THE USD VISTA
On Thursday morning, as students drifted through their 9 a.m. classes, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. An hour later, the American cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost, emerged as Pope Leo XIV. As the first American pope in the Church’s history, Pope Leo XIV’s election kindled celebration among many Toreros.
USD junior Thomas Forrester shared his excitement for the election of Pope Leo XIV.
“I think having an American pope is exciting,” Forrester said. “There isn’t much representation of Americans in the Catholic Church and vice versa, so I think it’s cool.”
The University quickly released a statement on Instagram honoring the new pope.
“The University of San Diego joins the global Catholic community in celebrating the historic election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV – the
first American to
Pope Leo XIV led the first mass of his papacy on Sunday, May 11.
Faculty senate split on Gaza language Halaka leads silent vigil in response
CADEN HAYNOR ASST. NEWS EDITOR
USD professor John Halaka practiced a silent vigil in the mornings from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. for the past two weeks, standing outside the USD law school entrance with two signs drawing attention from passersby. The first sign read, “Genocide is not acceptable. Is it for you?” The second sign, placed at his feet, read “Ethnic cleansing is not acceptable. Is it for you?” Halaka is protesting a motion presented in the USD faculty senate that would change the language regarding the actions of Israel in Palestine.
Halaka, who has been a professor at USD for 35 years in the department of art, architecture and art history, helped develop a series of teach-ins on Palestine as part of the Gaza at USD Coalition. This teach-in currently consists of 40 events, educating and engaging the community to think critically on the topic of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Halaka explained why he is protesting.
“I am here as part of an educational mission as a professor at USD,” Halaka stated. “I am here to continue the process of getting students to question that relationship to genocide, whether they agree with genocide, and if they do that’s their right to agree, and if they don’t, are they just passively walking by? Secondly, I am here in front of the law school because there appears to be faculty within the law school that either think that genocide in Palestine is okay, or they think that there is no genocide going on. They are uncomfortable with criticism of Israel, and some of them have tried to shut down a resolution
in front of the USD Senate.”
The USD faculty senate has elected representatives and deans from each of the colleges as voting members. President Harris and the Provost also serve in the Senate as non-voting members.
The USD faculty Senate minutes from April 24, obtained by The USD Vista, explained the initial resolution brought forward by Professor Kevin Guerrieri in support of the USD Gaza Coalition.
“This version references the persecution and punishment of those protesting against the genocide in Palestine, and the general assault on all immigrants without due process,” the resolution explained.
Guerrieri explained the broader reason behind introducing the resolution.
“Ultimately, one of the main things that [those who have been working in the coalition] want to do is to continue the education on Palestine, which includes the history behind everything,” Guerrieri said. “I think that our collective and individual responsibility is to be as informed as possible, to seek information from different sources and to raise our voices. That’s what we have been doing as a coalition and Professor Halaka’s silent vigil is a part of that.”
The minutes further explained that there was a motion by USD Professor Herbert Lazerow, a senator in the law department, to amend the resolution by deleting “against the genocide in Palestine.” Lazerow explained why he motioned to delete those words from the resolution.
“My initial view was that the resolution was unnecessary, as the senate had already endorsed freedom of speech on campus in
its commendation of President Harris,” Lazerow stated. “[Second,] I thought the references to the conflict in the Middle East unwise because they extended beyond the senate’s expertise … A third reason is that I want a ‘clean’ resolution passed by a substantial majority. A resolution endorsing free speech without taking sides in the middle east was likely to pass almost unanimously … [Fourth,] I believe that taking a position on the conflict in the middle east would reduce the influence future senate recommendations might have on USD’s decision-makers.”
Following Lazerow’s amendment, there was a motion by USD Professor of Integrated Engineering, Gordon Hoople, to amend the Lazerow amendment to include “the catastrophic war in Palestine.” This motion passed with 15 senators in favor, 12 opposed and four abstentions. Hoople explained why he did this motion.
“My motion was a procedural one — I was attempting to modify Lazerow’s motion to more closely align with comments I had heard from several senators during debate,” Hoople stated. “My hope was that this would allow us as a senate body to vote one way or the other to reveal where the majority of senators stood on the issue. This was not a reflection of my personal views on the issue, but an effort to help move the debate forward.”
The resolution was brought up again by Guerrieri, the senator who initially proposed the resolution, at another meeting on May 1. Guerrieri explained what occurred when he brought the resolution back up.
“When we got to the resolution on May 1, deliberations were opened again,” Guerrieri stated.
“I previously had sent to the [Executive Committee] alternative language to be used instead of the word genocide in the event that the senate decided not to include it … I made some final arguments in favor of maintaining the original language and also shared a lot of resources on genocide in Gaza. After making those arguments, another senator made an argument against the overall resolution and then made a motion to table it.”
