The University of San Diego (USD) has been recognized as the Social Impact Educational Institution of the Year at the 2025 Cause San Diego Conference. The award honors USD’s leadership in advancing social innovation, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving across the region.
Hosted annually by Cause San Diego, the conference brings together business, nonprofit, and academic leaders to explore ways to drive positive social and environmental change. This year’s event celebrated organizations that demonstrate measurable impact and meaningful contributions to the community.
Representatives from the Kroc School of Peace Studies attended the conference, where four Kroc School graduate students were also awarded scholarships for their work in creating positive social change.
Kroc School Students Awarded Scholarships at the 2025 Cause Conference
“Our students at the Kroc School are leaders, changemakers, and dedicated partners in creating more just and peaceful communities. This Social Impact Award speaks volumes about their commitment, and the University of San Diego’s, to advancing meaningful change through education and action,” said Paula Cordeiro, Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership and Education at the Kroc School of Peace Studies.
Kroc School Staff & Students at the 2025 Cause Conference
The Social Impact Award highlights USD’s ongoing efforts to connect academic learning with real-world impact. Through initiatives like the Kroc School’s graduate programs in peace, justice, social innovation, humanitarian action, restorative justice and conflict management, students are equipped to engage directly with the issues shaping their communities and the world
Learn more about Cause San Diego and the Cause Conference at their website here.
