Exciting advancements in STEM education at the University of San Diego.
The University of San Diego has received a historic $75 million donation from Chair Emerita Darlene Marcos Shiley, aimed at enhancing its STEM programs. This funding will launch the Shiley STEM Initiative, providing new facilities, advanced technology, and scholarships for students, particularly veterans. This initiative is part of USD’s commitment to education and innovation, in line with the university’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The donation marks one of the largest contributions ever made to a Catholic university in the U.S.
San Diego has just received remarkable news from the University of San Diego (USD) as Chair Emerita Darlene Marcos Shiley has pledged a jaw-dropping $75 million donation to uplift the university’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. That’s right, folks, this is a biggest gift USD has ever seen and it’s making waves as one of the largest donations ever bestowed upon a Catholic university in the entire United States!
This monumental donation will create the “Shiley STEM Initiative,” tailored to expand the reach and resources of STEM disciplines across the campus. Imagine new facilities, advanced technology, and enhanced programs that will take USD’s already blossoming STEM disciplines to the next level! Talks of new spaces linking engineering and natural sciences are on the horizon, providing a vibrant home for innovation and collaboration.
The announcement came during the annual Founders Gala, which served as a fabulous celebration of USD’s 75th anniversary. Attendees surely felt the energy in the air as the university’s president emphasized the importance of Darlene’s generosity and her ongoing commitment to nurturing future leaders through education—particularly in vital fields like STEM.
Darlene isn’t a stranger to philanthropy at USD. Together with her late husband, Donald P. Shiley, she has previously supported the university by establishing significant programs and facilities, including the Shiley Theatre and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. Donald was notably recognized for co-inventing a prosthetic heart valve, a groundbreaking achievement that has transformed heart surgery and medical devices.
The couple’s contributions have fundamentally influenced USD’s mission to develop leaders through a well-rounded education grounded in the liberal arts. With this latest donation, USD anticipates responding to a remarkable 50% growth in the number of students enrolling in STEM majors over the past decade—talk about timely support!
Right now, USD offers an impressive curriculum with 16 STEM degrees, and the new Shiley STEM Initiative promises to enhance opportunities for students interested in engineering, natural sciences, and more. This generous donation isn’t just about programs and facilities; it will also provide crucial funding for scholarships aimed at veterans and military-connected students. Recognizing and supporting our military families is something that truly makes this initiative shine.
On top of that, funding will also flow into the arts, fellowships, and undergraduate research opportunities that span a range of STEM fields. So, whether you’re a budding engineer or a future scientist, there will be ample avenues to explore.
USD’s commitment to education is underscored by its recognition in 2021 as a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican, showcasing the institution’s dedication to fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Darlene Marcos Shiley believes in the powerful impact that STEM fields can have on society. With this exciting new initiative, she hopes to empower future students to innovate, inspire, and make meaningful contributions that will better our world.
Not only is this a game-changer for USD, but it’s also a big win for the San Diego community, fostering education and opportunity in crucial fields that can shape the future. As this generous donation rolls out, students and faculty alike are buzzing with enthusiasm for what’s to come!
News Summary On March 27, Coronado Historical Association hosted the 2025 GEM Awards Dinner Ceremony,…
News Summary San Diego County is reeling from a $40 million funding cut from the…
News Summary Coronado Library is hosting bestselling author Brad Taylor for a special event featuring…
News Summary The Coronado City Council has voted to consolidate the Design Review Commission and…
News Summary San Diego has welcomed a beautiful swarm of Velella velella, or 'by-the-wind sailors,'…
News Summary Sharp Coronado Hospital marks a significant change as Susan Stone transitions from CEO…