Office of Media Relations at the University of San Diego
December 16, 2025 | View in web browser
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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.*
*NOTE: Due to USD's holiday break, the next News Connect will be sent January 6, 2026.
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USD Will Unveil “Angels Unawares” Sculpture, Blessed by Bishop Pham on Thursday
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On December 18, International Migrants Day, the University of San Diego community, alongside Most Rev. Michael M. Pham, Bishop of San Diego, will dedicate and bless a new “Angels Unawares” sculpture in front of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. The “Angels Unawares” sculpture is by the same artist who made a similar piece that was commissioned by Pope Francis and placed in St. Peter’s Square. The sculpture depicts migrants and refugees from different backgrounds standing together on a boat. A pair of angel wings emerge from the middle of the sculpture, a reference to the Bible verse of “entertaining angels unawares” by showing acts of hospitality to strangers. Bishop Pham will preside over a mass at 12:15 p.m. Afterward, a dedication ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. RSVP if you’re interested in attending.
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What Parents Should Know Before Buying Holiday Tech Gifts
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As smart toys and connected gadgets top holiday wish lists, cybersecurity concerns are often overlooked. Nikolas Behar, adjunct professor of cybersecurity, is available to discuss the pros and cons of gifting smart devices to children and families. He can explain how these toys work, the privacy and data risks involved and what parents should look for before buying.
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What Makes Holiday Music So Enduring an Endearing
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It’s that time of year – holiday music is everywhere. Over the years, certain songs have been cemented in the rotation, and a select few have broken through to become new standards. Jeffrey Malecki is the chair of USD’s music department. He can explain the history of holiday music, what qualities make a song uniquely suited for this time of year, and why some songs have endured for so long.
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* Please note that times of availability will vary according to professors' schedules.
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At the Edge of It All: How to Recruit More People Into Teaching
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This week, "At the Edge of It All" was joined by Amanda Roth, PhD, of USD's School of Leadership and Education Sciences. She talked about her journey into teaching, what she finds so rewarding about being in the classroom and how to get more people into the teaching ranks in K-12 and special education. You can watch the episode here.
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Office of Media Relations
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110
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