Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Shiley STEM Initiative Building at USD Enhances Education and Research
On May 20, 2026, the University of San Diego (USD) marked a significant milestone in its educational mission with the groundbreaking of the Shiley STEM Initiative building. This event was celebrated with the presence of Darlene Marcos Shiley, a dedicated philanthropist and Chair Emerita of USD's Board of Trustees, as well as her late husband Donald's legacy which played a pivotal role in this development. Notably, Mrs. Shiley had previously announced a remarkable lead gift of $75 million in 2024, which made this ambitious project a reality.
The Shiley STEM Initiative building will span 70,000 square feet and rise three stories, reflecting USD's commitment to providing exceptional educational and research opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As highlighted by Mrs. Shiley, "I believe that science, technology, engineering, and math are always going to be important, and that's the best place for me to make this gift. STEM is the future — and especially in San Diego."
This state-of-the-art facility aims to position USD among the leading universities nationally for undergraduate STEM research and academics. James T. Harris III, President of USD, emphasized the transformative potential of this new space, stating, "Today's groundbreaking is the first step in creating a new, innovative space for our STEM-based students that will elevate their educational experience and research as they become future scientists, engineers, and changemakers in our communities."
The architectural design prioritizes experiential learning by providing students with essential tools and hands-on experiences necessary to excel as future innovators in their respective fields. This new facility will enable undergraduates to engage in high-level research starting from their first day at USD, further enriching their education and preparing them for professional challenges ahead.
Among the prominent facilities planned within the Shiley STEM Initiative building are dedicated labs for biomedical engineering, medical device development, food science studies, and robotics. These facilities aim to foster a collaborative and adaptable learning environment, encouraging students to leverage their skills to address some of humanity's pressing challenges. Specifically, the biomedical engineering lab will focus on fostering advancements in healthcare, while the medical device lab will offer students the opportunity to prototype new devices.
Additionally, the inclusion of a food science and coffee lab provides a unique avenue for students to explore the intricacies of food science—studying everything from nutritional needs to innovative food technologies. A rooftop ecology space will encourage sustainability practices and environmental studies, fostering a holistic educational approach that blends technology with nature. Furthermore, a space dedicated to next-generation robotics will prepare students for the future of automation and technology integration.
The Shiley STEM Initiative aligns with USD's broader mission and commitment to nurturing future generations through an education grounded in values, ethical considerations, and impactful hands-on learning experiences. With an eye on real-world applications and a design that fosters creativity, the initiative aims to address the evolving needs of contemporary biotechnology and science industries.
In addition to its state-of-the-art facilities, USD is dedicated to ensuring its academic programs remain at the forefront of innovation and relevance. With more than 8,000 students from diverse backgrounds studying across various disciplines, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, USD is well-positioned to lead in developing solutions that address global challenges. In recognition of its commitments, USD was honored as a "Laudato Si' University" by the Vatican in 2021, demonstrating its resolve to contribute meaningfully to pressing humanitarian and ecological issues.
As the foundation for the Shiley STEM Initiative building takes shape, the USD community eagerly anticipates the enhanced educational opportunities that will emerge from this groundbreaking endeavor. From cultivating the next wave of STEM leaders to impacting local and global communities, the Shiley STEM Initiative is set to elevate the standard of education and research in San Diego and beyond.
The Shiley STEM Initiative building will span 70,000 square feet and rise three stories, reflecting USD's commitment to providing exceptional educational and research opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As highlighted by Mrs. Shiley, "I believe that science, technology, engineering, and math are always going to be important, and that's the best place for me to make this gift. STEM is the future — and especially in San Diego."
This state-of-the-art facility aims to position USD among the leading universities nationally for undergraduate STEM research and academics. James T. Harris III, President of USD, emphasized the transformative potential of this new space, stating, "Today's groundbreaking is the first step in creating a new, innovative space for our STEM-based students that will elevate their educational experience and research as they become future scientists, engineers, and changemakers in our communities."
The architectural design prioritizes experiential learning by providing students with essential tools and hands-on experiences necessary to excel as future innovators in their respective fields. This new facility will enable undergraduates to engage in high-level research starting from their first day at USD, further enriching their education and preparing them for professional challenges ahead.
Among the prominent facilities planned within the Shiley STEM Initiative building are dedicated labs for biomedical engineering, medical device development, food science studies, and robotics. These facilities aim to foster a collaborative and adaptable learning environment, encouraging students to leverage their skills to address some of humanity's pressing challenges. Specifically, the biomedical engineering lab will focus on fostering advancements in healthcare, while the medical device lab will offer students the opportunity to prototype new devices.
Additionally, the inclusion of a food science and coffee lab provides a unique avenue for students to explore the intricacies of food science—studying everything from nutritional needs to innovative food technologies. A rooftop ecology space will encourage sustainability practices and environmental studies, fostering a holistic educational approach that blends technology with nature. Furthermore, a space dedicated to next-generation robotics will prepare students for the future of automation and technology integration.
The Shiley STEM Initiative aligns with USD's broader mission and commitment to nurturing future generations through an education grounded in values, ethical considerations, and impactful hands-on learning experiences. With an eye on real-world applications and a design that fosters creativity, the initiative aims to address the evolving needs of contemporary biotechnology and science industries.
In addition to its state-of-the-art facilities, USD is dedicated to ensuring its academic programs remain at the forefront of innovation and relevance. With more than 8,000 students from diverse backgrounds studying across various disciplines, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, USD is well-positioned to lead in developing solutions that address global challenges. In recognition of its commitments, USD was honored as a "Laudato Si' University" by the Vatican in 2021, demonstrating its resolve to contribute meaningfully to pressing humanitarian and ecological issues.
As the foundation for the Shiley STEM Initiative building takes shape, the USD community eagerly anticipates the enhanced educational opportunities that will emerge from this groundbreaking endeavor. From cultivating the next wave of STEM leaders to impacting local and global communities, the Shiley STEM Initiative is set to elevate the standard of education and research in San Diego and beyond.
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