University of San Diego - President's Postcard

Dear Toreros,

Care for Our Community is one of the four cornerstones of USD’s Lighting the Way to 2030 Strategic Plan, and I can’t think of two better examples of living this principle than the opening of the Palomar Health Student Wellness Center and Dan and Phyllis Epstein’s transformational $10 million gift to support the new Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence (MCCE).

At USD, student wellness has always been a top priority because we know that well-being and academic success go hand in hand. The new center reflects that commitment —offering welcoming spaces and services that help every Torero flourish and feel a deep sense of belonging. Similarly, the MCCE will be a vital hub for supporting military-connected students as they transition to civilian life, while also building stronger ties between our campus and the broader military community. Thanks to the generous support of the Epstein family, we’re expanding space, staff, and programming to honor and empower those who have served. I invite our entire Torero family to help bring this vision to life.

Like everything we do at USD, we do it best when we do it together. Because USD begins with us.

Peace,
Jim

James T. Harris III, President

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Two students sit and admire a slogan on the wall inside the new Palomar Health Student Wellness Center.

Two USD students admire the phrase "You don't have to be perfect to be here" inside the Palomar Health Student Wellness Center during the grand opening on April 22, 2025.

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BE WELL USD

USD students receive swag while entering the new Palomar Health Student Wellness Center.

USD Opens Highly-Anticipated Palomar Health Student Wellness Center

TRANSFORMATIONAL GIFT

Military and Veterans program stoles on a table.

A New Vision for USD’s Military-Connected Community

INSPIRING MEANINGFUL LIVES

USD Hires Next Dean of the Knauss School of Business

ADVANCING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Undergraduate students present during the 2025 Creative Collaborations Showcase

Undergraduate Research hosts annual Creative Collaborations

USD IN THE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Video: USD in the News Highlights

Watch a brief highlight video of USD's appearances in the media during the month of April 2025. Find links to these stories and more on the USD in the News page.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alumnus Jonny Kim Becomes First Korean-American Astronaut in Space

Jonathan “Jonny” Kim ’12 (BA) became the first Korean-American astronaut to journey into space. Kim, a crew member aboard the Soyuz MS-27, floated through the hatch of the International Space Station (ISS) at 7:28 a.m. on April 8.A broad smile across his face, Kim was greeted by warm hugs from his colleagues. ... Read More

USD Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis

The University of San Diego mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who died at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday, according to The Vatican. Pope Francis was known for his humility, his commitment to social justice, his care for the planet and for his deep concern for those who are poor and most vulnerable. ... Read More

Hahn School of Nursing Ranked #1 in San Diego, Among Top Programs Nationwide

The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science has been recognized among the nation’s best in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. ... Read More

USD Men's Tennis Beats No. 25 Pepperdine for WCC Tournament Title

Seventh-ranked University of San Diego Men's Tennis hoisted it's eighth WCC Tournament Title in the last nine seasons, powering to a 4-2 win over No. 23 Pepperdine on Saturday night at the Aztec Tennis Center. ... Read More

Law Professors to be Honored with a 2025 San Diego County Bar Association Service Award

The San Diego County Bar Association has selected School of Law Professors David Brennan ‘03 (LLM) and Robert Fellmeth to be honored with a 2025 San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) Service Award for Service to the Legal Community. ... Read More

New USD Program Helps Local Leaders Make More Informed Energy-Related Decisions

Solar panels. Decarbonization. Renewable energy. These are common words we hear in the push for more sustainable energy solutions in our communities. But, for those in decision-making positions ... Read More

President Harris' Perspective: Military-Inclusive Campus

As the spring semester winds down, and the days get a little longer and warmer, I know that USD’s Commencement is just around the corner. With that, comes the special season of celebration for our thousands of graduates and the hard work they have put into their degrees. ... Read More

THANKS FOR READING!

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Office of the President

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San Diego, CA 92110-2492