SAN DIEGO — The University of San Diego is set to receive a large donation from its Chair of Board of Trustees to bolster STEM programs, officials announced Sunday.
The pledge from Darlene Marcos Shiley, philanthropist and Chair Emerita at USD, was reported at $75 million, according to the university.
"It's the largest gift in university history and among the largest ever given to any Catholic university in the country," USD officials said.
According to USD, The gift will touch several different areas of the campus, with an emphasis on creating the "Shiley STEM Initiative," focused on expanding science, technology, engineering and math programs, while also funding new facilities.
Shiley's donation was announced at the Founders Gala, celebrating USD's 75th anniversary.
"Darlene Shiley is one of the most generous and kind individuals that anyone could ever meet. She's always looking out for humanity and the best interests of our society, and she particularly loves our students," USD President James T. Harris III said.
Shiley has been a supporter of non-profits around her home of San Diego. In addition to a number of scholarships and other support for USD, Donald P. Shiley, Darlene's late husband and partner in philanthropy, were behind the Shiley Theatre, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and Donald P. Shiley Center for Science and Technology, the couple's first STEM-related contribution to USD.
"We are a better institution because of Donald and Darlene Shiley and what they've decided to do for this institution and what they've done for this world. In our vision statement we talk about leading with love, and Donald and Darlene Shiley have always led with love," Harris added.
The Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences was said to embody USD's mission to shape leaders with a liberal arts education. Both schools have produced successful alumni in STEM, including two NASA astronauts.
The donation was also intended to meet the needs of growing biotechnology and scientific sectors in San Diego, and to help train future STEM leaders and researchers.
"STEM fields touch all different aspects of our lives, and I believe they can be a force for good in our society," Shiley said. "I was drawn to USD because of its emphasis on a values-based education. This gift fulfills my husband's and my goals and makes me feel like I've made an impact. Now I hope it helps future students take what they learn at USD and make a positive impact of their own."
Shiley's donation was said to have come at a key time for USD, where the number of students majoring in STEM disciplines has grown by 50% in the past decade, according to the university.
The university has a wide curriculum across 16 STEM degrees, and now offers a new integrated STEM space that connects engineering and the natural sciences, as well as expanded opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research.
Shiley's donation will also be directed to other causes, including scholarships and programs benefiting veterans and military connected students, as well as additional funding for the arts, according to the university.
The university's eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Knauss School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education.
In 2021, USD was named a "Laudato Si' University" by the Vatican
