USD Magazine Spring 2011

AROUND  THE PARK

CSL Associate Director John Loggins (right) returns to Jamaica twice a year to bring supplies, love and support to the town’s youth and community.

MISSION IN ACTION C ommu n i t y S e r v i c e - L e a r n i n g s t a f f i n s p i r e b y d o i n g [ c o m m o n g o o d ]

a testament to founding direct- or Judy Rauner’s desire for the university and its students to build strong relationships with its Linda Vista neighbors. Rauner, who died in 2009, was driven by collaborative community proj- ects, and employed students and staff members who preserved this vision, passion and purpose. Elaine Elliott, director from 2002 to June 2010, along with Nayve, Loggins, Hughes and thousands of students, have extended USD’s community outreach to San Diego County, internationally in Tijuana, and, most recently, an immersion program in New Orleans. “I’ve never seen something so strong, so well developed as the CSL program at USD,” say Jorge Riquelme, executive director of Linda Vista’s Bayside Community Center. “The people in the center truly want to make an impact in the community. I think it’s one of the university’s greatest treasures.” Approximately 850 students, in an average of 45 classes, par- ticipate in course-based commu- nity projects through CSL each semester, Nayve says. Each semester, CASA has more than 1,000 students working on proj- ects involving hands-on leader- ship opportunities in often life- changing service projects. “I like doing community ser- vice, but I really like the fact that their community service focuses on social justice and deep reflec- tion. It isn’t, ‘OK, I’m going to do this for a day and then I’m

TIM MANTOANI

by Ryan T. Blystone

T

o most, it would just be a quick freeway jaunt to grab a bite. But for Chris

snaking too badly today; just 20 people stand between the pair and their meal. Soon enough Nayve and Loggins are digging into plates of crispy rolled chicken tacos slathered in sour cream, cheese and lettuce, homemade beans and rice, fresh tortillas and carnitas. Between bites, Nayve explains that the thriving family restaurant has been open since 1935 and is frequented by businessmen, police officers, locals and city officials; all are there for a “little taste of heaven.”

It’s no surprise that Nayve and Loggins are eager to support a local family business. Being immersed within a community is where they feel most at home. Along with colleague Brenna Hughes, the three USD alumni always keep community in mind, not just when they’re working for the Center for Community Service-Learning (CSL) and the Center for Awareness, Service and Action (CASA). CSL celebrates its 25th anni- versary this year, and it remains

Nayve and John Loggins, the 10-minute drive from the USD campus to Las Cuatro Milpas for lunch seems much longer, what with all the mouth-water- ing anticipation. “You have to get here early or the line’s really long,” says Nayve, an experienced foodie who recommends the Barrio Logan spot for authentic Mexican food. The queue isn’t

12 USD MAGAZINE