Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
May 13, 2025  |  View in web browser

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

May 13, 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.*

USD Commencement Ceremonies Kick Off This Weekend

USD will host its 2025 commencement ceremonies over two weekends, beginning Saturday, May 17. This year, more than 3,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students will be recognized for their academic achievements during five ceremonies held at the university’s Jenny Craig Pavilion. This weekend, School of Law students and graduate students from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences and Professional & Continuing Education will graduate. Please RSVP to press@sandiego.edu before May 17 if you are planning on attending. 

Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2025

Navy veteran Tom Bowers will cross the commencement stage this weekend at USD with a master’s in counseling—a milestone shaped by his journey from Yuma, Arizona, through military service and a growing passion for mental health. After serving as a cryptologic technician in the Navy and witnessing the toll of mental illness, especially during deployment, Bowers is committed to dedicating his career to helping others.

Governor Newsom Unveils Homelessness Plan to Clear Encampments

Governor Newsom has released a statewide model to help cities clear encampments and connect people to shelter, backed by $3.3 billion in new funding. Odilka Santiago, an assistant professor of sociology and co-director of USD’s Urgent Challenges Collective on Homelessness, is available to discuss the plan’s potential impact, including its pros and cons —particularly regarding implementation, housing availability, and the balance between enforcement and care.

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

At the Edge of it All podcast logo

The Athletics Edge: NROTC Student Who Also Competes at the Highest Level

 

This week, “At the Edge of It All” was joined by USD Cross Country runner Kara Curry. In addition to competing for the Toreros, Curry is a part of USD’s NROTC program, pursuing her dream job in the military. She talked about how her parents — military veterans themselves — inspired her. She also discussed what made USD stand out when looking for a school where she could pursue all of her interests. Listen here.

 

USD Media Relations

Lissette Martinez

Lissette Martinez

Senior Director, Media Relations

lissettemartinez@sandiego.edu

Elena Gomez

Elena Gomez

Associate Director, Media Relations

elenagomez@sandiego.edu

Cameran Zech

Cameran Zech

Associate Director, Media Relations

cbiltucci@sandiego.edu

Steven Covella

Steven Covella

Assistant Director, Media Relations

scovella@sandiego.edu

Visit our press hub →

University of San Diego
 

Office of Media Relations

University of San Diego

5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110

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