Students collaborating in a STEM educational environment at the University of San Diego.
Darlene Marcos Shiley has pledged a historic $75 million donation to the University of San Diego to enhance its STEM programs. This donation, the largest in USD’s history and among the largest for any Catholic university in the U.S., will fund the Shiley STEM Initiative, which includes building a new facility for STEM education and research. The initiative aims to improve academic outcomes and support scholarships for military-connected students while promoting a collaborative learning environment.
Darlene Marcos Shiley, a prominent philanthropist and Chair Emerita at the University of San Diego (USD), has pledged a groundbreaking donation of $75 million to enhance the university’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. This contribution is marked as USD’s largest single donation ever and ranks among the largest received by any Catholic university across the United States.
The funds will facilitate the establishment of the Shiley STEM Initiative, designed to expand STEM education and research at USD. A significant portion of the donation will be allocated towards the construction of a new facility dedicated to housing STEM educational programs and research activities.
The announcement was made during USD’s Founders Gala, a celebratory event recognizing the university’s 75th anniversary. University President James T. Harris III commended Shiley for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts and her dedication to advancing students’ interests. He highlighted the significance of the donation in elevating USD’s educational capabilities.
Shiley’s philanthropic involvement is not new to the San Diego community. She and her late husband, Donald P. Shiley, have a history of supporting various nonprofits, with substantial previous donations to USD, including a $20 million contribution in 2012 that helped establish the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. This school is now a fundamental component of USD’s STEM education framework.
In recent years, USD has seen a remarkable 50% increase in STEM student enrollment, reflecting a growing interest in these fields. Currently, the university offers a range of 16 STEM-related degrees and has recently developed an integrated STEM space that encourages collaboration between engineering and natural sciences disciplines.
Apart from expanding academic programs, Shiley’s donation is expected to provide essential scholarships aimed at supporting veterans and military-connected students, alongside additional funding for the arts within the university. This approach underscores the commitment to a holistic educational environment that nourishes varied talents and backgrounds.
USD comprises eight distinct academic divisions, such as the College of Arts and Sciences, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, and the Knauss School of Business. In recognition of its commitment to sustainability and the environment, USD was honored as a “Laudato Si’ University” by the Vatican in 2021, showcasing its dedication to impactful education and responsible stewardship of resources.
Darlene Marcos Shiley emphasized her belief in the transformative potential of STEM fields to positively influence society. She was particularly drawn to USD because of its values-based educational approach, which aligns with her vision for developing future leaders and researchers in STEM. The newly pledged investment is anticipated to greatly enrich research opportunities for undergraduates while providing the necessary facilities for effective teaching and learning.
With this substantial donation, USD is poised to enhance its research capabilities and meet the demands increasingly present in the biotechnology and scientific sectors within San Diego. The Shiley STEM Initiative is set to not only improve educational outcomes but also contribute to the broader community by training the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
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