The USD faculty senate minutes for May 1 have not been approved yet, so they are not publicly available. Now that the resolution is tabled, it is not considered again unless someone makes a motion, with a second, to bring it off the table.
The University responded to what occurred in the Senate and the silent vigils.
“As has been expressed previously, USD supports academic freedom and freedom of speech and encourages members of the community to engage in respectful dialogue, explore topics with compassion, work for peace and lead with love,” the University stated. “Antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of discrimination have no place at USD and are contrary to our values of inclusivity and respect for human dignity.”
Halaka is planning to practice the silent vigil on the mornings of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the end of finals. As the USD faculty senate meetings continue, and as Halaka continues his silent vigils, faculty senators and USD community members consider the weight and language of these significant events.
Leo XIV becomes first American pontiff Toreros celebrate Pope Leo XIV
From Pope, Page 1
lead the Roman Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history,” the post read. “As he addressed the crowd, Pope Leo XIV emphasized building bridges, reaching out to those in need and fostering peace throughout the world – values that resonate deeply with our USD community. As a contemporary Catholic university, we look forward to Pope Leo XIV’s leadership as he guides the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics and shapes the future direction of the Church.”
Born in the suburbs of Chicago in 1955, Prevost was raised in a devout middle-class family. He attended Catholic schools throughout his childhood before attending Villanova University and the Catholic Theological Union for higher education. Prevost holds a doctorate in canon law — the study of the ecclesiastical laws
governing the Catholic Church.
Prior to securing the papacy, Prevost had a lengthy career spanning the globe. He spent over 20 years serving as a missionary in Peru, where he was eventually granted dual citizenship. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost to head the Vatican’s bishops’ office, where he was involved in selecting bishops.
Despite his extensive career, Prevost was an unlikely candidate for the office. Skeptics believed that the papacy would not go to an American due to the country’s role as a global superpower. Many thought that the incoming pope would be from Europe or even Asia. Amongst these skeptics was USD theology professor Emily Reimer-Barry. She previously thought that the concept of an American pope was impossible.
“Well, my reasoning is that the United States already has a
lot of power in the world, and it felt like it wasn’t the right time,” Reimer-Barry explained. “And for me, in the sense of, you know, sort of centering the United States or United States cultural values. I think I’ve really appreciated what I’ve learned about the Catholic Church in Argentina with Pope Francis, and Poland with John Paul II thinking about World War II and interesting European history with Benedict. So I feel like my understanding of Catholicism was broadly expanded under previous popes, in part because they were not American. So I just didn’t think it would happen, but it did. So here I am to apologize for my limited moral imagination and to say I’m, you know, excited to see what will happen.”
Pope Leo XIV has been widely described as a centrist candidate.
In a meeting with the cardinals, Leo XIV explained that he wishes
to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis. Additionally, Leo noted the growing significance of artificial intelligence and its threat on human dignity and workers. Reimer-Barry noted the role that AI may have had on Leo XIV’s naming process.
“So the last time we had a Pope who took on the name Leo, it was in the late 1800s in the context of the Industrial Revolution and the ways that mechanization and factories were really undermining human dignity in the context of unsafe working conditions and mass migration from rural areas to urban areas, and the kinds of impacts that had in terms of unsafe housing conditions and lots of social problems,” ReimerBarry said. “Though what was significant for Leo XIII was that he really saw the role of the church as helping the world to think through the injustices of that
economy… So this pope is already signaling that in the same way that there were such huge changes in the industrial revolution in the previous Leo’s time, he sees some really significant changes in our current economy on the basis of artificial intelligence and the ways that that is already influencing human workers. So I think that it will be really interesting to see how he’s going to think about updating the Church’s social teaching or updating the Church’s social agenda to really respond to what the new problems of the world are, including the misuse of AI in a lot of context.”
In his first few days in the role, Leo XIV also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the media to end the use of divisive language. As Pope Leo XIV settles into his papacy, the world has its eyes set on the future of the Catholic Church.
Halaka protesting outside of the Law School on May 12. Emma Pirhala/The USD Vista
Ten cent pickup fee costs students extra USD Dining claims fee was a ‘system error’
ALEX KUETER ASST. OPINION EDITOR
Students who order through GET at La Paloma or Aromas have been receiving a 10 cent “pickup fee” on their orders. GET is a mobile app used by many USD students to place food orders at on-campus dining locations.
Students can order ahead for the time that they want to get their food, then pick it up and skip the ordering line. While there is a limited number of orders accepted for a given time slot, GET ordering is a very popular and time-saving way to order food on campus.
However, this ordering service has had a catch. For at least the past six months the app placed a 10 cent surcharge on some orders placed at Aromas and La Paloma. This extra fee appears to be active on the app from around Oct. 2024-April 2025, or approximately six months.
While it is unclear exactly when this fee started, student receipts from the aforementioned restaurants display the pickup fee as early as Oct. 2024. This fee is not visible when ordering the food on the app, but it appears in the receipt that students are emailed after the transaction.
