University of San Diego

USD graduate leads New York Knicks to NBA championship Mike Brown played two seasons for the Toreros, averaging 8.2 points per game.

Built on Alcala Park: How the University of San Diego Formed the Tactical Brain Trust Governing the Modern NBA Mike Brown’s Knicks and the Spurs clash in the 2026 NBA Finals, putting the unparalleled coaching lineage and executive blueprint born at USD on basketball's grandest stage.

What starts as childhood curiosity can become a pathway to purpose.

For USD junior Jace Soto, early field trips to Mission Bay through Ocean Discovery Institute sparked a fascination with marine biology and environmental science. Learning about marine habitats and the impact of human activity on ecosystems inspired him to explore science more deeply.

That interest continued to grow in high school when he joined Ocean Discovery’s Ocean Leader Program, which provides students with academic support, college guidance, and career development opportunities.

Today, Soto’s story reflects the impact of Ocean Discovery Institute’s mission: using science to empower students from under-resourced communities to transform their lives and create positive change.

Through tuition-free programs, the San Diego nonprofit serves approximately 7,000 students each year, helping the next generation of leaders discover their potential.

Learn more about Soto’s story and the Ocean Discovery Institute by visiting the link in our bio and clicking on ‘USD News Center’

Artificial intelligence is rapidly growing, raising important questions in higher education.

At the University of San Diego, faculty, staff and university leaders have been actively engaging with those questions, exploring how AI can support learning while remaining grounded in the university’s commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition, ethics and critical thinking.

By the time ChatGPT 3.5 launched in November 2022, faculty meetings were being convened almost immediately. The provost’s office wasted no time in forming a steering committee to prepare for AI’s evolving impacts.

“Over the last several years, we have jumped from intellectual abstractions about AI to concrete classroom conversations,” said Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, PhD, professor at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and USD’s associate provost for academic strategy and growth.

As AI continues to evolve, so do the conversations taking place across campus. To read more about how the university is navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’

Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego 🎸

The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science was out at today’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, helping runners cross the finish line feeling their best after 26.2 miles through America’s Finest City.

From treating blisters and cramps to patching up cuts, our students put their skills into action while supporting thousands of determined athletes.

Congratulations to everyone who completed today’s half and full marathons!

Exciting news!

The renowned Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the best drama schools in the world in an article published in May 2026.

The program ranked #5 in MFA programs, #8 in the United States and #12 in the world. Since its inception in 1987, it has grown into one of the most acclaimed classical training programs both within and beyond the nation. Each year, seven students are accepted into the highly competitive two-year program, which comes with free tuition and a monthly living stipend.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/usd-mfa-program-2026

USD Department of Theatre

The Institute for Shipboard Education selects the University of San Diego as its next university partner | Semester at Sea The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), the parent organization of Semester at Sea, today announced that the University of San Diego (USD) will be

Today, amid the joy of post-commencement celebrations, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Their sacrifice made possible the freedoms we cherish, including the opportunity to learn, lead with love and pursue our dreams.

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“This version of you, right here, right now, is worth celebrating exactly as they are. You made it.”

Congratulations, College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2026! Don’t forget to tag us in those mid-commencement selfies!

“Always have the courage to try new and difficult things often.”

Congratulations, Knauss School of Business Class of 2026!

“If your path looks a little different, that’s okay.
If things don’t go according to plan, keep going.
And if you fail, it’s not over.
Because the only way to fail is to stop moving forward.”

Congratulations, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Class of 2026. Keep moving forward 💙

Go be someone for someone 💙

Congratulations, School of Law Class of 2026!

To our graduates who crossed the commencement stage today … go forward and meet every challenge with conviction, courage and creativity.

Today, the USD community celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Shiley STEM Initiative building.

Darlene Marcos Shiley, philanthropist and Chair Emerita of USD’s Board of Trustees, pledged a record-breaking $75 million to the university in November 2024 at the Founders Gala. The gift is supporting the construction of the Shiley STEM Initiative building, a 70,000 square foot, three-story facility that will expand USD’s commitment to STEM education.

The building is being constructed next to the Belanich Engineering Center and will feature a multipurpose theatre for events, an ecology zone, maker spaces and more.

Construction is set to begin shortly after Commencement.

To learn more, visit the link in our bio and click on ‘USD News Center’