USD Mortar Board Initiation Program 2024-25

MORTAR BOARD

JUDY LEWIS LOGUE ALCALÁ CHAPTER NO. 216

INITIATION

2024-25 MEMBERS

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024

2-5 p.m.

Warren Auditorium

Mother Rosalie Hill Hall

Reception following ceremony

The University of San Diego

Chartered in 1949, the University of San Diego is a private, Roman Catholic institution of higher education located on 180 acres at the western end of Linda Vista, overlooking San Diego’s Mission Bay. Known for its commitment to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and community engagement, USD aspires to excellence and offers higher education to individuals of all races, creeds, cultural backgrounds, abilities and sexual orientations. The university takes pride in the personalized approach and holistic view it brings to the educational process, recognizing the physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, cultural and social needs of its students and how those needs are interdependent for personal growth.

The university was founded under the leadership of Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill of the Society of the Sacred Heart and Bishop Charles Francis Buddy of the Diocese of San Diego. “Beauty will attract them; goodness will lead them; but the truth will hold them,” said Mother Hill. This has been interpreted to mean that beauty will initially attract people who come to the campus, and when they are here, they will encounter people in whom they find a certain goodness. This, in turn, will lead them to the truth, which will hold them. For Mother Rosalie Hill, the search for truth was the purpose of the university.

USD enrolls almost 9,000 students from 85 countries and 50 states, who may choose from more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university’s academic units include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace and Justice, the Knauss School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and Professional and Continuing Education.

USD is recognized as a Community Engagement Institution by the Carnegie Foundation, and is a member of Ashoka’s Changemaker Campus Consortium. Dedicated to the ongoing legacy of our founders, the University of San Diego is committed to finding sustainable solutions to humanity’s urgent challenges and empowering students to live fulfilling lives as responsible, global citizens. USD is comprised of a community of scholars committed to teaching and research both in and out of the classroom and is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States.

Our Mission

The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

Mortar Board Judy Lewis Logue

Alcalá Chapter

Founding Advisor

JUDITH LEWIS LOGUE

Director of Financial Aid, retired 2019

Chapter Advisors

E. CECILIA BARNHILL

USD Mortar Board Alumna 2020

CHARLES BASS

Senior Director, Alumni Relations and Mortar Board Alumnus

JUDITH LIU, PhD

Professor of Sociology Emeritus

MICHAEL MAYER, PhD

Professor of Biology

PERLA MYERS, PhD

Executive Director, Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, Professor, Mathematics Department, and Mortar Board Alumna

Honorary Mortar Board Members

MEMBERS

ROBERT ALIETTI is a Communication Studies major and a Spanish minor. He has had a wide variety of experience serving his community, Paseda, California, in various roles, from leadership positions to organizing food and toy drives. He is currently studying abroad at the USD Madrid Center, where he is working to achieve fluency in Spanish. Robert plans to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, specifically in the areas of news and sports.

KEANA-LEONI BALALIO is an Architecture major. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she hopes to soon serve as a mentor for Student Support Services and intends to continue supporting the executive board of the Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization. She is currently a Student Assistant at Copley Library and has formerly worked in other customer service positions. These positions assist in leading her to her goals of serving her community as much as possible in the coming years. She hopes to attain her Master's in Architecture at the University of Southern California after she graduates from USD.

ELENA BARKER is a finance major with a French minor. She is originally from Salt Lake City and is an avid equestrian. On her off days from school, she spends time at the barn training and caring for her horse. She volunteers at Refugee Net, tutoring elementary and middle school students once a week. This semester, she is tutoring children from one specific family at Refugee Net over Zoom. She has an internship at ARUP Laboratories in the corporate finance department this summer and plans to work in corporate finance in the biomedical industry.

