Office of Public Affairs at the University of San Diego
April 14, 2026  |  View in web browser

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

April 14, 2026

Good morning newsrooms!

Here's your USD News Connect — where each week the University of San Diego public affairs 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.*

 

Students Get Real-World Experience Helping Local Families Prepare Their Taxes

A class at USD’s Knauss School of Business is partnering with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to give 20 students hands-on experience preparing taxes for community members. Working alongside a local nonprofit, students have been providing free tax help all semester to qualifying residents while building practical skills. Kimberly Krieg, assistant professor of accounting, and a student are available to discuss how the program boosts financial literacy, supports underserved families and prepares students for careers through meaningful, real-world service.

USD Students Compete in the Torero Entrepreneurship Challenge on Wednesday

Five student teams from across the USD campus will compete for $21,000 in seed money at the annual Torero Entrepreneurship Challenge (TECh) on Wednesday, April 15 from 4-6 p.m. virtually. This entrepreneurial competition helps aspiring technology innovators sharpen their venture-building skills and work alongside professors to bring their tech creation from ideation to execution. The winners can use the funds to help launch their own technology-based business. Nikhil Yadav is the program lead and can discuss TECh and why competitions like this are vital for young entrepreneurs. 

Local Nonprofit Leader Runs Boston Marathon to Give Back

The Nonprofit Institute at USD is proud to announce that their Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation, David Carter, has earned a spot alongside a small group of endurance athletes on the 2026 Project Hope Boston Marathon Team. The marathon takes place on April 20 and the journey there is a personal one for Carter. Having experienced homelessness as a child, Carter credits support from a nonprofit like Project Hope for shaping his path. His run highlights the vital role nonprofits play in transforming lives by providing stability, opportunity, and hope. Carter is available to speak about his experience and the importance nonprofits play in communities.

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

The Rise of Lowrider Culture and The Story Behind the Lowriders Forever Stamps

 

In this episode of "At the Edge of It All," we sit down with Alberto López Pulido, founding chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies at USD, and explore the cultural impact of the U.S. Postal Service’s new “Lowriders Forever” stamp collection. He shares his initial reaction to seeing lowrider culture recognized on a national stage and explains why this moment is so meaningful for both enthusiasts and the broader recognition of Chicano culture in the United States. We talk about his journey studying lowriders, as well as his role in shaping the stamp project.

 

You can listen to the English episode on Apple Podcasts here and the Spanish episode here.

 

USD Public Affairs

Lissette Martinez

Lissette Martinez

Executive Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications

lissettemartinez@sandiego.edu

Elena Gomez

Elena Gomez

Associate Director, Public Affairs

elenagomez@sandiego.edu

Cameran Zech

Cameran Zech

Associate Director, Public Affairs

cbiltucci@sandiego.edu

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University of San Diego
 

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University of San Diego

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