Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
October 28, 2025  |  View in web browser

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

October 28, 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.*

 

Seasonal Hiring to Fall to Lowest Level Since 2009

According to a recent report by job placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, seasonal hiring in the retail industry is expected to fall to its lowest level since the 2009 recession, which can be an early warning sign that the holiday shopping season could be softer than expected. Alan Gin, associate professor of economics, can explain why companies may not be hiring as many seasonal workers this holiday season, as well as what this means for the strength of the economy heading into 2026.

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

The holidays are around the corner. As we get ready for more gatherings with friends and family, it’s an important time to take steps to keep healthy – especially amid flu season. Kevin Maxwell is a clinical associate professor of nursing at USD and family nurse practitioner. He can give advice on how to stay healthy this winter, and the best practices when it comes to seasonal vaccinations.

Free Family-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat Event at USD

Families are invited to a free trunk-or-treat event at USD’s Eagan Plaza on Wednesday, October 30th at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature decorated car trunks, candy giveaways and festive activities for all ages. Families can come in costume, take photos with Torero student-athletes and spirit squads, and enjoy a fun evening before heading into the Jenny Craig Pavilion to cheer on USD Volleyball, currently No. 1 in the West Coast Conference, as they take on the San Francisco Dons.

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

At the Edge of It All Podcast: The Importance of Mindset in Times of Career and Life Transitions

 

 

Lorri Sulpizio, PhD, director of the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego, sat down with "At the Edge of It All" to discuss the role of mindset and resilience in professional and personal development. In this episode, Sulpizio talks about common challenges such as job loss and career transitions and provides strategies for maintaining stability during those periods of uncertainty. 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

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