SAN DIEGO — The University of San Diego is celebrating its 75th Anniversary.
In this Zevely Zone, students past and present are sharing the many ways the school is 'Lighting the Way Forward.'
In 1949, Bishop Charles Francis Buddy and Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill envisioned a crown jewel for San Diego on a hill in Linda Vista.
75 years later, Grant Sobek, a junior at USD, can hardly believe his luck. The Scottsdale, Arizona native loves to give tours of the campus on classic San Diego days that are 75 degrees and sunny. "It's 105 in Arizona today," said Grant with a big smile.
Along with great weather, the University of San Diego is attracting national attention.
The Wall Street Journal recently ranked USD one of the top fifty universities in the country.
"Yes, absolutely and there is good reason for that," said Charlotte Johnson who is the Vice President for Student Affairs. "We offer a superb education, we have superb faculty. We are a premiere Catholic university that embraces the entire student and so we believe very much in a holistic education we are not just producing talking heads, the world certainly has enough of those," said Charlotte. "One of the ways that we lead with love is through what we call a Thriving Student Model a holistic program which helps ensure that our students thrive — in mind, body and spirit — and in all aspects, during their time at USD."
CBS 8 has archive footage of the university under construction. It's an ongoing process that continues today. I asked about a large construction project happening on campus right now.
"Yes, right. Very good question that is going to be our new Wellness Center," said Charlotte. The school prides itself on offering something new and old.
The campus was built with 16th-century Spanish Renaissance architecture.
"It is really magnificent," said Sister Virginia Rodee who we met in the Founders Chapel.
"I have called it the hidden jewel of the university," said Sister Rodee.
Sister Gina as she's affectionately called graduated in 1957.
"Well I had no regrets. I feel very blessed for the opportunity of being a student here. It's very important to be happy and I was very happy here," said Sister Rodee.
"I started here as a student in September 1953 and was part of the San Diego College for Women's second full class. Everything was brand new and so beautiful. I was so drawn in. It was a good fit for me. Little did I know that it was just the beginning of my life as a student, as a Religious of the Sacred Heart and later as an assistant vice president for Mission and Ministry. I've been honored to spend so much of my life in this place."
The school's enrollment is the highest ever approaching ten thousand students, but those numbers are still small enough to offer a personal touch.
"I mean the University of San Diego, in particular, your professors know your name," said Professor Dave Pyke.
We met him at the Knauss Center where students are taught to use business as a force for good.
"We are looking to support diverse businesses, minority-owned companies, service-disabled veteran-owned companies, and women-owned companies," said Professor Pyke.
"Our approach is very hands-on. I teach my students about sustainability through projects that give them both a local focus and a global perspective. We call it Changemakers. As we look toward the next 75 years, we're more committed than ever to teaching all students at USD how to be ethical leaders who are dedicated to compassionate service and committed to using what they learn here to make the world a better place."
It's one of many ways USD is Lighting the Way Forward on its 75th Anniversary. "I am loving it, it's the best choice I could have made," said Grant. The friendliest tour guide on campus ended by saying, "I mean you can't beat the place. I mean we are the number one most beautiful place in the country and that definitely inspires you when you wake up for a 7:45 AM class," said Grant. "It's just a happy energy when you are walking through campus."
USD's Student Wellness Center is scheduled to open in the Spring Semester. The school's Homecoming and Family Weekend is October 18th through the 20th. For more information, click here.