland donations can be made to: Sr. 75 Will iam Jude Uberri 95 Eric Ludwig Trailblazers of che NBA. ... Jenna Viator High School Scholarship 212 Sunset Dr. 16372 Sarape Drive (Barkema) Roos '93 and her Novato, CA 94949 San Diego, 92128 Fund, 1212 East Euclid Ave., [email protected] [email protected] husband, Jim, celebrated the birch Arlington Heights, IL 60004 . ... of their second child, a daughter 79 John Furr 96 Joy Deutsch Richard v. Aborjaily '73 O.D.) [email protected] 12604 Carmel Country Road, No. 20 named Carson Taylor, on 0cc. 24. passed away June 29 in Enfield, 81 Lisa Sill San Diego, CA 92130 She joins brother Evan James, 3. N.H., after a battle with cancer. He 10720 Ohio Avenue, #12 [email protected] The family currently resides in was 52. After graduating from the Los Angeles, CA 90024 97 Colleen Engel Johnson Temecula, Calif., where Jenna is a School of Law, Richard practiced 82 Gilbert March 11 763 Wesrview Pkwy stay-at-home mom . ... Cortney [email protected] San Diego, CA 92126 law in Boston and in 1977 began [email protected] (Collins) Royer '93 and hus­ working for New Hampshire Legal 83 Rick Sanchez band Carrin celebrated the birch of [email protected] 98 Elizabeth Himchak Assistance. He lacer opened his own 11334 Capilla Road their daughter, Bella Wilson, on practice and taught at Vermont Law 84 Norma Samaniego San Diego, CA 92127 489 Pescado Place Nov. 14 . ... Jay Vigeland '94 and School as an adj unct professor. He [email protected] his wife, Kristen, celebrated the Encinitas, CA 92024 is survived by his wife, Cynthia; two [email protected] 99 Sara Strauhal birch of their son, Theodore John, 656 Wick Avenue daughters, Loren Griffin and 85 Karie (O'Rourke) Delano known as T.J., in August. Jay is a Youngstown, OH 44502 Amerin Aborjaily; and a grandson . .. . 425 Yale Avenue [email protected] director of marketing in Camarillo, Peggy (Metscheller) Parker '71 Coalinga, CA 93210 Calif., and Kristin is a stay-at-home [email protected] 00 Scott Bergen passed away Jan . 24 in Ramona, 1712 E. Chevy Chase Dr. Apr. B mom who says she's raising their Calif., afrer a battle with non­ 86 Shannon Smith Glendale, CA 91206 520 E. 76rh Sr. future USO student. ... Adrienne Hodgkins lymphoma. She was 54. [email protected] (Gazzano) Steenblock '97 and No. 12-B Peggy received her bachelor's degree New York, NY 10021 0 I Christine Morschman her husband, Kurr, welcomed their in history and met her husband, ssmirh321 [email protected] 8544 Whitefish Circle second child, Carson, on Sept. 6. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Bruce, while at USO. The co uple Cmorsch0 [email protected] Carson joins big brother Jackson, 3. have two sons, Matthew and Eric. The family lives in San Diego.

GRADUATE AND LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI Barry Stewart Mann '89 (M.F.A.) and wife Sheri Mann Save the Date: Nov. 8 - 10 Stewart welcomed their second son, Homecoming and Reunions 2002 Royce Career Mann, on Oct. 29 . Barry is an actor, storyteller and arcs Event Chair: Richie Yousko '87 educator in , Ga . ... Gillian Volunteers are encouraged to participate in reunion planning for the following Albert '96 (M.Ed.) and husband classes: 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, I 982, 1987, 1992, 1997. James celebrated the birch of their If you are not celebrating a reunion and would like to volunteer, we would love second son, Michael Jason, on Jan. 11. to have you join the 2002 Homecoming Committee. For more information, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (619)260-4819.