The number of GET orders varies per restaurant, but Yerandi Merlo, the manager of Aromas Coffeehouse, gave insight into the number of orders.
“We have approximately 1,300-1,500 GET orders in a week,” Merlo said.
With this many orders, the fee potentially generated $130$150 from Aromas while in an average week. While La Paloma also charged a fee, a number was not provided by dining
DAVID COOK CONTRIBUTOR
A $10 million gift from the Epstein Family Foundation is set to reshape how the University of San Diego supports militaryconnected students. Announced earlier this month, the donation is a call to action aimed at inspiring USD and its supporters to match the $10 million by raising at least $2 million per year over the next five years. The combined $20 million will fund scholarships, staff growth, new programming, and the construction of the Epstein Family Foundation Military-Connected Center for Excellence (MCCE). Nelson Chase, director of USD’s Military and Veteran Programs, explained the impact of the donation.
“The transformative gift from the Epstein Family Foundation means that the university and
services for their weekly amount of mobile orders. USD has not clarified if the money generated from this fee has been collected by dining services or the app itself after contact attempts.
When USD Dining was approached about this fee, they were unaware of the fee’s activation. Charles Ramos, the director of dining services, stated that there should not be a charge for pickup.
“To clarify, we do not charge for the pickup of items. This appears to be a system error, and it has now been corrected,” Ramos said.
Additionally, Ramos stated that the fee was only associated with Aromas orders and was activated by the merchants there.
“I reviewed all the GET accounts on campus and found that the issue was only occurring at Aromas,” Ramos said. “The field in question is a system setting that allows merchants to apply a pickup fee — not a tax,” Ramos said on April 8, 2025.
However, according to student receipts provided by five students, the fee had also been active at La Paloma at least a week prior to the email, on April 1, 2025. For further clarification, The USD Vista contacted Dining again on when and why this fee was activated, the University’s media relations and Dining Services failed to comment.
Many students were unaware of this fee’s activation, while others were aware and assumed it was just a fee that they needed to pay.
Some students, like USD junior Ella Kocourek noticed the charge, but didn’t report it to dining services.
“I noticed it, I think, at the beginning of the
semester,” Kocourek said. “I thought it was annoying, but I kinda just overlooked it.”
Others thought it was activated on purpose and was just an additional fee required for using the site, like USD senior Gray Ehling.
“I probably use [GET] a couple times a week,” Ehling said. “I noticed it, when I ordered, it added the 10 cents. I am annoyed but not shocked. It’s USD, they’re constantly taking money.”
However, many students are much less relaxed about the missing money and are eager to know where and why the fee was activated.
USD senior Yuri Palomino stated she was upset by the fee, especially because she uses it multiple times a week.
“I didn’t know about this fee. I am very enraged, and I think it’s very absurd that the school is doing this,” Palomino said. “I use it every day, sometimes twice a day.”
Others like Sophia Stark, a USD junior expressed frustration about the policy and the lack of information on where the money has gone.
“I use [GET] every other day,” Stark said. “I don’t know where the money is going to, and I didn’t know that 10 cents was being included every time and I didnt know it was a new thing. I just want to know where it’s going.”
Lissette Martinez, a spokesperson for the University, stated that once the issue with the fee was resolved with GET, refunds would be processed for all those affected by the fee.
our philanthropic partners are committed to supporting and growing our military-connected student population,” Chase said. “This means an expanded veteran center and more support staff that help our students’ holistic well-being, academic success, benefits processing and compliance, and career development opportunities.”
USD is home to more than 900 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members and students from military families. The new MCCE will enhance on-campus services, support students transitioning to civilian life and work as a hub to connect USD with the larger military population in San Diego. The center will also host specialized events designed to help more students understand military experiences and build greater awareness around
“Auxiliary services is still working with the tech company to determine the source of the issue,” Martinez said. “They estimate they will have a resolution by early June. Also, they’d like to reiterate that the fee is not active anymore.
the lives and contributions of military-connected students.
Zach Phillips, a firstyear student in USD’s Naval ROTC program, claimed the gift is a big step forward in how military students are supported on campus.
“I think it’s really special that the Epstein family would give that money to the military program,” Phillips said. “It’s going to grow the program in ways that it hasn’t seen before and create a new culture of military students at USD.”
San Diego’s Naval ROTC unit is the largest in the nation, serving more than 200 students from five local universities: USD, San Diego State University, University of California, San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene and California State University, San Marcos. While the unit supports students from all universities, Phillips explained that the program operates out of a single
Once the vendor sorts out the issue, the service fee will be refunded to the appropriate folks who used [GET].”
The Vista followed up with this on May 12 to see how graduating seniors would be refunded, but the University did not respond in time for a comment.
building shared by officers, enlisted staff and administrators.
“This gift could add on to the space that they have and make their jobs easier,” Phillips said. “It would make everything run smoother.”
