Students at the University of San Diego engaging in STEM programs, inspired by a significant donation.
San Diego receives a historic $75 million donation to the University of San Diego from Darlene Marcos Shiley. This pledge will fund the Shiley STEM Initiative, enhancing STEM programs and facilities, creating scholarships for veterans, and fostering innovation within the university’s academic divisions, all aimed at addressing the rising demand for expertise in the biotech and scientific sectors.
In a heartwarming turn of events for the education sector, San Diego is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes a groundbreaking donation to the University of San Diego (USD). The university has just received a jaw-dropping $75 million pledge from Darlene Marcos Shiley, who proudly serves as the Chair Emerita of the Board of Trustees at USD. This remarkable contribution marks a historic milestone for the university, making it the largest single donation ever received and one of the most substantial contributions ever made to a Catholic university in the United States.
The announcement of this generous gift was made at the illustrious Founders Gala, held in celebration of USD’s 75th anniversary. It’s no wonder that the gala attracted such attention; after all, it’s not every day that a university receives a donation of this magnitude. The funds will pave the way for the creation of the Shiley STEM Initiative, which promises to significantly enhance and expand programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at USD.
The ambitious initiative will not only boost academic programming but also support the construction of a new dedicated building for STEM programs and facilities. This significant investment reflects USD President James T. Harris III’s enthusiasm for the transformative possibilities that these funds will bring to both the university and its student body.
Darlene Marcos Shiley’s goodwill doesn’t spring from nowhere; she has a rich history of philanthropic endeavors across San Diego. This is just the latest chapter in her continuous support for USD, contributing to landmarks such as the Shiley Theatre and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. The donations have played an instrumental role in fostering an environment conducive to nurturing future innovators and leaders.
At USD, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences are committed to offering a well-rounded liberal arts education. Alumni from these programs have gone on to soar into the realms of space, including the ranks of NASA astronauts—a testament to the high-caliber education students receive. With the surge in interest towards STEM disciplines, USD has seen a remarkable 50% increase in the number of students majoring in these fields over the past decade.
Currently, the university provides students with 16 different STEM degrees, as well as an innovative integrated STEM space designed to foster collaboration between engineering and natural sciences. This initiative aims to bridge the gap and enhance the knowledge and skills needed in today’s fast-evolving job market.
Beyond just academics, Darlene Shiley’s generous donation acknowledges the rising demands for expertise in the biotechnology and scientific sectors in the San Diego area. Her vision extends to establishing scholarships specifically for veterans and military-connected students, showcasing a commitment to making higher education more inclusive and available for all.
Ultimately, this donation is set to create ripples of positive change throughout USD’s eight academic divisions, which include not only the College of Arts and Sciences and the Knauss School of Business, but also the much-lauded Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering.
In a touching nod to its values and commitment to sustainability, USD was recognized as a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican in 2021. This accolade complements the university’s ambition to not only cultivate minds but also to instill a sense of responsibility towards the community and the planet.
As San Diego basks in the glow of this extraordinary donation, the future looks undeniably bright for students in STEM programs at USD. With visionary support like that of Darlene Marcos Shiley, the next generation is well on its way to making important contributions to science, technology, and beyond.
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