32 USD MAGA Z I N E Janet Rogers, continued from page 9 "He was a quadriplegic," Rodgers recalls. SAT, continued from page 17 "My heart just went out co him. He had co "There are so many ways nurses can have absolutely everything done for him. He "If some schools move co ocher measures, contribute co health care," she says. "The was so vulnerable, humiliated, sad, embar­ the SAT will still be around," says Pultz, who increased role of the nurse practitioner in rassed. I had always known I wanted to work says USD sets no minimum SAT score and recent years, for example, has dramatically with people and it was then I realized I wanted does not require students ro cake SAT II tests. improved heath care delivery in the United co be in a position to help people like chat "The number of college applicants is growing States. One of the wonderful things about the young man, to make sure they got the respect every year, and there are more students who sec USD program is we prepare nurses who will they deserved." their sights on just one school. In chat climate, not only help fill these new roles, but work co Rodgers worked for six years as a psychiatric the SAT score is one more thing that can set a find newer ones." nurse before her alma mater, Wagner College, student apart from their classmates. " Rodgers also led the uphill battle co create a contacted her about teaching a class. She had Although Pultz doubts that Atkinson's pro­ nursing Ph.D . Years earlier, Palmer had fought little interest in reaching, but gave it a shot. posal will change much at USD, the UC presi­ ro establish the doctorate in nursing science, or "I loved every minute of it," she says. "I dent's speech was met with praise by chose who D.N.Sc., an advanced degree that emphasizes went back to school to get a Ph.D. and have deride the competitiveness of the SAT process clinical expertise. Some in universiry adminis­ been fascinated by education ever since." and claim the test favors higher-income students, tration felt that degree was sufficient, but As an educator, Rodgers implored her faculry who have the money for test-prep courses and Rodgers never wavered in her belief that the and students to find ways co serve San Diego's can rake the test many times. Atkinson also nursing school should offer students the oppor­ residents. Her main focus has been on outreach faced criticism from those who believe the UC tuniry co do the original research that is efforrs to women, underserved populations and system would be ·abandoning an important required for a Ph.D . the international nursing communiry. standard. In the middle, most counselors say the change won't have a great impact on the nation's elite colleges, or the students trying co "Creating the Ph.D. was a major step forward for get into them. the school, and it was Janet's determination that "The realiry is chat if it's not the SAT, it will made it possible." - Mary Jo Clark, associate dean be something else," says Bonnie Laughlin, a I high school counselor with 25 years of experi­ ence in public and private schools. "I'd rather 'There is definitely a need in the profession "The meaning of the word communiry in see students spend time on the ski lls that will fo r people with a doctorate in nursing science San Diego has changed, and we have tried to help chem in the future, but in any standard­ degree, because that hands-on expertise is so change with it," she explains. "San Diego is an ized testing environment there will be a certain crucial," Rodgers says. "But it is important for international ciry, so we encourage internation­ amount of game playing, of students trying both the school and the profession to offer a al students to come here, and for our students just to beat the system." program tl1at breaks new ground and advances co study abroad. We are a border ciry, so we But what happens when the system beats the science. We needed it co put us on the map developed a Latino health care program ro the student? If a student scores lower than he with ocher major nursing programs." address those needs. We work with the home­ or she expects on the SAT, Pultz and Laughlin Rodgers campaigned, cajoled, charmed and, less, Alzheimer's patients and their families, say the most important thing is for parents and on occasion, twisted a few arms, and in 1998 migrant workers, and African American, Hispanic students not to believe the world is coming to the USD board of trustees approved the doctor and Filipino fami lies. an end. Taking the test once more might help, of philosophy in nursing. Mary Jo Clark, the 'The reason I got into nursing in the first but it's not advisable to take it five or six rimes, school's associate dean, says Rodgers virtually place was to help people," she adds, "and these because every score gees sent to colleges where willed the program into existence. kinds of efforts seem to be a very logical exten­ the student applies, and the slew of scores "She worked hard for the support we need­ sion of chat." might raise a red flag. ed, and cleared the way for faculry to both do Rodgers approaches retirement with the Finally, if che near-perfect score still isn't their own research and ro supervise that of our same energy she brought to her job at USD. there, don't panic, take another look. Among students," Clark says. "Creating the Ph.D . was While she intends co spend more time with the thousands of colleges and universities in a major step forward for the school, and it was Terry, her husband of 40 years, and indulge her America, there's more than one good match for Janet's determination that made it possible." passion for gourmet cooking, she is not about every student. Savvy high school counselors The new degree program already has shown co abandon her dedication ro nursing. She and college guid es almost always have a list of di vidends. In the 1990s, USD won almost plans to increase her acciviry on the Scripps hidden gems, those non-name-brand schools $4.5 million in nursing research grants, an Health board of trustees, helping ro run the that provide an excellent education. And to impressive figure for a school with an enroll­ largest health care system in San Diego. admissions officers, finding the right students ment a fraction of the size of its competitors. Rodgers also plans to keep in close contact for their college - students who will be happy And the school began co attract top students with chat universiry on a San Diego hill, the and successful - is much more than just look­ who only a few years before might never have one that she once had no interest in leaving the ing at SAT scores. considered USD. East Coast co visit. "I have seen kids devastated chat they didn't Rodgers was never one to sit in an ivory "USD is a beautiful place," she says, "and I gee into their first-choice school, and then rower. She began her career as a staff nurse at don't mean just the buildings. There is a sense come back and tell me they're ecstatic after a the New York Psychiatric Institute and always of respect for others here and the different year at their second-or third-choice school," remembers the reason she chose the profession work they do chat is truly special. I always says Laughlin. "If I could tell every parent and - ro help otl1ers. While in high school, thought I was an East Coaster through and student one thing, it's that your li fe does not Rodgers met a patient who galvanized her through, but USD and San Diego are so much revolve around what school you gee into, it's decision, a 19-year-old man who had been a part of me now, I can't imagine being any­ what yo u do when yo u get there." + in a motorcycle accident. where else. " +