While ROTC students benefit from an existing support network, other militaryconnected students often face a different reality. Yannick Assilamehou, a USD senior whose father served in the Navy for two decades, explained how the gift resonates deeply for Silent Ranks, the families of those who serve — who haven’t always felt seen on campus.
“To be quite frank, I was not aware of the donation,” Assilamehou said. “But knowing that somebody is looking out for the Silent Ranks and the people truly dedicated to service at our school … it just feels good to feel seen without the politicking.”
As of The USD Vista’s production date of May 13, USD has yet to confirm whether refunds have been distributed.
The University hopes the MCCE will help change that. In addition to facility upgrades and programming, the gift will fund scholarship opportunities, as well as new staff who will offer academic guidance, mental health counseling and career development services tailored to military-affiliated students. The center will also serve as a bridge between the University and San Diego’s broader military community.
As part of the matching challenge, USD plans to raise $2 million each year for the next five years. University officials say they’ll reach that goal by strengthening relationships with current donors and foundations. Whether through scholarships, expanded services or simply being seen, the Epstein Family Foundation’s donation will make a large impact on USD’s military-connected students.
This receipt shows the fee has been active since Oct. 2024 at La Paloma. Alex Kueter/The USD Vista
JACKIE MARQUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Crossword of the week: Graduation edition GAMES
Down
1. Phrase seen on graduation cards: “Congrats ____!”
3. Many graduates will host one of these after their ceremony.
4. Graduates throw their ___ once they’ve finished commencement.
6. Valedictorians traditionally give one of these at graduation.
8. Traditionally you move this from the right to left at the end of graduation.
10. The number of commencement ceremonies USD will have
11. Many clubs and organizations give these out to seniors.
Across
1. Traditional graduation regalia includes a cap and ___.
2. Formal document awarded to graduates for completing their degree
5. Seniors take lots of these before and after graduation.
7. First word in the name of the song traditionally played during graduation
9. What graduating seniors will walk across on May 25
10. At USD, each graduate gets six ___ to graduation for their family and friends.
12. The tassel was worth the ____.
13. ____ of 2025
Resistance comes in all tailored forms
The Met Gala reminds students of the power of self expression
ELLIE SKJERSAA ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
What someone wears on their body is not only an expression of their social standing, but also a powerful form of creativity. Over time, fashion has become a valued part of life with many events reflecting its prestige. The biggest fashion night of the year, the Met Gala, captures the cornerstones of fashion and emphasizes its importance in American culture.
The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which helps fund the museum’s clothing and fashion exhibitions. The event showcases new and elaborate outfits, innovative designers and high-end celebrities.
This year, the Gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” aimed to highlight the impact that Black people have had on the fashion industry and its success. The theme was inspired by the concept of Black dandyism, which stemmed from the 18th century trans-atlantic slave trade.
Throughout time, clothing has been a symbol of power and status, and Black dandyism used clothing as a means to cross the boundaries of what class, power and status meant. Dandyism has historically not only been a way of creatively expressing oneself through clothing, but it has also served as a form of resistance to the structures that marginalize Black people and their voices. Black dandyism involves precise and refined tailoring, which took root in the period after emancipation and flourished during the Harlem Renaissance.
In uplifting the significance of Black dandyism, the Met Gala reflected the current escalation of menswear and specifically aimed to highlight the work of Black men, their fashion and the work of these designers.
“Men usually come a bit lazier than the women so I think it was cool to see how the men interpreted this year when it was more tailored to men,” USD junior Ava Cumello said. “[The theme] definitely came late, but I also think it’s good that they did do it at all. But I think style has been influenced by Black culture for so long that it’s definitely disappointing it has taken until now.”
Similar to how the Met Gala reflects society’s largescale admiration for fashion, so does USD’s campus. Many students have found that being able to express their individuality through clothing has been an important part of their college experience.
USD sophomore Marquel Gardner explained that some days he wakes up and doesn’t have enough time to put effort into his outfits. But when he does have time, he often tries to reflect how he’s feeling through his clothing.
“When you start thinking to yourself, ‘Oh, should I wear this,’ the answer is always going
to be ‘Yes,’” Gardner said. “If it’s making you feel uplifted, if it’s making you feel empowered, then absolutely wear it.”
In the eyes of Willie Legacie Allen, a senior at USD, self expression is not always a simple task. He explained that this is largely because of the vulnerability and potential discomfort that comes with stepping outside of what society deems acceptable.
“I didn’t start off going to school wearing heels and a corset and things that were being categorized as female clothing and fighting gender battles and norms like I’m doing now,” Allen said. “But I don’t know
anyone who really starts off doing something that nobody else is doing and feeling comfortable with it right away.”
