USD is finally making strides to success

Serge Seplovich / Opinion Editor / The USD Vista

“Going into my fourth year at USD, it appears like our lovely school on the hill is in the midst of a makeover. Since my freshman year back in 2005, three new buildings have been constructed. Two of them have been dorm buildings, exuding a far more modern look than their older counterparts. In addition to the new look, the Missions dorms came with a fitness center and an eatery to boast. The School of Leadership and Education is the newest one of the three, and definitely my favorite. The fancy tile floors and plethora of flat-screen TVs are a nice touch to the modern look the school is trying to exhibit. However, my obsession with this building can be found nestled in its corner, outside of Bert’s Bistro. The addition of the giant grill, constantly barbequing ribs, burgers and salmon, more than makes up for the closure of the Torero Grille. The new UC, which is slated to debut in the Fall of 2009, will feature an array of vast dining possibilities. This is a huge leap for the dining services on campus.

Fancy new buildings are not the only difference the school has seen since my first year here. The biggest change I have noticed is one that is intangible. This came in the form of heightened school spirit. I remember being embarrassed going to nearly empty sporting events freshman year. I was appalled by the lack of school spirit present at all games. It made the experience of going to the games depressing.

Thankfully somewhere down the line, students began to show up at these sporting events. So what changed? Maybe students finally realized the caliber of our sports teams. Or maybe it’s due to our unexpected berth to the NCAA tournament last year. Those are two possible answers, but I think it’s that the school finally wised up and began offering tailgating options for students. Frontline’s deal with Luigi’s in Mission Beach last year was genius. The reality is, students enjoy sporting events much more after a dose of liquid courage.

Whatever the reason is, the school has taken strides in the right direction to give students an authentic college experience. If they continue to move forward in the same direction, USD will be known not just for its pretty campus, beautiful people and academics, but also for student’s enthusiasm for their sports programs.”