Changemakers

Fred Angulo, USF alumnus and lead epidemiologist at Pfizer, helped develop a COVID-19 vaccine that protected millions. A global investigator of infectious diseases—from Ebola in West Africa to cholera in Haiti—he embodies Jesuit values through science, service, and mentorship, making a profound local and global impact.

Luis Enrique “Kique” Bazan, a Peruvian advocate for human rights and social justice, holds master’s and doctoral degrees from USF, where he led Global Immersions and the Arrupe Justice Program. A co-founder of Casa Generación, he works to end youth homelessness and promote global solidarity.

London Breed, raised in San Francisco’s Western Addition and USF MPA alum, made history as the city’s first female African American mayor. Serving from 2018–2025, she championed housing, public health, and equity, embodying USF’s values of service and justice in public leadership.

A veteran and civic visionary, Mark Buell has shaped Bay Area development as San Francisco’s first Economic Development Director, founder of CALED, and current chair of the Presidio Trust board. Rooted in service and equity, he works to strengthen communities and public spaces.

Bill Cartwright, USF’s all-time leading basketball scorer and 3-time All-American, won 3 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and coached internationally. A familiar presence on campus, Cartwright leads University Initiatives and serves on the McCarthy Center board, exemplifying cura apostolica, care of the institution.

Ming W. Chin, USF BA ’64, JD ’67, U.S. Army veteran, served as a California Supreme Court justice from 1996–2020, where he authored landmark rulings on DNA, hate crimes, and civil rights. A USF Alumnus of the Year, trustee, and alumni president dedicated to shaping law and advancing justice.

Alfred Chuang, Computer Science alumnus and Trustee Emeritus, is founder and General Partner of Race Capital. A distinguished tech executive, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist, he is a dedicated supporter of USF’s mission. He served on its first IT Committee, helping to wire campus for the first time.

During the Great Depression, Chemistry professor and pre-med student advisor Fr. James Conlon organized relief efforts through the Pacific Coast branch of the Catholic Medical Mission Board. He also founded the St. Ignatius Circle, a group of San Francisco women who fashioned clothing into bandages.

A Northern Arapaho leader, Jordan Dresser has worked to reclaim sacred objects and protect cultural heritage. A former tribal chairman and museum professional, he champions Indigenous sovereignty and ensures traditions are preserved for future generations.

Dorothy M. Ehrlich, History grad and longtime ACLU leader, retired after decades of advocacy. As Deputy Executive Director and former head of ACLU Northern California, she championed justice, racial equity, and LGBTQ+ rights, embodying Jesuit values through visionary leadership.

San Francisco native Fr. Raymond Feely, SJ, dedicated his life to USF, teaching philosophy and political science, leading as the university’s first academic vice president, and championing gender inclusion. He also created the USF Credo in 1940, a cornerstone of the university’s identity.

Heather Fong, a trailblazing investigator and leader, was the first woman and Asian American woman to lead a major U.S. city police force as San Francisco’s Chief. She continues driving justice and reform nationally through leadership roles at the Department of Homeland Security.

Arthur Furst dedicated his life to discovery and service. A beloved USF professor from 1944 to 1981, he founded the Institute for Chemical Biology and helped establish toxicology as a scientific field. His mentorship, research, and generosity continue to inspire students worldwide and at USF through an award in his name.

Delia Gallagher is a veteran Vatican reporter for CNN and Inside the Vatican magazine. She got her start in journalism as Editor-in-Chief for USF’s Foghorn. Her reporting, infused with Jesuit values of care and rigorous inquiry, has covered four Popes.

Kathileen Gallagher helped shape USF’s co-ed transition in 1968, founding women’s athletics and arts programs. She launched a dance major, led community outreach, and helped create the Performing Arts and Social Justice program. Her legacy blends art, service, and social change.

Gordon Getty, USF ’56, is a celebrated composer, philanthropist, and civic leader. His $30M in gifts helped launch the J. Paul Getty Honors College and Ann Getty Institute of Art & Design. Honored as USF’s 2015 Alumnus of the Year, he exemplifies Jesuit values through art, education, and service.

In 1928, James Gill, “the Boss,” joined USF to lead drama, public speaking, campus publications, and ceremonies. His debut production made USF the first Jesuit college to present a female actor. He later rebranded The Foghorn and led the College Players to acclaim. Gill Theater was named for him.

Janessa Goldbeck, MA in Public Leadership alumna, Marine Corps veteran, and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation, mobilizes over 1.5 million veterans and families for civic engagement. Appointed to the CA Veterans Board, she champions LGBTQ+ rights and equity, embodying leadership rooted in service, inclusion, and democratic values.