Clothing holds the power to show people who you truly are, so for those who are stepping outside of gender-conforming attire, this can be daunting for many reasons. Allen explained that finding the space and community to express oneself is the most crucial part of feeling comfortable. For him, his experience going to Coachella during his junior year with a group called “Queer Plus” helped him realize that fashion was important to him.
“I feel like stepping out with
my fashion is important because it identifies that I’m not scared to step out of the box,” Allen said.
“But it also gives other people the hope to wear what they want to because when you feel good, you look good at the end of the day.”
With intense workloads, being a student can be draining.
Finding little ways to uplift others is a way to give everyone space to be themselves and the support to try new things.
“In any space you are susceptible to conformity, so if you see that [someone is] embarking on their own personal style, tell them you like it,” Gardner said. “That really could
go a long way. It could lead them to try more things and not to feel so gelled by what other people are wearing.”
Today, events like the Met Gala reflect fashion’s long-lasting and esteemed standing in society.
This year’s theme gave voice to a community that has so often been excluded from recognition and praise. While clothing can express conformity, it also has the power to show resistance to social norms and exclusionary systems which often oppress groups of people. Although the Met Gala theme told a story of resistance, there is still much work to be done as reflected upon
by Toreros.
The new exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” is available to the public.
Photo Courtesy of @metmuseum/Instagram
Inspired by his childhood in Harlem, A$AP Rocky wore his own design. Photo Courtesy of @metgalaofficial_/Instagram
Whoopi Goldberg hit the carpet in 35,000 sequins.
Photo Courtesy of @themetgalaofficial/Instagram
Black dandyism originated in the 18th century.
Photo Courtesy of @natgeo/Instagram
ARTS & FEATURE
Thank you Marie Minnick
USD’s Assistant Dean of Students retires after 28 years
ANJALI DALAL-WHELAN FEATURE EDITOR
After 28 years at USD, Marie Minnick, the assistant dean of students, is retiring. While many students know Minnick from her role in the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices, she holds another significant position in USD’s leadership as the operations advisor for student media.
Minnick advises all three divisions of USD’s student media: USDTv, The USD Vista and USD Radio — ensuring that the students who participate in student media have the resources that they need to succeed. Minnick has taken on a variety of roles during her time at USD, but advising student media is the one job that has stayed consistent.
When Minnick began advising student media, she was in charge of reviewing The Vista before it went to print, despite having no experience in media. She is grateful that is not her responsibility anymore so she can focus on helping students develop their leadership skills.
“The investment in [the students] as leaders has been something I’ve really greatly appreciated,” Minnick said. “I have been able to work with some pretty amazing students throughout my time.”
Minnick was born in the Bay Area but grew up in San Diego. Growing up, she described herself as a tomboy.
She played softball as her main sport as a kid, and in college, she was on her school’s club soccer team. Minnick said sports are still important to her.
“Sports were very much a part of my self identity,” Minnick shared. “Being active and athletic is still a part of my joy. I share season tickets for the Padres — and I’m a hardcore fan.”
Another thing Minnick loves is Bob Dylan. She has been to over 100 of his concerts, often traveling to see him.
Minnick’s dad was an important mentor to her growing up and instilled in her the values that she still holds today.
“A lot of the values that I carry really come from my parents,” Minnick said. “But primarily from my dad, in terms of the way you value and treat people, and our obligation to being a person for others was very much a value that my dad carried.”
After high school, Minnick attended Biola University, receiving a degree in Christian education. She originally planned to go into youth ministry within the Catholic Church. However, after becoming an RA her senior year, she decided she wanted to work in higher education as another way to invest in young
“It doesn’t hurt to come to a campus so beautiful or to work with amazing colleagues. Those are both blessings. But the thing that has kept me motivated and given me meaning is working with students.”
— Marie Minnick
people’s futures. She then earned a Master of Social Work degree with an emphasis in student development in higher education at Azusa Pacific University.
Although Minnick attended Evangelical schools for college and graduate school, she was raised Catholic, and this faith is important to her. She believes that spirituality and religion, in whatever form they take on for a person, can help people understand the world.
“I loved the ability [in school] to consider faith development as part of how we experience the world,” Minnick said. “You know, we talk about our social, our mental [and] our physical ways that we grow and develop. And for me, there is a spiritual aspect. And it doesn’t have to be within a traditional faith or belief system, but I think that is a part of how we make meaning with the world.”
Her first job post-grad
was at Santa Clara University as a community director. She continued to work there until she came to USD.
Minnick began at USD as the director of student activities, working with student government, student media and the orientation programs.
Later, she was asked to take on a role with student conduct and began her work with the office of ethical development and restorative practices. This aspect of her job can sometimes be emotionally challenging, as she often encounters students who are in difficult situations.
“I’ve seen students really in pain and struggle,” Minnick shared. “When people have been damaged through interactions, you know, I feel that profoundly for them, and so there’s a weight that goes with that.”
Despite the challenges that come with her job, she
loves the connections that she’s been able to form with students over the years.
