One City Day Brings Dons Together

USF participated in a citywide day of service that brought San Franciscans of all ages together to participate in the joy of making a positive difference.

by Sara Rinaldi, Office of Development Communications

Nine people standing in a straight line smiling for a group photo
Two people in safety vests hold hands while picking up litter near bushes, with one leaning forward and smiling. Another person works in the background.
President Aceves speaking at the podium for One City Day
Woman wearing gloves and a bandana smiles while holding a gardening tool and standing among green plants outdoors.
Man pulling up dead foliage from the ground

Nearly 60 USF community members, including USF President Salvador D. Aceves ’83, EdD ’95, rolled up their sleeves in Bayfront Park at the Port of San Francisco for park beautification and shoreline cleanup efforts as part of One City Day.

"For the University of San Francisco, San Francisco is far more than the city where we are located; it is our home,” said Aceves. “Guided by our Jesuit Catholic mission, we are called to serve the common good, and on One City Day, USF students, faculty, staff, and alumni stood alongside our neighbors in strengthening the community we all share."

Held on July 11, 2026, One City Day was a citywide initiative led by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda that reflected their shared commitment to public service and philanthropy.

The inaugural day of service featured more than 175 volunteer projects spanning the comprehensive 11 supervisorial districts within San Francisco.

The initiative brought together over 98 Bay Area organizations to participate in service projects including neighborhood beautification, tree plantings, graffiti removal, habitat restoration, and donation packing.

Arianna Cunha ’21 led the USF volunteers at Bayfront Park, helping coordinate the day’s efforts and inspiring fellow Dons. Kayla Washington ’26 also joined President Aceves in speaking to volunteers to begin proceedings.

"Service is at the core of my work as a public servant in San Francisco; it means caring for our communities and taking responsibility for the places we all share,” said Cunha. “As a proud USF graduate, I carry the university’s commitment to justice, compassion, and service into everything I do. It was an honor to lead the USF community for One City Day, bringing those values to life as we came together to support and uplift our city. I am grateful to every volunteer who showed up and helped make a meaningful difference."

Ready to make an impact? Discover volunteer opportunities at USF and find your meaningful way of giving back.