MADDY BARNEY-GIBBS is a Liberal Studies major with a concentration in Communications. Maddy grew up in Thousand Oaks, California but her family recently relocated to Carlsbad, California. She is a transfer student who became a part of the USD Honors Program last fall. She currently works for the Youth Engagement Initiative program with the Mulvaney Center at a local elementary school in Linda Vista. She is a tutor/teacher’s aide in multiple classrooms helping with individual student work, group reading practice, planning art activities, etc. Maddy recently studied abroad at University College Cork in Cork, Ireland. After completing her undergraduate degree she plans to earn a Master of Education and teaching credential at USD preparing her for a career working in an elementary school environment.

DELANEY BATTER is a double major in Art History and Political Science. Originally from San Diego, California, she has completed several study abroad programs including The London School of Economics and most recently a semester abroad at The University of San Diego Madrid center. She is currently conducting research on 18th century French art and plans to continue her art education with a Masters in Art History and pursue a career in the art markets. Outside of academics, She has participated in multiple charitable organizations such as Just World, Thrive animal rescue, and Riders United.

LUCIA BERNI-GONZALEZ is a double degree student, double majoring in Business Administration and Business Analytics from Spain. She is part of the Student Finance Association, Women in Business, and Business Society at USD. During her sophomore year, she interned part-time at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a financial audit intern in the banking sector. Last summer, she was a marketing growth intern at Vocento, a Spanish mass media company, devising subscription strategies. This summer she will be an infrastructure investment intern at Access Capital Partners in London. She is currently a junior and plans to continue gaining ample work experience as she delves into the professional world.

DARIAN BURSH is a Political Science major with a minor in Philosophy from Mesa, Arizona. During her sophomore year, Darian served as the Philanthropy Director for Kappa Kappa Gamma. During her time as Philanthropy Director, she planned and executed a fashion show at USD that raised over $4,000 for the San Diego Humane Society. Darian is currently the Vice President of External Affairs for her sorority and served as a Recruitment Counselor for USD’s Panhellenic Council. She recently volunteered at Bart Meisfield’s campaign for City Attorney of Chula Vista and also interned at McCain and Bursh Attorneys at Law in the summer. After graduating, Darian plans to attend law school and become a personal injury and trial attorney.

KYLIE BURTON is a Sociology and Communications major with a concentration in social justice. She is originally from New Jersey and is very involved in the Outdoor Adventure Club. She previously studied in Florence, Italy, and is currently spending the semester in Athens, Greece. She plans to pursue her PhD in communications to one day become a professor.

RACHEL CEPE is a Liberal Studies major with a minor in English. She is pursuing a mixed Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program in Education at USD. With plans of becoming a teacher, she has volunteered in classrooms at St. Rita’s Catholic school and currently works as a tutor at Otay Ranch High School. She is working towards receiving her English single-subject, multiple-subject, and educational specialist credential. She is currently a consultant and Coordinator-in-Training at the USD Writing Center. Rachel is from San Diego, California.

SALENA CHACON is an English major with a creative writing emphasis with minors in Spanish communication. She serves as a writing consultant at the Writing Center, is on the editorial board for the Alcalá Review, and is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society. She is also a member of USD’s Surfrider club. Her future career goals are to work in the book publishing industry. Salena is from Haddonfield, New Jersey.

KYLIE CHOI is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Sustainability and a minor in Comprehensive Music. She is from Walnut Creek, CA and serves as the President of the Club Tennis Team here at USD. She also just got elected President of the co-ed professional business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, for the upcoming school year. She sings in the Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble for USD’s Music Department and is an active member of FUSO (Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization). In the future, she hopes to combine her passion for sports or music with marketing and event planning. A bonus would be to find ways to make those events more sustainable and better for our planet.

CAM COLUCCI is a Mechanical Engineering and Physics major. He is from Salina, Kansas, and serves as a member of the Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity. He enjoys all types of outdoor activities and sports. He has completed a cyber security internship with the Office of Naval Research and works as a member of the NROTC. Once he graduates, he will commission into the Marine Corps.