“It doesn’t hurt to come to a campus so beautiful or to work with amazing colleagues,” Minnick said. “Those are both blessings. But the thing that has kept me motivated and given me meaning is working with students.”
Minnick’s family has become very connected to USD; two of her three children graduated from USD and her husband works in SOLES as a
student-teacher supervisor.
At the end of the semester
Minnick will retire after 28 years with USD. She has many plans for retirement, which include napping, walking, political involvement and travel. Minnick and her husband have a trip planned to Great Britain and Ireland in the fall and hope to take a large trip yearly.
While Minnick’s presence will be missed at USD, she will be remembered by the lessons and connections she has made with students.
Minnick is a huge Padres fan.
Photo courtesy of Marie Minnick
One of the most fulfilling parts of Marie Minnick’s job is connecting with USD students.
Photo courtesy of Marie Minnick
OPINION
The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.
OPINION
The present is a gift
Living in the moment is the key to
happiness
JULIE FROMM ASST. OPINION EDITOR
I have written the phrase, “I’m trying to be more present,” in my diary more times than I can count. It feels ritualistic, reminding myself constantly to stay in the moment and to not look too far into the future. My anxiety has always convinced me that it’s best to think three steps ahead and to try to have things figured out for my future, so much so that I can’t enjoy what is presently happening around me. I’ll plan for a moment, like my college graduation, so far in advance that when the moment actually arrives, I’ve moved on to my post-graduation plans and where I want to be in 2027. If there is one thing I wish I could change about my college experience, it would be to let things happen in their own time. In the few moments where I have relinquished my control of the future and enjoyed the present, like ignoring the urge to try and plan where I want to live a year from now for example, I have felt more alive and joyful than ever before. Planning makes me feel safe. When I know what’s coming, I can prepare myself and be ready for it when it comes. But this is delusional thinking because even in the moments where I have planned everything out, things never happen the way that I think they will. When something goes awry, an idea doesn’t work out or if I felt scared at the time, I eventually look back and know that it worked out anyway. Six months ago, I thought I would be moving to a new city to live with my boyfriend;
in two months, I’ll be leaving San Diego to live on my own, and I’m no longer in a relationship. If I told myself six months ago that this was the case, I would have broken down in tears and scrambled to find a solution. There were tears, but I can see now that this was a beautiful thing. Plans fall through, and as scary as that may be for someone like me, I am constantly reminding myself that the plans that fall through are the ones that weren’t meant to happen in the first place.
When I reflect on my college experience, I don’t think about the anxiety I had before tests, the heartbreaks I experienced or the stress I felt about what would come
next. I remember the moments I spent lounging on the couch with my friends, laughing until we couldn’t breathe. I remember walking across campus on the first few days of my first year, thinking about how unbelievably lucky I was to be going to this school. I remember all the seemingly insignificant moments that I spent with my best friends, which are now my most cherished memories. With graduation quickly approaching, those are the moments I wish I could go back to and relive one more time. And there’s nothing I wish more than to have been more present and more aware when those moments
were actually happening.
Harvard University conducted a study about the link between happiness and being present.
“One of the keys to happiness lies in simply redirecting our attention from mind wandering and distraction to what’s happening right here, right now in the present moment,” the study said.
The more we focus on what could happen to us in the future, instead of what is actually happening to us in the present, the less fulfilled we will feel. Even in the most mundane moments, like walking from class to class or going through the carwash, keeping your attention in the moment can make
you feel happier and can even make time feel like it’s moving slower. My undergraduate experience felt like it passed in the blink of an eye, and I wish that I had practiced mindfulness beginning my firstyear so that I could maybe look back and feel the experience more fully in my memory.
But even now as I write this, I am thinking about what I should have done differently, or what I wish I had done my first or second year of college. In the past few months, though, with graduation quickly approaching and my time with my best friends growing even shorter, I have implemented mindfulness practices into my daily life.
When my friends and I are sitting around the house rehashing our best stories from the weekend, I look around at each of them and listen intently, grounding myself in the moment.
When I walk on the boardwalk in the morning, I breathe in the smell of the ocean and try to memorize it so I can think back to it when I move across the country in a few short months.
I am constantly trying to ground myself in the here and now, because if I have learned anything from college, it’s that time escapes us, and the only way to hold onto it is to stay in the moment.
As I move forward into my future and say goodbye to some of the greatest years of my life, I know that I will cherish the moments I shared with my friends in college forever. But I also know that I will cherish the moments to come, too — moments that I can’t even imagine yet. And when those moments do come, I know that I will do whatever I can to soak in the feeling of it before it’s gone.
Men’s tennis makes a racket USD tennis ends their successful season
ANTHONY SHARKEY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
The University of San Diego men’s tennis team had one of the best seasons in program history this year. The Toreros ended the 2025 season with a record of 25 wins and only four losses. Not only did they win the West Coast Conference (WCC) league, but they also tied for the second most wins in the history of the program. After winning all seven of their WCC games, the Toreros went on to defeat both Pacific University and Pepperdine University to claim the 2025 WCC Tournament title.
