USD President's Report 1989

COMMITMENT

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That is the type of civic leadership so critical to creating a compassionate com- munity in which the dignity of all human beings is valued and respected . Here at the University of San Diego, we embrace the concept of community ser- vice. The university-from its students to its faculty, from its staff to its trustees-is involved on a daily basis in activities which enrich the life of the San Diego community. Our students, for example, travel to Tijuana regularly to build homes for the poor. They collect food and clothing for San Diego's needy. Faculty members serve on the governing boards of a host of community organizations, encompassing the Old Globe Theatre to Habitat for Human ity. Other USO employees give generously of their time to community efforts like migrant worker outreach programs and youth ministry activities. This year's President's Report highlights a few of those special individuals we count among the USO family who serve as " heroes" for altruism. They are generous men and women who enrich not only the life of our university community-but more importantly, the San Diego community at large. As we sa lute these individuals, let their stories give you inspiration and courage.

G iving back to your community is a time-tested notion in America. It began with our nation's founders, who dedicated their efforts-and often their lives-to form- ing the republic. The San Diego we know today results from past decades of selflessness car- ried out by far-sighted individuals who put concern for their fellow citizens and the common good at the top of their priorities. Alonzo Horton, George Marston, John Spreckels and Kate Sessions-people who shaped for all time the face of downtown and the splendor of Balboa Park-were among the citizens whose names ring out from the past. Others, like USO founders Bishop Charles Buddy and Mother Rosalie Hill, also come to mind . The tradition con- tinues today through the efforts of people like Joan Kroc, Ernest Hahn, Helen Copley and others. Does high-mindedness require a high station? Not at all . The true test of com- mitment to public service is demonstrated equally by the person next door as well as the one in the corporate boardroom . Every day in San Diego, countless individuals com- plete myriad volunteer tasks, from visiting the elderly and sick to cleaning up our beaches and streets; from serving Girl Scouts as troop leaders to serving the homeless in soup kitchens.

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President