University of San Diego
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President Harris
James T. Harris

James T. Harris III, President

November 2026

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Lighting the Way Forward

When Pope Leo XIV released his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas earlier this year, it raised a question worth asking of any university: how should our values guide our approach to artificial intelligence (AI)? To explore it, I participated in a three-week Ethics of AI course at the London School of Economics, joining a cohort of learners from around the world committed to understanding the ethical implications of AI in our respective roles.

What emerged — which I shared in my most recent blog post  — is that, as AI advances, what matters most is human connection and a liberal arts education, both of which are foundational components of a USD education.They manifest in the work of faculty who educate the next generation, in students who take on humanity’s urgent challenges through service, and in an interdisciplinary education that teaches graduates to think across boundaries and ask the right questions. Pope Leo XIV calls education “central” to this moment … and I believe our university is well positioned to meet it.

May those tenets continue to guide how we care for one another, and the communities we serve.

Question of the Day

Plans to establish the University of San Diego can be traced back as early as?

 

A. 1937

B. 1942

C. 1944

D. 1949

 

Think you know? Find the answer below!

Alumni Honors recipients
Alumni Honors recipients

FEATURED STORY

Alumni Honors: Toreros Changing the World

During Homecoming and Family Weekend, USD celebrated six exemplary alumni whose work is changing the world. "It just continues to encapsulate what our alumni look like and who they are," said Eric Hafner, senior director of Alumni Relations. ... Read the Full Story

October 6, Torero Tuesday, University of San Diego

Record Torero Tuesday

Thank you, Toreros! This year, USD's annual day of giving raised more than $4 million. ... Learn More

Humanities Center Leadership

10 Years of the Humanities Center

The Humanities Center opened its doors 10 years ago with a vision. Today those dreams have become a reality. ... Learn More

Students and professor in an engineering lab

Connecting Ideas, Creating Solutions

The Future of STEM Learning is on the Horizon at the University of San Diego. ... Learn More

ALUMNI CONNECTION

Welcome to Banana Land

Max Jung-Goldberg ’22 (BA) grew up going to Disneyland, chasing characters for their autographs. This past March, Jung-Goldberg was the one people were chasing in the theme park. USD Magazine talked to the alumnus about his adventures as a member of the Savannah Bananas. ... Read the Full Story

Max Jung-Goldberg

“That was almost better than the MLB draft,” he said.
“The pure joy of knowing you worked your whole life to find out how far you could take baseball.”

Building from the Sand Up with Derek Olson and Jaden Whitmarsh

AT THE EDGE OF IT ALL

Building from the Sand Up

In this episode of "At the Edge of it All," USD Women's Beach Volleyball head coach Derek Olson, and assistant coach Jaden Whitmarsh take us behind the scenes of the historic launch of San Diego’s first division-one beach volleyball team, starting here at USD in Spring 2027. ... Listen to the Full Episode

Featured Events

Distinguished lecture series Daryl Davis Tuesday, November 10, 6:00 PM, Peace and Justice Theatre, Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice

Distinguished Lecture Series: Daryl Davis

Nov. 10

The Kroc School of Peace Studies presents an evening with musician and peacebuilder Daryl Davis.

 

Fowler Business Concept Challenge

Fowler Business Concept Challenge

Nov. 13

Join us at the Grand Finale of the 2026 Fowler Business Concept Challenge as we celebrate students with entrepreneurial ambitions from across the USD campus.

Inland Empire Torero Club, USD Happy Hour in Palm Desert, Friday November 20, Palm Desert, CA

USD Happy Hour in Palm Desert

Nov. 20

Kick off the Acrisure Series tournament with your Torero family! Join USD alumni, parents and fans for an evening of great conversation, community connection and USD pride.

USD Men's basketball team in a huddle

USD Men's Basketball vs. USC

Dec. 8

Come to Jenny Craig Pavilion for a pregame tailgate before USD takes on USC.

USD Events Calendar
USD Athletics Calendar

USD in the News Highlights

Watch a brief highlight video of USD's appearances in the media during the month of October 2026. Find links to these stories and more on the USD in the News page.

Question of the Day Answer:

C. 1937

The University of San Diego’s history traces back to Feb. 3, 1937 as Bishop Charles Francis Buddy assumed stewardship of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. In March, Bishop Buddy traveled to San Francisco to speak with Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill from the Society of the Sacred Heart. His hope was to join forces with Mother Hill to establish a Catholic College for Women and a Catholic College for Men in San Diego. USD was officially chartered in 1949.

Bishop Charles Francis Buddy and Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill
University of San Diego

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