Blake Kasday is a graduate student and has been playing for USD tennis since 2020.
Kasday commented on the team’s success this season.
“I don’t think this season has been one breakout year,” Kasday said. “It’s been a lot of consistency over many years.”
The results speak for themselves — this current WCC Tournament victory made it eight titles in the last nine seasons for the men’s tennis program. In 2024, Kasday won the ITA Southwest Region Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award. Experienced players like Kasday play a huge role in the team’s success.
“For next season I think
the team is gonna do special things,” Kasday said. “I think they have another top-ten season ahead. I don’t think next season is gonna be a rebuild, it’s gonna be a continuation.”
Stian Klaassen, a redshirt junior on the USD men’s tennis team, echoed the same notion.
“It wasn’t a surprise to us,” Klaassen said. “The work we all have been putting in in the fall, and even in previous years, made this no surprise.”
Klaassen finished his season with impressive personal records: 18-4 in singles and 17-5 in doubles.
“Every practice you have to be an open-minded student of the game and be able to give 100% mental focus throughout the whole practice,” Klaassen said.
Adrien Berrut, a USD first-year, shared a similar technical approach to tennis.
“I love playing one against one,” Berrut said. “I always say it’s like a boxing match. You can feel the hit of your opponent and then you hit back.”
Berrut has been playing tennis since he was four years old.
He won both a Swiss National Championship in the U18 singles and a European Championship in the U18 doubles competition for his home country of Switzerland.
“It was pretty tough to arrive in a well-established team,” Berrut
Ja’Seem
said. “But I think they all really showed me what the [team] values are and [what] the team identity is.”
USD junior Neo Niedner also weighed in on the culture of the team.
“Our experience, unity and team culture really set us apart,” Niedner said. “Not every team has that, and I think it’s a big reason why we were able to come out on top so often this year.”
Niedner finished the season with a singles record of 15-6, with big wins against the University of California, Irvine and the University of Southern California in the NCAA Tournament.
“I started playing tennis when I was six years old,” Niedner said. “Ever since then, becoming a professional player has been my dream — that’s been my main motivation.”
Many of the team’s players started young and have professional ambitions, including USD junior Iiro Vasa, who has also played since he was four years old.
“Coming from Finland in Northern Europe, tennis has opened so many doors for me — I’m incredibly grateful for everything it’s brought into my life,” Vasa said. “Without it, I wouldn’t have ended up at USD or had these experiences. It keeps giving me new opportunities, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Reed
USD senior Nikhil Niranjan reflected on the season.
“It means a lot to me and to everyone on the team,” Niranjan said. “To do what we were able to do ... achieve a 25-4 win loss record and reach as high as number six in the nation ... speaks volumes to the whole program and everyone behind the scenes who has contributed to the program in one way or another.”
The men’s tennis season ended on May 4 against the University of Southern California in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Although many of the players were disappointed with the result, the men’s tennis program accomplished new milestones. The Toreros earned the right to host the
NCAA Tournament Regional for the first time in USD history. They also managed to break the attendance record with over 650 spectators in their opener against University of California, Irvine, winning 4-2 in the Hogan Tennis Center.
“Something we really try to pride ourselves on is not only making it a fun experience for us, but making it a fun experience for everyone who comes,” Kasday said. “We really try to be a team that is involving the crowd and knows that their presence actually does make a difference in the outcome of our matches.”
The men’s tennis team has had an incredible season but they are hungry for more. The Toreros’ aim for next
signs with Cleveland USD wide receiver signs as undrafted free agent to the Browns
Ja’Seem Reed,
as an undrafted free agent, following the 2025 NFL Draft. Reed played four seasons with the Toreros and ended his college career
with 77 receptions, 1,052 yards and 12 touchdowns.
USD football Head Coach Brandon Moore explained how Reed’s work ethic played a role in creating this opportunity.
“He had a great career at USD and was a huge part of our offense,” Moore said.
“The NFL is tough, but Ja’Seem works hard and really commits to the process. I think that gives him a chance.”
Moore described Reed’s speed as a major strength as well.
“Well, I think one of the team’s biggest gifts is his speed,” Moore emphasized. “He ran very well for us. He was the fastest player on our team, and I think that’s going to give him a shot to make the Browns.”
Reed is one of several former USD players to reach the NFL in recent years, including tight end Ross Dwelley, wide receiver and return specialist Jamal Agnew, tight-end Dalton Kincaid and quarterback Josh Johnson. Agnew now plays for the Atlanta Falcons after time with the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars. Kincaid was a first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2023. Johnson,
a veteran quarterback, has played for multiple NFL teams.
