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Guide to the University of San Diego University Relations records
USDA_2011_005; USDA_2019_024
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Table of contents
Title: University of San Diego University Relations records
Date (inclusive): 1953-2010
Collection number: USDA_2011_005; USDA_2019_024
Creator: University of San Diego University Relations
Physical Description:
33 boxes
(32 linear ft.)
Abstract: The University of San Diego University Relations records document the functions of the University Relations department and
its offices. These functions include publication design, editing, and final products; planning for activities and events;
surveys and research on community relations; and fundraising activities.
Languages:
English
According to the 1973 Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation report, the Office of University Relations
was the first University-wide office for the merged University of San Diego. The goals for this office were to establish a
strong fundraising program and to build a stronger community image. Dr. Gilbert Brown began as the first Director of University
Relations in 1972, shortly thereafter becoming the Vice President for University Relations. Brown worked to build relationships
with those outside the University. This endeavor included improving rapport with the community, building media relations,
and fostering alumni relations. Brown served through 1978, then William Picket became Vice President until 1986. John McNamara
served as Vice President for University Relations for 15 years until Msgr. Dan Dillabough became Vice President for Mission
and Public Relations from 2001 to 2005. Tim O’Malley served for 12 years as Vice President for University Relations. In August
2018, Richard P. Virgin became the Vice President for University Advancement.
The work of the University Relations department has included planning for events; designing invitations and programs; creating
and distributing news releases; compiling news about USD from various news outlets; implementing fundraising activities; administering
alumni events; and planning and administering community activities and events. According to the 2004 University Relations
website under Msgr. Dan Dillabough, “The role of university relations is exceptionally simple. We preserve and promote the
university's story. We engage the community. We encourage giving. We create lifelong bonds.” In 2010, the message shifted
slightly to identify the varied constituents University Relations served: “Whether you are a student discovering the community,
an alum reconnecting with friends, a parent maneuvering a new role, or a journalist searching for answers, University Relations
can help you make connections. And connections build relationships, which build friendships, which build the lifelong bonds
that define our lives.”
The University of San Diego University Relations department is the public face of the University of San Diego, administering
the image of the university to students, parents, alumni, and the community. The University Relations records document the
functions of the department and its offices. These records include planning and informational materials about community, university,
and alumni events; designs and final versions of invitations and programs; campaign planning materials; information on community
programs; some departmental meeting and retreat information. Also included is information gathered about local government
officials and local government issues, as well as information pertaining to the Irvine Foundation Grant "Institutionalizing
Cultural Diversity."
The University Relations records are organized into seven series:
Series II is further arranged into the following subseries:
Series IV is further arranged into the following subseries:
Series VI is further arranged into the following subseries:
Arrangement
Records in each series are arranged in alphabetical order. Unless otherwise noted, photographs are arranged in chronological
order.
Access Information
This collection is open for research.
[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, University of San Diego University Relations records, Copley Library, University of San Diego,
Archives and Special Collections.
Accruals are expected.
This collection was processed by Ashley Toutain in 2019.
University of San Diego News Releases have been digitized and are located on Digital USD.
Additional University Relations records are located in the Esther LaPorta Donor Relations records (1938-1999) and the Public
Relations Community Programs records (1979-1995).
Related collections include the USD Fiftieth Anniversary records (1998-2000), the James Irvine Foundation Grant records (1965,
1990-1996), and the Presidents Club records (1973-1990).
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Eagan, Brent
Finn, Sara
Maher, Leo Thomas
Martinez-Cosio, Maria
Hughes, Author E.
Hayes, Alice B.
Lyons, Mary E.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
University of San Diego
Subjects and Indexing Terms
(San Diego, Calif.)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
fund raising
planning
publications
dedications
events