USD Magazine, Summer 2002

The Gathering Place '61 Grad Makes New Alumni Center Reality

B ert Degheri's favorite vacation spot is the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which is known as "the gathering place." Degheri, a 1961 graduate, always believed USD alumni needed an on-campus gathering place of their own. Now he's making it possible for the university to build one.

The center also will serve as a hub for more formal alumni gath– erings. The open-air center court– yard, which captures che Spanish Renaissance ambience of all cam– pus buildings, is ideal for recep– tions and events, while the outside rear patio and conference room will hose sic-down dinners, classes and meetings of alumni groups such as the Alumni Board and the Student Alumni Association.

With a $5 million gift

from Degheri's family foundation, USD chis fall will begin construction on the Degheri Alumni Center, a three-story, 28,000 square-foot build– ing co be located near the main campus entrance. The center is designed, in the donor's words, as a "home for the alumni family." "For me, the best part of coming co campus is seeing old friends, " Degheri says. "The center will be a place for graduates co gee together after a football game or an event so they

In addition to a campus hospitality center and the alumni relations office, che alumni center will be home to USD's parent relations office, its fund-raising offices and the com– munications and marketing department. "The center will be a place for graduates to get together after a football game or an event so they can visit with each other in their own personal space." "Al umni and current students alike will be very proud of che center," says Jack Kelly '87, USD's alumni relations director. "Ir's a place chat will have many meaningful uses." The alumni center will be constructed on what is now the sire of Harmon Hall, one of che oldest buildings on campus and formerly home to che School of Education, which moved lase year to the Alcala West office complex. Harman

Bert Degheri '61 (center) received a presi– dential honor this year from USO President Alice Hayes for his support of the university. Degheri's sons, Danny (left) and Travis, and wife Patti attended the event.

can visit with each ocher in their own personal space." Thar personal space includes an alumni "living room," a comfortable spot just off che two-story entry where gradu– ates can visit, relax and even gee nostalgic as they look through old photographs and yearbooks. The paneled room, complete with fireplace, will highlight USD traditions and showcase the university's history.

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