USD Magazine Summer 2019

by Julene Snyder T Franciscan School of Theology relocates to USD [ c o n n e c t i o n ] SHARING FAITH AND SERVICE President James T. Harris. Father Higgins is a living exam- ple of the benefits of academic inquiry. After entering the Fran- ciscan community at the age of

[Travel Plans]

Studying abroad is a big piece of the USD student experience. Soon it can be part of the USD alumni experience as well. Several locations are under consideration for the inaugural trip of the Torero Travel Program, expected to launch in the spring of 2020. “We want to create new opportunities for Toreros to con- nect and this seems ideal,” says Alumni Association Senior Direc- tor Charles Bass. “It’s a natural extension of the Torero student experience, without the exams and term papers.”

ciscan tradition and USD’s excel- lence in contemporary sciences, nonprofit management, public service, peace work and more. USD’s strong dedication to its Catholic heritage and its vibrant Catholic community create a supportive environment for graduate studies in theology in the Franciscan intellectual tradi- tion,” says Father Higgins. FST temporary facilities at USD will be located adjacent to the St. Francis Center for Priestly Formation. “As an anchor institution for the region, we look forward to warmly welcoming FST faculty and graduate students to the USD campus community in the coming months,” says USD

his summer, the Francis- can School of Theology (FST) will relocate to the University of San Diego campus from its current home in Oceanside, California. 

 The graduate-level school has a mission to prepare wom- en and men for professional ministry in the Roman Catholic Church, careers in theological education and living a life dedicated to solidarity with those on the margins of society. “Our move builds upon our relationship with USD and pro- vides FST an opportunity to ex- plore new ways of expressing and sharing our faith and ser- vice,” says FST President Father Michael Higgins (pictured), who’s excited about having his school and its students physically on USD’s campus. “This will allow our students to take advantage of USD’s student services. And being in close proximity will let us build upon our affiliation even more.” In 2013, USD and FST entered into an affiliation agreement that allows FST graduate stu- dents to enroll in selected USD graduate courses as well as in certain undergraduate philoso- phy courses. Likewise, USD students may complement their graduate education with select coursework in theological studies through FST.

 “Even though FST will remain an independent graduate school of theology, we hope to be active collaborators with the great USD faculty here on cam- pus,” says Father Higgins. “We’re excited about bringing together the spiritual, theologi- cal and social riches of the Fran-

27, he subsequently earned a master’s in divinity, a second master’s in sacred theology, and a third master’s in spirituality. He then received a doctorate in Franciscan history and spirituality along with a PhD in higher edu- cation administration. He’s well aware that having so many degrees is a bit unusual. “I didn’t start out trying to collect degrees,” he says. “But it just seemed a natural progres- sion in getting the intellectual and academic background nec- essary to do ministry well.”

[Torero Takeover]

The third annual Torero Takeover will take place on June 8. Aimed at the more than 25,000 alumni who live throughout San Diego County, a multitude of social, educational and physical activities are scheduled, including several affiliated with alumni-owned businesses and organizations. From a morning yoga session to a Tiny Toreros playdate to a service hour at the San Diego Food Bank, there is something to interest Toreros of every era. Tickets to attend one or more events are $10 and include a commemorative T-shirt to wear during the Torero Takeover. Learn more at sandiego.edu/ takeover2019.

ZACHARY BARRON

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SUMMER 2019