University of San Diego

University of San Diego Welcome to the official page of the University of San Diego.

06/05/2026

Alumni status unlocked. Celebration mode ongoing. 🎓🎉

06/03/2026

Ebrahim Tarshizi, PhD, MBA, professor of practice and director of the MS in Applied Data Science (ADS) and MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) programs and Erin Cooke, professor of practice in Applied Data Science and Applied Artificial Intelligence programs, joined At the Edge of it All to discuss what AI looks like today, how it works to find information and what precautions you should use before sharing personal information.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly growing, raising important questions in higher education.At the University of San Die...
06/02/2026

Artificial intelligence is rapidly growing, raising important questions in higher education.

At the University of San Diego, faculty, staff and university leaders have been actively engaging with those questions, exploring how AI can support learning while remaining grounded in the university’s commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition, ethics and critical thinking.

By the time ChatGPT 3.5 launched in November 2022, faculty meetings were being convened almost immediately. The provost’s office wasted no time in forming a steering committee to prepare for AI’s evolving impacts.

“Over the last several years, we have jumped from intellectual abstractions about AI to concrete classroom conversations,” said Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, PhD, professor at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and USD’s associate provost for academic strategy and growth.

As AI continues to evolve, so do the conversations taking place across campus. To read more about how the university is navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 🎸 The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science was out at today’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, helpi...
05/31/2026

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 🎸

The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science was out at today’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, helping runners cross the finish line feeling their best after 26.2 miles through America’s Finest City.

From treating blisters and cramps to patching up cuts, our students put their skills into action while supporting thousands of determined athletes.

Congratulations to everyone who completed today’s half and full marathons!

05/29/2026

Exciting news!

The renowned Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the best drama schools in the world in an article published in May 2026.

The program ranked #5 in MFA programs, #8 in the United States and #12 in the world. Since its inception in 1987, it has grown into one of the most acclaimed classical training programs both within and beyond the nation. Each year, seven students are accepted into the highly competitive two-year program, which comes with free tuition and a monthly living stipend.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/usd-mfa-program-2026

USD Department of Theatre

05/29/2026

The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), the parent organization of Semester at Sea, today announced that the University of San Diego (USD) will be

Today, amid the joy of post-commencement celebrations, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave t...
05/25/2026

Today, amid the joy of post-commencement celebrations, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Their sacrifice made possible the freedoms we cherish, including the opportunity to learn, lead with love and pursue our dreams.

🇺🇸

“This version of you, right here, right now, is worth celebrating exactly as they are. You made it.”Congratulations, Col...
05/25/2026

“This version of you, right here, right now, is worth celebrating exactly as they are. You made it.”

Congratulations, College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2026! Don’t forget to tag us in those mid-commencement selfies!

“Always have the courage to try new and difficult things often.”Congratulations, Knauss School of Business Class of 2026...
05/24/2026

“Always have the courage to try new and difficult things often.”

Congratulations, Knauss School of Business Class of 2026!

“If your path looks a little different, that’s okay.If things don’t go according to plan, keep going.And if you fail, it...
05/23/2026

“If your path looks a little different, that’s okay.
If things don’t go according to plan, keep going.
And if you fail, it’s not over.
Because the only way to fail is to stop moving forward.”

Congratulations, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Class of 2026. Keep moving forward 💙

Go be someone for someone 💙Congratulations, School of Law Class of 2026!
05/23/2026

Go be someone for someone 💙

Congratulations, School of Law Class of 2026!

To our graduates who crossed the commencement stage today … go forward and meet every challenge with conviction, courage...
05/23/2026

To our graduates who crossed the commencement stage today … go forward and meet every challenge with conviction, courage and creativity.

05/21/2026

Tresurea “Golden” Nelson-Holmes is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance.

After 10 years in the U.S. Navy and the Honor Guard, she decided to pursue her passion in music which also led her to singing the National Anthem in various arenas.

“USD’s music department is amazing. The first classes I was singing. The first thing I was telling my mother was ‘All my classes I sing. This is amazing’ and she thought that was so cool,” said Nelson-Holmes.

To read more about Nelson-Holmes, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/20/2026

LaTasha Webb is graduating from the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science with a master’s entry program in nursing (MEPN) degree. 

Webb was first inspired to become a nurse in 2018 when she got a call that her grandmother was on life support. 

“I visited her in the ICU … I saw the nurses and saw how well they did with my grandmother, how caring and nurturing they were. I’m happy to say that my grandmother is still here in 2026,” said Webb.

Webb served 21 years in the U.S. Navy before enrolling in nursing school and credits her military experience to building a foundation for her.

At 42 years old and with three kids, Webb says she hopes by going back to school, she is teaching her kids that hard work pays off and that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.

To read more about Webb, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/20/2026

Mercedes Valdez is graduating from the School of Law with a Master of Laws in U.S. Law with a concentration in Taxation.

Valdez was born in San Diego but grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. She earned her law degree from CETYS Universidad in Mexicali.

Valdez first heard about the University of San Diego after USD collaborated with CETYS on a litigation program for Mexican law students. After this program, she decided to pursue a Master of Laws degree in U.S. Law from the University of San Diego to learn about law on both sides of the U.S. Mexico border.

“My interest in law has always been there with me since I was a kid. I’ve always been passionate about defending others and helping guide them through their legal troubles,” said Valdez.