Erin Golightly served on the group who founded the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and is passionate about innovative ways for museums to educate about African American culture through a social justice lens. She is now the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in LA.

Andrew Goodwin, a founding member of USF’s Media Studies Department, was a pioneering scholar of popular music and author of Dancing in the Distraction Factory. A beloved teacher and “professor of pop,” his legacy lives on through the annual Goodwin Popular Culture Award and Lecture Series.

Elizabeth Greenwood, a History graduate and acclaimed author of Playing Dead and Love Lockdown, blends investigative journalism with bold storytelling. Featured at USF’s 2025 Book Fair, she uplifts hidden voices, teaches writing, and reflects Jesuit values through curiosity, empathy, and cultural insight.

Tom Hewitt has dedicated his life to child welfare in South Africa, founding Surfers not Street Children and co-founding Umthombo Street Children. Awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire and the Ralph Lane Peace & Justice Award, he’s a tireless advocate for vulnerable youth.

Sociology professor Michael Howe exemplified Jesuit values through action. In 1975, he led over 200 USF volunteers to airlift Vietnamese orphans to safety. A visionary builder and nurturer, he later founded USF’s Continuing Education program, expanding lifelong learning and community impact.

Karim Iliya -- photographer, filmmaker, and open water swimming guide -- documents whales, big cats, and other threatened animals to help protect the earth’s delicate ecosystems. Karim co-founded Kogia, a non-profit free media library, fellowship program, and production studio dedicated to protecting marine life.

After serving as the 23rd President of the University, Albert Jonsen pioneered the field of clinical ethics or the practice of bioethics at the bedsides of patients. He served on multiple presidential commissions on medical ethics and his training as a Jesuit informed many of his innovations in the field.

After graduating from USF, Frank Jordan dedicated his career to San Francisco, first as Chief of Police and then as Mayor. During his leadership he brought BART to SFO airport, kept the Giants in the city, and balanced the budget. He continues to serve USF on the Business Advisory Council.

Renowned entomologist Edward L. Kessel, USF biology professor, became the world’s leading expert on flat-footed flies. He published nearly 100 scientific papers, edited hundreds more, and advanced biological research through decades of scholarship and mentorship.

Ralph Lane taught Sociology, established community-based learning, and infused all his work with a commitment to justice and peace. As such, he established the Lane Center for Catholic Thought. He was known as a thinking man, who confronted fearlessly what it means to be human in a complex and conflicted world.

Calina Lawrence, of the Suquamish Nation, is a USF Honors grad in Performing Arts & Social Justice who blends Native traditional music with soul, hip hop, and poetry. Raised in Coast Salish traditions, she raps in Lushootseed, a once-endangered language, to confront injustice, preserve tradition, and inspire resilience and wrote the ASUSF Indigenous Land Recognition Statement.

Millianne Lehmann was a professor of mathematics at the University of San Francisco for 39 years beginning in 1965. Pioneering the presence of women on the USF campus, Millie was a founder of the USF Faculty Association (AFT Local 4269), project director for the USF Middle School Math Institute (an NSF-funded program), and co-authored four books.

Katherine de Léon "uses her USF education every single day." A U.S. Marine, she became a Philosophy major and went on to co-found a music streaming company. De Léon has been a female pioneer in the male-dominated gaming industry and now serves as Senior Director of Product Management for YouTube.

Patricia L. Hill, English professor, spent 45 years shaping USF into a more diverse, just community. One of the first Black faculty members hired in 1970, she blazed an inspiring trail, directing the first Ethnic Studies Program, advancing the field of Black Studies, and acting as a fierce advocate for underrepresented students and faculty.

Fr. Thomas Lucas, S.J. shaped USF’s artistic identity as the founder of both the current department of Art + Architecture and the Thacher Gallery. His creative vision and Jesuit-inspired design lives on in public art across campus, including the Armillary Sphere installed in his honor.

Sociology Professor Esther Madriz was passionate about social justice issues, including women's fear of crime, hate crimes, domestic violence, gay and lesbian rights, and human rights abuses against Latinos. At USF, she led the Advisory Committee on the Status of Women and co-founded the Center for Latino Studies in the Americas.

USF professor and administrative leader Gerardo Marín shaped the university through programs like the Martín-Baró Scholars and international initiatives, with a postdoctoral fellowship honoring his legacy. Author of 150+ works on Latine culture, he gained global recognition and advanced equity in education and research.

