Dear USD Community,

It has been just over a week since we received the joyous news that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV. While the reporting focused primarily on the fact that he is the first Pope born in the United States, Pope Leo XIV is also making history as the first Augustinian to ascend to the papacy.

Inspired by St. Augustine, the Augustinian order is centered on love, unity and the pursuit of truth — values that especially resonate with our mission and work at USD. And, as we break for the summer and celebrate a season of commencement, new possibilities and transitions, I’m reminded of St. Augustine’s famous words, “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” I hope in the months ahead you are able to find fulfillment, adventure and renewal wherever your travels take you.

Speaking of transitions, this has been a year of changes and challenges — on our campus, in the country and around the world. As an optimist, I am confident that our Torero community is ready to take on the challenges of our world with compassion, justice and love. I am proud of the way we have come together to share our collective gifts and talents, proving the importance of higher education and making USD a special place to learn and study.

I am reminded of people like my friend and colleague Dr. Gail F. Baker, who is concluding her tenure as Provost and Senior Vice President this month. Provost Baker has left an indelible mark at USD thanks to her dedication, strategic leadership, and commitment to making our university a more inclusive and welcoming place.

I am also reminded of the incredible milestones we have commemorated this year — including the conclusion of our 75th anniversary, Mrs. Shiley’s transformative gift to USD, the many people involved in opening our incredible Palomar Health Student Wellness Center, our Lighting the Way to 2030 strategic plan, and our Torero astronauts who made our global community intergalactic. The common thread across all these stories is, of course, the people, who came together to make extraordinary things happen.

Because, as Pope Francis said during Asian Youth Day in 2014, "life is a journey, a long journey, but a journey that cannot be traveled alone."

Toreros, as we move forward in the journey of our lives, I encourage you to reflect on and be inspired by the words of St. Augustine, Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. Let us remember that we are at our best when we travel that path together, in community. And to our graduates: as you walk across the stage and out into the world, thanks to the power of our global USD community, you are never alone, and this beautiful campus will always be your home.

Peace,

James T. Harris III, DEd
President