Thursday, September 2, 2021 post has video
After more than a year of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of San Diego came to life as 1,179 first-year students moved in and began their New Torero Orientation for the 2021-2022 undergraduate academic year. The events served not only as a welcome to campus, but an opportunity for the Torero community to reconnect.
Second-year students were also introduced to the campus for the first time.
“To be honest, I love you, Mom, but I just had to get out of the house,” said second-year student Trevor Deterville. “I’m really excited to be living on my own because I’m a very independent person. I also want to elevate myself so my mom doesn’t have to worry about me anymore.”
Trevor’s mother, Maggie Deterville, agrees.
“We’re just happy for this year that he’s actually able to be on campus whereas a year ago we weren’t able to have kids on campus.”
After student leaders, families and friends helped first- and second-year students get settled in, the welcome events began. A first-generation student and family luncheon, black student family welcome reception and fice cream social are just some of the many events students attended Saturday.
The events rolled into Sunday where a traditional blessing was bestowed upon students as they began their academic journeys at the Mass of Welcome at the Jenny Craig Pavilion. Student leaders then guided first-years on campus tours to help them find the best places to study, eat and have fun on campus.
On Monday, first-years dove headfirst into the world of changemaking. Dr. Regina Dixon-Reeves, Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, kicked off the day with a speech in Shiley Theatre.
“We hope that you chose this school because you want to make a difference in the world,” said Dr. Dixon-Reeves. “Even if you did not, we selected all of you because we saw that in you. We saw that you were Changemakers.”
Students filtered out of Shiley Theatre to participate in on-campus activities and off-campus tours to discover ways to work with community partners and enact change locally.
Tuesday ended the whirlwind of events with the New Student Convocation where City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria ’00 (BA) addressed the new Toreros in the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
“By saying yes to every opportunity, being a well-rounded individual and finding your passion and having the courage to pursue it,” said Mayor Gloria, “I believe that you will leave USD better than you arrived here and you’ll be set up for a life of opportunity and success.”
The four-day New Torero Orientation was a small glimpse as to what students can expect during their time at USD. It was a welcome that will set the Class of 2025 at the start of their academic success.
— Kelsey Grey ’15 (BA)
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