Joseph Marshall, founder of Alive & Free, empowers youth through education and violence prevention. At USF, he founded the Black Student Union, fought for Black Studies, and served on the Board of Trustees. His Jesuit-rooted work provides scholarships and uplifts lives globally.

McCarthy served as California’s Lt. Governor and Speaker of the State Assembly. As an elected official, McCarthy championed public transportation, stewardship of the land, and transparency in government. His belief in educating for a just society led to the creation of USF’s Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good.

Joan McGrath, Trustee Emerita, is a builder and nurturer advancing Jesuit education through visionary support. With her husband, she champions Catholic Educational Leadership, funds graduate scholarships, launched the McGrath Institute, and supports global immersion for students, transforming lives through faith, service, and leadership.

Patrick McNicholas is a trial lawyer devoted to civil rights and justice through his California- based litigation practice. A USF alum and former student body president, he served on the Board of Trustees, remains a trustee emeritus, and has been an advocate for Jesuit education at USF for over 40 years.

Carlos Menchaca was the first Mexican American to serve on the New York City Council and the first openly gay New York City Council member from Brooklyn. The POV documentary Emergent City highlights how Menchaca championed dialogue and collective action instead of standard politics and power.

John Montgomery transferred to St. Ignatius College in 1875 to study under Fr. Joseph Neri, earning his BS and MS before pioneering modern aviation. In 1883, he built and flew the world’s first successful glider. A visionary scientist and later professor at Santa Clara College, he continued advancing flight throughout his life.

Kevin Mullin represents California’s 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A former California Assemblymember and Speaker pro Tempore, he champions democracy, climate action, healthcare access, and economic opportunity for all.

Alyssa Nakken ’15, 2025 Sport Management Alumna of the Year, now serves as Assistant Director for Player Development with the Cleveland Guardians. She is a trailblazer as MLB’s first full-time female coach and exemplifies USF’s Jesuit mission by building inclusive teams, leading with integrity, and lifting others globally.

Steve Negoesco studied biology at USF and starred on the soccer team, winning the 1949 California Collegiate title and 1950 Soccer Bowl Co-Championship. After 25 years teaching in SFUSD, he coached USF Men’s Soccer (1962–2000) to 544 wins, 22 conference titles, five NCAA championships, and historic U.S. Open Cup success.

Department Chair of Natural Sciences, Joseph Neri was the first person to demonstrate electric light to the city of San Francisco in 1871. Embodying Jesuit principles of spreading knowledge, Neri believed “there was not, and could not be, any conflict between true science and true religion.”

Vicky Nguyen, NBC News investigative reporter and USF valedictorian, tells impactful stories rooted in justice and truth. A refugee and author of Boat Baby, she uplifts marginalized voices and mentors USF students, exemplifying Jesuit values through journalism, empathy, and public service.

Maureen O’Sullivan provided ethical leadership to the College as Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and as the chair of the Department of Psychology. She was a pioneer in the field of emotion research. Her work with Paul Eckmann (UCSF) was the basis of the television show “Lie to Me.”

As a student, Steve Runyon became general manager of USF's AM radio station, continuing until 2014. While at USF, he built KUSF into a 24-hour FM station prized by the city while teaching in what became the Media Studies program. His dynamic mentorship helped launch numerous Dons’ careers.

Professor Robert J. Seiwald, a USF chemistry professor (1957–1989) and WWII veteran, co-invented groundbreaking antibody labeling agents. His work revolutionized disease diagnostics and earned him a place in the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He turns 100 during the College of Arts & Sciences centennial.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon represents California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, furthering justice and equity by advancing policies that address affordable housing, public transportation, reproductive rights, climate justice, disability rights, and public safety reform.

Melvin Swig sponsored USF’s Judaic Studies Chair and Program, the first ever at a Catholic University. A respected developer and philanthropist, he served as Chairman of USF Board of Trustees. Swig received the first Unity Medal (Union of American Hebrew Congregations) in recognition of his life-long contributions to racial and religious harmony.

Jennifer Turpin (pictured right), a sociologist and transformative leader, served USF for 34 years. She founded the Women’s Studies program and became the university’s first female provost and CAS dean, advancing equity and shaping academic life through 17 years in senior leadership.

Hal Urban earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from the University of San Francisco, where he also taught for more than 36 years. An award-winning teacher and author of eight books on good character—including The Power of Good News—his work inspired the USF URBAN Trail, a mindful campus walk shown to boost student mental health.

Paul Zeitz, Math Department Chair and professor, created many resources for USF students and the wider community. He organized the San Francisco Math Circle, specifically designed for urban children in grades 6-10. He recruited hundreds of students into the program who might not otherwise have had access to afterschool enrichment.