SPRING 2002 33 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Dorm Life Isn't Such a Bad Life for this Professor Some may think he's crazy, but for Rafik Mohamed, assistant professor ofsociology, living among students in a dormitory the past 18 months has been an eye-opening experience. Mohamed is participating in the pilot Faculty in Residence program, which places faculty in residence halls to encourage the intellectual climate and academic involvement ofstudents living on campus. His positive experience prompted him to reserve a space in USD's newest residence hall, Tecolote Village, which when it opens this fall will feature 14 faculty, staff and graduate assis­ tants living and working alongside more than 300 upperclassmen.

f one more loud parry wakes me up, if I have to break up one more Ifight between drunken fraternity guys, or if I come home one more time to find someone's overindulgence spewed in my threshold, I'm out way around. Heck, if you stroll through the Vistas after 10 p.m. on a of here. No kidding! These college kids are animals and living among week night and peer up into the windows, you'll actually see students them for the past year and a half has been one of the worst lapses in reading and sitting in front of their computers. If you venture into the judgement I've ever made. It ranks right up there with that time when student lounge, you'll find more of the same. Disgusting isn't it? What I was 12 and thought my Shazam Halloween costume would really ever happened to trashing the dorms and drinking games and all that enable me to Ay out of my second-story bedroom window. other scuff that we tend to remember as typical of college life? That is what I thought I would be saying of residence hall life when I'm sure these things still exist or else it wouldn't be college. However, I applied for USD's Faculty in Residence program in spring 2000. After living an1ong the students in the Vistas has given me the opportunity to all, it had been more than 10 years since I lived an1ong college students remember the other aspects of campus life that don't stand out in my and, back then, I was one of them. But I had promised myself when I memory as much. I had almost forgotten staying up lace to scay on top began reaching that I wouldn't be one of those professors who alienated of my reading, or surrounding myself with stacks of reference materials himself from his students. So, in exchange for free room and board and to crank out research papers. I had equally forgotten how college life providing 10 to 12 hours per week of interaction and programming in introduced me to different people, different cultures and to some of the the residence hall, I believed I could avoid being one of those old, stiff friends I have today. professors that I dreaded as a student. Most important, living on campus as faculty has allowed me to con­ Still, I was hesitant even after nect with students on levels tl1at are generally unavailable in the more "The students didn't party speaking with Rick Hagan, direc­ genteel settings of academe. I have the opporcuniry to talk with them tor of residence life, who assured about their thoughts and concerns, both inside and outside of the class­ incessantly. I never came me that college kids were not as room. They regularly cell me which professors they like and don't like - home to find beer cans litter- unruly as they are so often depicted. and why! They ask me about careers, graduate school and other plans "In face, " he said, "I think you'll be after college. I've been stopped several times in the parking lot or the ing the hallway. It wasn't surprised ac how quiet ic usually hallways and introduced to visiting parents. I also gee to hear the kind 11nimal House' and Rounder is up there." There was the Alcala of music they listen to. I know what TV shows they watch. And yes, I Vista Apartments located at the far even gee weekly updates on Rachel and Joey, Chandler and Monica, and didn't live next door." east end of campus. the rest of the "Friends." Reservations notwithstanding, If I could be so bold as to borrow from the iconic sociologist Erving in the fall I moved in to my one bedroom corner apartment in Goffman, I also get a front row seat to observe tl1eir interaction rituals. I Cuyamaca Hall with a partial canyon view, and prepared for the worst. cell colleagues chis and they still ask, "So, what do you gee out of it?" I But the worst never came. The students didn't parry incessantly. I never cell them that I hopefully get to be a better teacher than I was yesterday, ca.me home to find beer cans littering the hallway. It wasn't "Animal because this interaction constantly equips me with new ways to House" and Flounder didn't live next door. To my knowledge, public approach old topics with, from my point of view, increasingly younger safety has never had to visit my Aoor. Sure, there was the Aying pump­ students. kin incident last November, but for the most part, my experience has As I'm writing this, it's a particularly warm Thursday night and I'm been largely contradictory to what both I and most of my colleagues sitting in front of my open window listening to the coyotes frolicking in might have expected. the canyon and checking out tl1e lights across the way from my partial The trutl1 is, I'm usually awake after most of the students have canyon view. Hold on, what's that I hear? A police helicopter overhead! checked in for tl1e night. It is more likely that I have to watch tl1e vol­ Must be some students causing some trouble! Oh no, my mistake. It's ume level on my stereo out of respect for chem rather than the other just the tram passing by. All is quiet up here in Cuyamaca Hall.