To read more about Valdez, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/20/2026

Each year, USD President James T. Harris III, DEd, swaps places with a student. He attends their classes and extracurricular activities, while the student attends his meetings and campus events.

This year, he switched places with Anna Vermeulen, a swimmer and Knauss School of Business student who used her platform to champion mental health.

“This has been such an incredible experience,” she said. “Seeing all that goes into President Harris’s day and all that goes into the university has been eye-opening.”

Today, the USD community celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Shiley STEM Initiative building. Darlene Marcos Shiley...
05/20/2026

Today, the USD community celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Shiley STEM Initiative building.

Darlene Marcos Shiley, philanthropist and Chair Emerita of USD’s Board of Trustees, pledged a record-breaking $75 million to the university in November 2024 at the Founders Gala. The gift is supporting the construction of the Shiley STEM Initiative building, a 70,000 square foot, three-story facility that will expand USD’s commitment to STEM education.

The building is being constructed next to the Belanich Engineering Center and will feature a multipurpose theatre for events, an ecology zone, maker spaces and more.

Construction is set to begin shortly after Commencement.

To learn more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/18/2026

Max Bringhurst ‘26 (BS) is graduating this year with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Originally from Seattle, Bringhurst chose to attend the University of San Diego to stay on the West Coast, and quickly found a sense of belonging.

“I fell in love with the small class sizes, friendly community and just overwhelming beauty of San Diego in general,” Bringhurst said.

During his time at USD, Bringhurst became involved in undergraduate research in Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Joseph Provost’s lab, studying how two enzymes interact to influence the body’s energy use and metabolism. His work led to an opportunity to present at a national conference this semester.

“It was an incredible experience because I got to present to experts in the field as an undergraduate and have real scientific conversations with people,” Bringhurst said.

To read more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/15/2026

Sage Dobby ’26 (MA) is graduating with a master’s in social innovation from the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and a winning business model in hand.

As a graduate student, Dobby developed her company, Ciao Bella, which specializes in sustainable hair accessories made from pineapple fibers.

She competed in the Fowler Business Concept Challenge with her company, previously known as PiĂąa Designs, and secured a first-place victory.

“Winning that competition was so gratifying,” Dobby said. “I’ve worked on this concept for years and fallen short so many times. To win the Fowler Business Concept Challenge, it really gave me the confidence I needed moving forward.”

To read more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

Teamwork on and off the pitch 🏉 USD Rugby partnered with Operation Bow Tie to collect donation items after the team’s ho...
05/15/2026

Teamwork on and off the pitch 🏉

USD Rugby partnered with Operation Bow Tie to collect donation items after the team’s home match against Air Force to give back to the San Diego community.

Thanks to the generosity of spectators who donated food, hygiene products and clothing items, USD Rugby was able to assemble care packages and make fresh PB&J sandwiches for unhoused individuals in downtown San Diego through Father Joe’s Villages and the Alpha Project.

In the middle of busy schedules, finals, and the end of USD Rugby’s season, the team took time to serve others.

Paul Habeeb shared, “San Diego has given us so much, so we wanted to give back.”

To read more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/14/2026

Vivien Papp ‘26 is graduating with a degree in Integrated Engineering with a concentration in sustainability.

Papp has always been interested in nature and the environment and also about finding solutions to problems. She’s hoping to use the skills gained from her degree and apply it to her environmental passions.

Papp identifies with the Navajo nation tribe which stems from her maternal grandmother who she credits with building her strong interest in nature.

“I would say my interests in sustainability come from my upbringing, my family and my grandmother, in particular. Growing up as an indigenous and taking that identity as a student, has really brought this perspective of the importance of the environment and having this adaptability, sustainable reciprocal relationship with nature,” said Papp.

To read more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

Want to share your USD experience with the world?We’re looking for students to join our Social Media Ambassador Program....
05/14/2026

Want to share your USD experience with the world?

We’re looking for students to join our Social Media Ambassador Program.

Create Instagram Reels and TikToks about campus life, your major, your involvement — and get paid for it! To see all the details and fill out an application, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD Social Media Ambassador’

05/13/2026

Lucia Alcantar ’26 (MEd) is graduating this year with a master’s degree in education from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

Alcantar was born and raised in Culver City. She was inspired to become a teacher by both her family and her early classroom experiences.

“I grew up in a family with some educators in it, particularly my grandma, who was a teacher and principal in El Salvador,” she said. “But I think what really made me want to be a teacher were my past teachers, who had such a wonderful impact on my life, and I knew I wanted to impact others like how they impacted me.”

To learn more about Alcantar, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/12/2026

Celebrating the Class of 2026 🎓💙

Antonio Flores ’26 (MBA) returned to school after navigating career uncertainty, launching a side business and discovering a passion for marketing along the way.

Flores is now pursuing his MBA with a concentration in marketing at the Knauss School of Business, and building a future rooted in growth.

“I really see this degree as a second chance for my career,” Flores said. “It was just a stepping stone to where I am now.”

Flores also serves as a marketing associate and content creator for the Knauss School of Business, gaining hands-on experience to support his career goals.

To read more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

05/11/2026

A final gift from our seniors. 🎓

Commencement is just a few days away… here’s what our Toreros have learned along the way!

Address

5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA
92110

Telephone

+16192604600

Website

https://www.sandiego.edu/social, https://www.facebook.com/usandiego/, https://www.twitter.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University of San Diego posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category