USD Magazine Fall 2010

s president of an alumni association representing 53,000 alumni worldwide, it is my pleasure to provide you with an update of our accomplishments over the past year: Attendance has increased at USD-sponsored events including Homecoming, Alumni Honors, Alumni Mass and regional programs around the world. Over 4,700 alumni participated in these events during this past fiscal year. A social media campaign was launched to more effectively com- municate with our alumni. Efforts include LinkedIn.com, Facebook groups and YouTube; more than 7,000 alumni are now connected with the university through these social media outlets. We’ve developed a strategic plan in order to define our vision, business objectives and strategies over the next three to five years. This comprehensive document will be the basis for our operational plan and assist us in establishing proper resource allocation. The Alumni Association’s second annual USD Wine Classic fundraiser was again successful. Event capacity was reached as more than 600 tickets were sold and over $60,000 was raised for the USD Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund. As a result, we have surpassed $625,000 towards our goal of raising $1 million for the fund by June 2012. Thanks to your generous donations towards the Alumni Scholar- ship program and the Alcalá alumni fund, we were able to support 20 students in financial need this past year. Student interaction with alumni increased, as more than 3,000 students attended alumni activities ranging from Finals Feeding Frenzy to the Homecoming tailgate party. We continually strive to increase alumni participation, which directly influences our national ranking and, in turn, the value of a University of San Diego degree. In this context, participation measures the number of alumni that provide financial support for the university. Thank you for your contributions over this past year, as alumni participation rose from 9 percent to 11 percent. As a “Torero for Life,” I encourage you to take an active interest in your alumni association, the growing prestige of the University of San Diego and the alumni networking opportunities afforded worldwide. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback you may have regarding the initiatives of the USD Alumni Association. I can be reached via e-mail at jbennett@ alumni.sandiego.edu. Warm regards, [dear toreros] A

2010 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend takes place from Oct. 8-10. The weekend starts at the Kick- off Party on Friday night   at O’Toole’s lounge, USD’s on-campus pub. Saturday’s   picnic and tailgate party begins at 11 a.m., followed by the game, versus the University of Dayton, at   2 p.m. Special reunions   will be held for the Class   of 1955, 1985, 1990 and 2010 on Saturday evening. Mass and brunch will be held at Founders Chapel   on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.   For more, go to www.sandi- ego.edu/homecoming or   call (619) 260-4819. ALUMNI B R I E F S New Alumni Board Members Kristen Leonardini ’87,   Dan McNamee ’89 (JD ’94), Harry Ryan ’92, David Rivera ’96, Arika Wells ’02 and   Siri Fomsgaard ’03 took office on July 1. Maureen Partynski ’82 has been named President-Elect   and will serve as the next president of the USD Alumni Association starting in   July 2011. Career Transition Workshops are being hosted by the Alumni Association each quarter in an effort to assist alumni who wish to explore new career opportunities. Whether just starting out   in the job market or looking for a mid-career change, alumni are invited to join   us for an interactive career transition workshop design- ed to uncover winning   strategies for job success. The next workshop is sched- uled for Wed., Oct. 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Degheri Alumni Center Board Room. For more information and   to register online go to http://alumni.sandiego.edu.

The Homecoming picnic and tailgate party (pictured) is just one example of the many ways that alumni can build lasting connections with the University of San Diego.

ALAN DECKER

and schools, friends, parents and others — for assistance in implementing a stronger bond with alumni. Kaplan hopes to encourage an “alumni-centered approach for all of campus.” Now is the time for every USD alum to get involved: send in a class note, join the online Torero Network, come to campus for Homecoming, mentor a current student, join or start a regional chapter. And if you’re already an engaged alumnus? Terrific. Start reaching out to others.

Josephine A. Bennett ‘81 President, University of San Diego Alumni Association

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FALL 2010