USD Magazine, Fall 2000

ALCALA ~ ALMANAC

Trif Moves On... But Not Far Former Alumni Director Now Fund-Raiser T welve years ago, nearly a third of USO alumni were considered "missing" - out of phone or mail contact with the university - making communication about new graduate programs or simply sending Homecoming invitations a problematic cask. Today, about 7 percent of graduates are on the MIA list. And while the university has made huge strides in how it tracks alumni, using computer software and the hard work of staff and graduates, it also has had the X-factor when it comes to connecting with

Spending time with the USO community is Trif's admitted first love. A 1978 graduate, Trifiletti has spent his entire professional life at the university, first in student affairs, then as resident director of OeSales Hall (now Maher Hall) and assistant director of student housing, before moving to alumni relations. During his tenure he expanded Homecoming events, adding the wildly popular tailgate party, and helped create, with alumni Mike Liuzzi, the Author E.

Hughes Career Achievement Awards, which honor grad– uates for their successes after leaving Alcala Park. "I chink I'll miss the excitement of being behind the scenes for events like the Career Achievement Awards and Homecoming," says Trif, scanning the dozens of photos chat fill his office. "Wait a minute," he says, a certain glint in his

alums: the Rolodex-like mind of John Trifiletti. "John knows everything there is to know about USO; the hiscory in his head is irreplaceable," says Mary O 'Connor '83, former president of the alumni association. "And he just loves connecting people." Trifiletti, who served the past 12 years as director of alumni relations, left the post in July co cake on a new challenge as USD's director of major gifts. The position will allow "Trif, " as he is better known, to con– centrate on raising money for construction projects and educational programs. A search is under way to fill the alumni rela– tions director position. "I was always very involved in the fund– raising process," explains Trifiletti, "and chis new position affords me the opportunity to do it on a full-time basis, as well as spend more time with people."

eyes, "it's going to be fun to go and not be in charge." John Trifiletti can be reached at (619) 260-7514 or e-mail at

Trifilecci@acusd.edu. For alumni relations events or committees, call (619) 260-48 19 or e-mail alumni@acusd.edu.

John Trifiletti with Mary O'Conner '83, recipient of the 1999 Mother Rosalie Hill Award.

New Century, New ~ook director Tom Iannacone, who has worked for years to break USD's highly successful NCAA Division I athletic program into the media spotlight, which often is focused on that state university several miles to the east.

The new logos will be available on ballcaps, shirts and sweats in the USD bookstore or the merchandise kiosk at the pavilion. Merchandise also can be ordered by calling (619) 260-4551. Originally known as the Pioneers, USD 's athletic teams were dubbed the Toreros by founding father Rev. Bishop Buddy in 1961 to better reflect San Diego's friendly relationship with

"With the opening of the Jenny Craig Pavilion," Iannacone says, "we had the opportunity to promote the entire athletic department with a logo that puts an empha– sis on the Torero." The redesign not only gave the Torero a fresh look, it revamped the type face, giving teams a variety of options in marking jerseys and helmets. New team uniforms are being phased in, but the football helmet likely will carry the new USD type, while the Torero may grace some parts of other team jerseys.

The redesigned Torero (left) replaces the for– mer Torero (right). T he USD Torero turns 40 this year, and as a birthday gift, it's getting a makeover courtesy of the university's athletic department. "We needed to improve our identity, cer– tainly within the San Diego community, and, of course, nationally," explains athletic

Mexico.Torero comes from the Spanish term toro, the bull, and the word torear, to fight bulls, and signifies courage, honor and fidelity.

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