MARIANA COMBARIZA is a dual degree student earning a Bachelor in Business Administration in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with a minor in Theology and Religious Studies. She is the president and founder of Food for the Soul Theology Club, leading meetings and events where students of all faith backgrounds learn about Christianity, Jesus, and get the chance to dive deep into theological inquiries. She works as an Involvement Consultant and Student Org Newsletter Lead at USD’s Student Activities and Involvement Office, and is a Design Lab Fellow with the Changemaking Hub researching student loneliness. This summer, she’ll work for humanitarian aid organization Compassion International as the Experience Strategy Intern, and aims to have a career in international development and nonprofit marketing. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she hopes to one day return to her native country and fulfill God’s will for her life there.

DAMIERA CRUZ is a Philosophy major who is also minoring in the interdisciplinary program Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics (PPE). Originally from Coral De Tierra, she strives to be a District Attorney prosecuting cases of domestic violence and child abuse and neglect. She serves as an intern at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Damiera was involved with One Safe Place, a center that provides resources for survivors of victimization. At One Safe Place, Damiera collaborated with Palomar Health to create policies for their forthcoming brain injury program. In addition, she has served as a Hope Coach for the Camp Hope program. Moreover, Damiera is also a peer mentor for the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. On campus, she is the co-president of the University Ministry’s Students For Life; through this club, she has advocated for finding common ground between advocates of all causes related to the dignity of life.

OLIVIA DE KLOTZ is a Psychology major with a minor in Sociology. She served on the executive board of Dance Marathon where she coordinated fundraising events for Rady Children’s Hospital. She is currently a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and has been on both the academic committee and philanthropy committee of her chapter. In the future, Olivia plans on attending graduate school to obtain her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Olivia will be working as a senior camp counselor this Summer in San Diego in hopes of preparing her for a career of working with children. Olivia is from Palm Springs, California.

KENDALL DIAZ is a Psychology major with a minor in Business administration. She is from Rancho Cucamonga, California. She volunteers with ski patrol at Mountain High in Wrightwood, California during ski seasons and also does volunteer work for the American Cancer Society. After graduation, she intends to get her masters in psychology. In the future, she plans on running the family business in government contracting while simultaneously starting her own private practice for cognitive behavioral therapy.

MICHAELA DIVITO is an industrial and systems engineering major with a concentration in sustainability. She is currently involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers. She also loves taking recreational classes through the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, including surfing and wakeboarding. She is an intern for the Center for Community Energy of San Diego, and she conducts research on supradegenerative lasers for the Physics and Biophysics Department. She hopes to make an impact in the renewable energy sector. Michaela is from Lake Forest, Illinois.

JORDAN ESKEW is an International Relations major with a minor in Arabic studies. Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado she is a Torero Ambassador mentor for Out of State Ambassadors, and a Torero Tour Guide. For the past year, she has worked at an NGO as an advocacy liaison specializing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She is currently studying abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia and she will be working in Uganda this upcoming summer doing research on the Muslim populations in the region. She is actively pursuing her joint Bachelors and Masters degree in International Relations at the University of San Diego, and is planning on going to law school after she graduates.

HALLE FERNANDEZ is a finance major from San Diego, California. She currently serves as the Vice President of Communications for her Professional Business Fraternity, Phi Chi Theta. Next year, she will serve as the Vice President of Professionalism. In addition, she is an active member of the Student International Business Council, Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization, the Women’s Club Rugby Team, and Intramural Basketball. In her free time, she has been working on a Youtube channel to help guide current and future students. Halle works as a Forensic Accounting Intern and wants to work in the finance industry after she graduates.

ALEENA HADDAD is an Architecture major minoring in Law and Ethics, and planning on double majoring in Real Estate. She is part of the Real Estate Society and honors program at USD. She also serves as the Finance Chair of the Architecture Institute Society club at USD. As an intern at Arcadia Building Solutions, she seeks to expand her skills, experience and knowledge. She is considering attending law school to become a real estate attorney and invest in real estate. She may also seek to continue her studies in Architecture to develop real estate.