“[USD has] had a few guys reach that level now,” Moore said. “It shows that there’s serious competition in this league and that players here can develop and succeed.”
On campus, some students were just finding out about Reed’s signing. USD firstyear Gabriel Benitez said the news caught him off guard.
“It’s pretty insane to see a student from USD sign something that big,” Benitez noted. “It’s crazy.”
Others discussed what Reed’s move might mean for the school. Senior Samuel Kronen commented on Reed’s signing.
“I think it’s super awesome,” Kronen explained. “It represents our school really well and our athletics. I hope it brings in more school spirit, especially when it comes to athletics, which I feel like sometimes USD lacks.”
USD junior Adamaris Flores Velazques also learned about the signing this week.
“Super proud,” Velazquez said. “Like, there’s a lot that goes into, you know, having, what would feel like a classmate and alumni from USD, like your school going and representing.”
Reed still has to make the Browns’ final roster — signing as an undrafted free agent doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed anything. Most of these contracts run three years at the league minimum. Teams can cut undrafted players at any time, so there’s not much security.
Over the next few months, Reed will try to earn a spot during offseason workouts, rookie minicamp and preseason games.
NFL teams must reduce their rosters from about 90 players to 53 before the regular season begins. If Reed does not make the Browns’ roster, he could be claimed by another team or signed to a practice squad, where players can continue to develop and may be promoted during the season.
“It’s very exciting, because I did not know that at all,” Velazquez said. “I’m, like, not knowledgeable in football or what’s going on, necessarily. So that’s pretty exciting for him.” Velazquez also described feeling proud to see a classmate reach the NFL.
USD tennis team after winning the WCC championship. Photo courtesy
a senior wide receiver at USD, has signed with the Cleveland Browns
CHERISHANN DIAMZON CONTRIBUTOR
Ja’Seem Reed pictured during his first year at USD. Photo courtesy of @jaseemreed_/Instagram
SPORTS
What it takes to be a leader
USD sports club captains speak on their
experiences
LUKAS
BLANKENSTEIN CONTRIBUTOR
RILEY RAINS SPORTS EDITOR
USD’s sports clubs are a huge part of many people’s college experience. Club sports are a way for many to exercise, make friends and compete against their fellow students, and they are not possible without the leaders that help run them. A leader can make or break a club, and it takes a lot to lead.
For club leaders, the rewards of running their clubs are numerous. USD sophomore Nayla Hifri, the captain and co-manager of the Swim Club, shared about her experience running the team. She mentioned that her favorite part was meeting other people who shared her love of swimming.
“I love being a part of the team here because while our group is small, I have been
able to work alongside and coach some really cool people, who I likely would not have met if it wasn’t for our shared love for the sport,” Hifri said.
Solomon Ashenafi, a junior basketball general manager, also mentioned that his love of his club came from the people he met.
“Being involved in Men’s Club Basketball has introduced me to some of my best friends to this day,” Ashenafi said. “I have been able to continue playing the sport I love at a high level while being part of a team that supports me on and off the court. Even in professional development, giving me advice and referrals on classes and job opportunities, it has just been an overall positive experience for me.”
For USD junior Lila “Ember” Fowler, the general manager of the Club Ultimate Frisbee team, becoming a leader was a way for her to give back to
the team that made her feel welcomed as a first year.
“I had never played a
competitive sport before I joined the club, and so freshman year of college was the first time in my life that I’ve got to feel how special a community, a sports team, can be,” Fowler said. “As a freshman, being a part of club frisbee made me feel like I belonged on campus. As a junior on leadership, I’ve gotten to make our club serve that role for the next generation of students.”
Giving back to the team was a commonly mentioned trait among leaders’ motivation to become captains. Ashenafi, whose club was honored with the “New/Emerging Club” award, discussed how serving the community gave him motivation to become a better leader.
“Being a campus leader to me means being able to serve my community in providing something meaningful to the students on campus,” Ashenafi mentioned. “The work that has gone into making Club Basketball
the organization that it is today means so much to me because I get to see players, coaches and other team members/supporters reap the benefits through the amazing events we’ve been able to host this year!” Hifri also chimed in on what she believed made someone a strong leader, emphasizing the ability to communicate effectively with other athletes.
“I think a successful leader in sports is a person who can relate to the struggles and challenges other athletes face,” Hifri stated. “Also, someone who can cater to the abilities and goals of each athlete they coach.”
Ultimately, leadership is a rewarding job for those who choose to take it. While it comes with a lot of extra work and responsibilities, the ability to create, grow and lead your club is worth all the sacrifice. Their efforts are well-appreciated by those who they lead.
Lila “Ember” Fowler (center) playing on Manchester field against University of California, San Diego.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Newton
Solomon Ashenafi playing basketball at his highschool prepared him for USD Club Basketball. Photo courtesy of @solo_.18 / Instagram
USD Club Swim competing at University of California, San Diego. Photo courtesy of