34 USO MA GAZ I NE CALENDAR

For a complete listing, click on the news and events section of USD's Web site at www.sandiego.edu.

APRIL 27 7 Graduate Theater Arts "Afghanistan" 18-21 Production Invisible University event with Bonita Chamberlain, Practicing Peace and Justice The comedy "Psychopathia Sexualis" is performed international businesswoman who worked in that at 8 p.m. nightly through May 4. Studio Theater, nation. 2-3 :30 p.m., Institute for Peace and Justice. Conference & American Free, reservations required. Call (619) 260-4815. Indian Festival Sacred Heart Hall. $8 general, $5 students. The 13th Annual Social Issues Conference, co­ 9 sponsored by the American Indian Educational 30 Festival. Events include a 7:30 p.m.,April 18, talk Celebrating "World Peace is Inevitable" and book signing by Winona LaDuke, Native Robert Muller, chancellor at Universidad de la Paz, American activist, and a 9 a.m., April 19, Kumeyaay Women in Costa Rica, speaks on achieving peace. 5:30-7 p.m., blessing ceremony, followed by a presentation from the Military: Institute for Peace and Justice Auditorium. Free. Albert Smith, WWII Navajo Code Talker. For infor­ Past & mation, call (619) 260-4798. Present 10 Espagnoleta! 21 Invisible University event featuring Kay Khrone, Spanish- and Latino-influenced songs through the Opera Workshop retired Navy commander. ages. Benefit concert for Anne Swanke Memorial Features a variety of scenes from opera, zarzue/a 2-3:30 p.m., Manchester Conference Center. Free, and Sister Rossi Scholarships. USO University and musical theater. 2 p.m., Shiley Theater. $8 gen­ reservations required. Call (619) 260-4815. Choir,Women's Choir and Choral Scholars. 8 p.m. eral, $6 students and seniors, $5 with USO ID. and 2 p.m., May 12. Founders Chapel, Founders Sixth Annual Sister Sally Hall. $8 general, $6 students and seniors, $5 with 23 Furay Lecture USO ID. "Prelude to Kosovo: War & Given by Olivia Ruiz, professor of anthropology, El COLEF-Tijuana, Colegio de la Frontera Norte. 7 18 Peace in Bosnia & Croatia" p.m., Manchester Conference Center, followed by LSAT Prep Course Screening and discussion with the film's director, a reception. Free. (619) 260-4090. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, through June 8. Fee. For John Michalczyk. The film addresses the ideology of information, call (619) 260-4579 or log on to "ethnic cleansing" and resulting massacres. 6:30-8 p.m., www.sandiego.edu/testprep. Institute for Peace & Justice Auditorium. Free. 25-26 24 2 Family Business Forum Commencement Zarzuela! Graduates from the School of Law, undergraduate Breakfast Spanish Baroque opera excerpts performed by and graduate programs receive their diplomas in 7:30-10 a.m., Manchester Conference Center. For USO Choral Scholars with members of San Diego the Jenny Craig Pavilion. See page 7 for times and information, call Jodi Waterhouse, (619) 260-4231 . Baroque, La Monica and the San Diego Opera. details, or call (619) 260-4735. I I :30 a.m. pre-concert lecture, followed by 12: 15 concert. French Parlor, Founders Hall. $8 general, $6 seniors and students, $5 with USO ID. JUNE (619) 260-2280. 24-26 Fourth Annual International Center for Character Education Conference Educators from through­ out the world learn how to raise children USD Symphony Goes of good char­ All-American acter, teach virtues in our Fund-raising concert for USO Symphony Scholar­ 5 schools and ships includes works by American composers Ruth communities, Crawford, Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein and Julia Orange County Alumni and discuss Smith. 8 p.m., Friday, April 26, and 2 p.m ., Sunday, Happy Hour ethics. Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul & Mary fame, is April 28. Shiley Theatre. $8 general, $6 students Join alumni and friends and support USO Alumni featu red. Student winners of the Laws of Life essay and seniors, $5 USO students. Jorge Lujan '91 and Jason Luhan '93, owners of contest will be honored. For information, log on to What's Cooking/ Bistro. 5 p.m.-8 p.m.,What's www.teachvalues.edu. Cooking/ Bistro, 2632 San Miguel , Newport Beach. (949) 644-1820. For information, contact Kelly Kreisle '97, [email protected].

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