LUIZA HILLERY is a junior honors student double majoring in finance and real estate. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she is an Out-of-State Ambassador. She has also served as the Director of Communications for the USD Pilates Club. She is involved with the Real Estate Society, American Marketing Association, and the Women in Business Organization. She recently studied at the USD Madrid Center in Madrid, Spain. She is planning on working in the commercial real estate development industry in San Diego and will eventually start her own pilates business.

OLIVIA HINES is an environmental and ocean sciences major and is minoring in biology and environmental studies and policy. Originally from Reno, Nevada, Olivia is part of the USD Honors Program, serves on the Humanities Center Student Board as President, and conducts volunteer research on barnacle reproduction in the lab of Dr. Nathalie Reyns. This summer, she will be participating in a National Science Foundation REU program at the University of Delaware, where she will be employing geoacoustical methods and RAUVs to conduct seafloor mapping research. Olivia will attend graduate school and ultimately plans to pursue deep sea ecology.

KAYDENCE ISAACS is a behavioral neuroscience major with a minor in chemistry. She serves as a Scholastic Assistant and Pre-Health Peer Mentor for first-year students. She is also a member on several executive boards for Make-A-Wish Club, Neuroscience Club, Pilates Club, People of the Islands Club, and the Honors Student Board at USD. During the school year, she volunteers weekly at the San Diego Humane Society. While at home in Hawaii, she volunteers at a local hospital and will be interning at Make-A-Wish for the summer of 2024 with plans to pursue medical school following graduation.

MONICA JABRO is an Architecture major with a minor in Real Estate. Born in Michigan and raised in San Diego she currently is Secretary in the American Institute of Architecture Students here at USD where she is able to raise important questions about our program during board meetings to make changes where necessary. She is currently serving as an intern for an architecture office in the name of Cabrera and Associates where she assists in making a complete set of plans for the project she is assigned, whether it be ADU, Residential, or Commercial. This upcoming Summer she is going to study abroad in Rome, Italy. Her plans in the future are to pursue her Master’s in Architecture where she can then one day open up her own firm.

AVA JAKSHA is an economics major with a minor in visual arts. She serves on the executive board for her sorority Pi Beta Phi, volunteers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and enjoys creating and selling her art at local markets. Ava recently completed a six month marketing internship for Real Radiology and will soon begin a data analytics internship with same company. Ava plans to pursue a career in economics and sustainable fashion, particularly working to eliminate the harmful elements of fast fashion. Ava is from Seattle, Washington.

ALIYAH JONES is an Industrial and Systems Engineering major, originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. She currently serves as the PreCollegiate Initiative Chair on the executive board of the National Society of Black Engineers, where she actively works towards enhancing diversity and inclusion in the STEM field, aiming to empower younger generations. She also works as a Student Teacher at the Manchester Family Child Development Center. This coming summer, she will be interning at The Boeing Company for her second summer as an Industrial Engineering Intern in Seattle, Washington. In the future, she plans to be an engineering manager for a production and manufacturing-based company and establish her own engineering consultant company. At the same time, she wants to continue to work towards initiatives to support younger generations and communities in need.

WAIRIMU KIMANI is an Economics major with a minor in International Business. She is a first generation Kenyan American and originally from Hayward, California. During her 3 years at USD, she has been the Secretary of the Business Economics Club, a student intern at the OneStop Financial Aid Center, a member of Black Student Union, and a research intern for the McNair Scholars Program. She is currently conducting research about the gender wage disparities in developing countries. With a passion for advocacy, she plans on pursuing a graduate degree in Public Policy upon graduation.

MATHISHA KARUNARATNE is an honors student pursuing a Computer Science major and a Marketing minor. He is the Co-Leader/ Financial Manager of the USD Sailing Club and a Service Committee Leader of the USD Haven Project. He also works and is a guide at USD’s Outdoor Adventures. He plans to pursue a a career in software development, and is originally from Sri Lanka. In the past, he has sailed for Sri Lanka’s National Sailing Team.

