Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
February 25, 2025 | View in web browser

USD News Connect: Connecting Expert Voices to the Stories Impacting Our Community

February 25, 2025

Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego media relations team offers expert voices to speak on stories impacting our community. If you're interested in the stories below, or need experts for any other topic you might be working on, don't hesitate to reach out to us at press@sandiego.edu.*

State Bills Aim to Lower Energy Bills

California legislators are weighing new bills that could curb rate hikes on people’s energy bills. One would force rate hikes to match inflation, while another could limit how companies pass on costs for infrastructure upgrades. Scott Anders is the administrative director of USD’s Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) and Joseph Kaatz is a senior staff attorney at EPIC. They can discuss the ins and outs of these bills, how they could impact Californian’s energy bills, and what they could mean for how energy companies operate.

Boosting Employee Engagement and Organizational Alignment During Federal Cuts

Amid federal budget cuts and potential reductions to national programs, many Americans may be experiencing increased workplace unease or dissatisfaction. Tara Ceranic Salinas, professor of business ethics and department chair of management, specializes in organizational leadership and culture. She is available this week to discuss strategies businesses can employ to support their workforce, ensuring that company missions and values are reflected in organizational culture – fostering alignment and employee engagement during uncertain times.

Black History Month Author Talk

The San Diego Public Library and USD’s Copley Library are hosting their annual Black History Month Author Talk with author Megan Giddings as she discusses her debut novel, Lakewood, at Copley Library on February 25 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For all media inquiries, email our team at

press@sandiego.edu.

* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.

USD Spotlight

The Figures and Meaning Behind Black History Month

This week, "At the Edge of It All" was joined by Kyle Brooks, assistant professor of theology and religious studies. He talked about the history of Black History Month, some of the lesser-known figures behind it, and why it was started in the first place and what it's become. He also talked about Black artists' unique place in American culture, including a discussion about Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime performance. Listen to the podcast here.