GRACE KRAMER is a philosophy major and sociology minor. Originally from Woodstock, IL, she is a member of the Honors Program, beginning her thesis research on the prison industrial complex. She is also on the women's rowing team, participating in weekly practices and races, as well as volunteer work with her team. She spent this past summer doing research for USD School of Law's Consumer Protection Policy Center. After graduation, she plans on working towards a law degree to pursue her dream of doing exoneration work.

SAMANTHA LAURIN is studying Psychology with a minor in Communication and Marketing. She strives to own her own business in therapy, helping those who have mental health difficulties. She has help with Survivors of Suicide Loss events and researches at a psychoanalysis office. She is a member Psy Chi, the Psychology fraternity and helps plan events in her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. Outside of academic participation, she is the president of the Women’s Water Polo team and is an active member in many clubs on campus, such as Intervarsity, Psych and Behavioral Neuroscience Club, and Active Minds.

MEI-LIN LEW is a Behavioral Neuroscience major with minors in chemistry and business administration. Originally from Seattle, Washington she was a Torero Ambassador and Scholastic Assistant for incoming first-year students. She enjoys spending time volunteering at Linda Vista Elementary's STEM afterschool program. Mei-lin is currently in the honors program, Vice President of the pre-health honors society Alpha Epsilon Delta, and the secretary for AMSA (American Medical Student Association). She recently studied abroad in Florence, Italy where she began volunteering for the international-nonprofit organization Photo Healing Art which places photographs in hospitals worldwide to provide comfort, warmth and hope to patients. She is currently an intern at Scripps Mercy Trauma Center and plans to pursue a career in healthcare.

ALEXANDRA LI is a Psychology major from San Diego, California. She is an aspiring Occupational Therapist, specifically hoping to specialize in working with individuals with special needs. At USD, she serves as the Social Chair for USD Medical Brigades, Community Coordinator for USD's Make-A-Wish Foundation Chapter, and is an Executive Board Member in Kindred Art Collective. She is also a weekly volunteer at UC San Diego Health's Koman Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, where she works under the direct supervision of Occupational Therapists and healthcare professionals. She plans on pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy upon graduating from USD.

BLAS LOHR is a junior at the University of San Diego. At USD he is pursuing two degrees in business analytics and finance. He is from a border town called Nogales, Arizona. An extracurricular activity for Blas includes playing for the club soccer team. Blas intends on going to graduate school after graduation where he looks forward to pursuing an MSBA (Masters of Science in Business Analytics). Afterward, Blas hopes to land a remote job as a data scientist. Further down the line, Blas hopes to one day own his own business in the agriculture sector.

SARAH MCCORMACK is a biology major with minors in Spanish and chemistry. She serves as a Peer Health Mentor and a Scholastic Assistant at USD and plays women’s rugby for the school as well. She tutors third graders in reading through Teach for America. She plans to pursue a career in Naturopathic Medicine. Sarah is from Plymouth, Massachusetts.

JENNA MELLO is from San Diego, California and is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and French with a minor in Chemistry. She is the co-president of The Haven Project, a student organization the supports individuals impacted by foster care, and is a weekly volunteer in the ICU at Scripps Mercy Hospital. This school year, she was a part of the first cohort of the California College Corp and worked with the City of La Mesa to assist with its Environmental Sustainability program. Jenna plans to pursue a career in pediatric medicine and is currently looking to specialize in neonatology, surgery or oncology.

EDESSA MICHAEL is a psychology major from Chicago with minors in philosophy and marketing. She is currently a member of Pi Beta Phi and serves as the Director of Policy and Prevention. Additionally, she is a member of Pi Beta Phi's philanthropy committee. She has previously been a teaching assistant in the psychology department at USD, assisted with an after-school program for children, and helped fundraise for Read Lead Achieve. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a PhD in cognitive psychology and help individuals with learning, memory, and attention with a special focus on assisting individuals in marginalized groups.

SIERRA MISSELHORN is a Political Science and Psychology major with a minor in Ethnic Studies. She is originally from Belleville, IL, but has found a community here in San Diego. She currently works with the Student Conduct Leadership Team, participating in hearing boards, training, and monthly team meetings. Her summer currently includes completing a paid internship with Senator Tammy Duckworth back in Illinois. She expects to continue her work on expanding knowledge to survivors and families through her website and podcast in the future. She plans to attend law school following the early completion of her degree here at the University of San Diego and hopes to make a positive impact while pursuing her career in criminal law.

SYDNEY-ARIEL MUNESES is an International Business major and minors in Chemistry and Chinese. Being a member of the University of San Diego Honors Program, Sydney-Ariel embraces interdisciplinary learning and curiosity and is passionate about her studies at USD. Through this program, she serves as an Honors Captain for incoming Honors students. As well as being a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and Chinese Culture and Language Association, Sydney-Ariel also values participating in philanthropy, serving the local San Diego community and her hometown community of Baltimore, Maryland. Recently, she had the privilege of studing abroad in Auckland, New Zealand and hopes to study or work in Asia someday. In the future, she also plans to further her studies in either the field of business by obtaining a master’s degree in Business or by attending medical school to pursue a career in the medical field.

OSKAR MUNIZ is a Political Science Major with a Philosophy minor from San Clemente California and serves as the Scholastic Assistant Programs Transfer Chair, providing an ongoing point of contact for the transfer student leader team and new transfer students and helps coordinate, execute and attend transfer engagement opportunities for new students, welcoming and recognizing new transfer students as a valued community on campus. He also currently serves on the executive board of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and Toreros Fighting Homelessness. He spent a summer interning in Washington D.C. which sparked his interest in constitutional and media law which he hopes to pursue in law school after his undergraduate career here at the University of San Diego.

SHELBY NICOLAISEN is a double major in Political Science and History. Currently, she swims for the University of San Diego collegiate swim team and is a part of Kappa Delta Sorority, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and USD Votes Club. After graduating, she plans to pursue law school to work in either environmental law or family law. Shelby is from Phoenix, Arizona.

MUSASHI NOZAKI is a mechanical engineering major. He is originally from Japan, but moved to San Diego in 2014. Musashi was the head coach for the soccer team at Montgomery Middle school in the past and currently works as a tutor for Student Support Services (SSS). He plans on joining the military as an officer after graduating college and work in the aeronautical field as an engineer.

LAUREN O’DONNELL is a double major in Developmental Psychology and Music. Originally from Mystic, Connecticut, she is an Out-of-State Ambassador and a Torero Ambassador. She currently works and guides at Outdoor Adventures on campus as well as plays in the USD Wind Ensemble. Outside of USD, Lauren volunteer’s at ABLE ARTS, which is a music and art therapy location for a diverse group of people. She recently studied abroad at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia for a semester. After graduating, Lauren hopes to attend graduate school for her PhD in Psychology in hopes to one day open her own practice and work with children on the Autism Spectrum or Cancer Recovery patients.

ANNIKA OLSON is an Environmental and Ocean Science major with minors in biology and Spanish. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego and serves as the Vice President of Philanthropy for her sorority Alpha Delta Pi. She is also conducting genetic research in a biology lab to identify the types of nitrogen fixing bacteria found in soil samples in the Cuyamaca mountains. Annika hopes to continue to pursue a career in research after graduating next year. She is originally from Lafayette, California.

JACK PETERSON is a double major in Finance and Business Analytics. Originally from San Bruno, California he is a transfer student at the University of San Diego, a member of the Student Finance Association, and a Peer Advisor for the Knauss School of Business for the 24-25 academic school year. He is a volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank in San Bruno, and was a Junior PGA assistant coach at Crystal Springs Golf Course. He currently aspires to become a financial analyst for a finance firm.

DONOVAN RICE is a political science major with a minor in philosophy. Originally from San Diego, he had the opportunity to study in both Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates while in high school. Upon graduation, Donovan joined the Marine Corps, serving four years. While enlisted, he attained the billet of Scout Sniper Platoon Team Leader, deploying to Afghanistan and Japan. He currently interns at Arendsen Braddock Law and sits on the Linda Vista Farmers Market Board of Trustees as Co-Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator. Donovan plans to pursue law next.

ELSA RIEDL-RIEDENSTEIN is a finance and international business major. Although her family hails from Austria, she was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, and recently relocated to San Diego. Since a young age, Elsa has been passionate about horse riding and music, pursuits that have significantly shaped her into the person she is today, instilling in her a strong work ethic that she applies diligently to her studies. She is currently enrolled in a double degree program with her home university in Portugal, Catolica Lisbon, which she aims to complete by spring 2025. Elsa harbors aspirations of pursuing a master's degree in Finance, driven by a perpetual curiosity for various facets of the business world, particularly entrepreneurship. She envisions herself launching her own company in the future, following a period of acquiring experience in the corporate realm.

SYDNEY RIOS BRUNER is a philosophy major with a political science minor. She is a member and the Finance Director of the USD Dance Company, a member of the Pi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She has volunteered with foster children since high school working with Share My Fortune Nonprofit and Promises 2 Kids. Sydney is currently conducting philosophy research, focusing on how femininity and feminism are constructed through pop music. This summer she will engage in philosophy research focusing on Baruch Spinoza’s philosophy of the mind and its applications to AI ethics. Sydney plans to pursue a law degree and become an attorney. She is from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

SAETIA RUCKER is a student majoring in Business Administration and Liberal Studies. Originally from Seattle, Washington she hopes to combine her two disciplines in the future whether that be working with non-profits or teaching in the classroom. Here at USD, she serves as a Scholastic Assistant, participated in the Changemaking Design Lab, and is a junior panhellenic delegate in Alpha Chi Omega.

LIZA SCOTT, born in Atlanta, Georgia, is a Business Analytics major with a minor in PPE. As a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma executive board in addition to her work as a recruitment counselor, she has become a pivotal piece in USD’s Panhellenic Community. Liza currently works as a Data Operations Intern at Rohe Levy Financial here in San Diego, and in her free time, enjoys promoting USD and the community at large on her personal social media channels. In the future, she hopes to combine both her analytical and creative skills in an international work environment inspired by her time at USD’s Madrid Center.

RUBYE STRICKLAND is an environmental science and behavioral neuroscience major from Montgomery, Alabama. They are a member of the Honors Program and a fellow for the Port of San Diego through College Corps Climate Action. They co-founded the Neuroscience Club and the Skate Club at USD. They have lab positions in a geochemistry lab and a neuroscience lab on campus, and they plan to pursue a PhD in either environmental health or neuroscience. Additionally, they have been training in Muay Thai kickboxing and traditional boxing for a few years.

KARMA TERLIK is a Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Asian Studies. She is originally from Austin, Texas, where in the past two summers she worked as Shift Lead for a local ice cream shop. She previously served as a Torero Ambassador with roles in the Ole, Out-ofState- and Tour Escort programs while also being involved with the Japan club where she served as president. Currently, she works as a teaching assistant for an intro biology class, Bioenergetics and Systems, while also as a Knack tutor where she facilitates learning for her peers in biology and chemistry. She is a part of two research labs. One studies the role of endocytosis in a fruit fly model of Alzheimer’s disease while the other is an independent project exploring the simultaneous impacts of heat and water stress on a native, California wildflower. She was recently awarded a STAR scholarship for the proposal of the latter project and will spend her summer conducting research. Karma plans to attend graduate school where she will study pollination ecology or a related subject with the ultimate goal of becoming a full-time researcher and educator.

AIMEE TOBIN is a third year Business Administration major. Originally from County Kildare in Ireland, she spent two years studying Global Business in Dublin City University, before transferring to USD. She is now completing the dual-degree program and will graduate with a degree from each university in May 2025. At USD, Aimee is currently a member of Alpha Delta Pi and Outdoor Adventures. In the future she plans to work in accountancy, and become a chartered accountant.

ALI TURANLI is a Political Science major with a minor in PPE.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, he is a current player at the Mens Rugby Club in University of San Diego. He also was in the MUN Club his first semester in USD. Aspring to be a corporate lawyer, Ali wants to get his JD right after graduating college. Also, deeply interested in regional politics in the Middle East, Ali eventually wants to pursue a political career that allows him to use the skills he has developed during his education.

MAE VANDERSLICE is a psychology major with minors in sociology and business administration. She currently holds a leadership position in her sorority as Fundraising Director and most recently co-organized an on-campus philanthropy event raising $19,800 for an organization called Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Additionally, she is a scholastic assistant for first-year students in the Illuminate LLC, and is passionately involved in several student clubs including Psychology Club, Students Working Against Human Trafficking, and Student International Business Council. This past January, she studied abroad in New Zealand and will be spending the fall semester at the University of Athens in Greece. Over the summer, she will return to her hometown of Seattle, Washington as a Seattle Children’s Hospital intern working with patients who have mental disabilities. An additional goal for this summer is to further engage in efforts supporting women’s reproductive rights through volunteer work at Planned Parenthood. In the future, Mae aspires to become a child psychologist, diagnosing and treating both mental and learning disabilities.

DARIUS VERA is a third year math and physics major from Laguna Hills, California. In the past, he has worked with Torero Ambassadors as an OLÉ Ambassador, and has worked with the math department as a Near Peer Course Mentor to try and increase success in lower division math courses. Currently, Darius works with Dr. Chad Kishimoto in his neutrino astrophysics lab. In the future, he hopes to work in the aerospace industry.

DAVID VERA is majoring in Physics and Math, and is originally from Orange County, California. In his sophomore year, he worked with Torero Ambassadors in the OLÉ program. He worked as a Near Peer Course Mentor in the Math department, helping students in their lower division math courses. More recently, he has joined the Physics Identity Program and is a member of the Society of Physics Students. He was recently announced as a SURE Scholar, and plans on doing research on quantum systems this summer. He plans to obtain a higher degree in a physics/engineering related field.

KATHERINE (KATY) WOODS is a Sociology major with a concentration in law, crime, and justice and a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, she is an active member in the Social Justice club as well as the Humanitarian Society. She recently studied abroad at Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy. She is excited to become more involved in the campus community as well as the Linda Vista community. She plans to pursue her Master’s in International Relations or Social Innovation as well as a career in consulting or ultimately working for the United Nations.

HAILEY-JASMINE YOCAM is a Business Administration major with minors in both International Business and Chinese. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Hailey is so excited to be a student at her dream school, the University of San Diego. She is the director of New Member Experience for the Zeta Pi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi and she is on the executive board for USD’s Club Swim Team. She is also a member of the Chinese Culture and Language Association and the international business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma. Hailey is planning on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in global entertainment management, accounting forensics or live event management.

CELINE YACOUB is an Industrial and Systems Engineering major with a concentration in Sustainability. She serves as a commuter assistant, Torero ambassador, and is also part of USD’s Honors Program. She hopes to secure an internship for the summer that will allow her to further her career aspirations and provide her hands-on experience within her field. She plans on pursuing a career in project management or as an operations analyst. Celine is from San Diego, California.

Judith Lewis Logue Alcalá Chapter of MORTAR BOARD

Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, Room 259

5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492

(619) 260-7616

Email pmyers@sandiego.edu

sandiego.edu/mortar-board