ANJALI DALAL-WHELAN  / FEATURE EDITOR

After 28 years at USD, Marie Minnick, the assistant dean of students, is retiring. While many students know Minnick from her role in the office of ethical development and restorative practices, she holds another significant position in USD’s leadership as the operations advisor  for student media. 

Minnick   advises  all three divisions   of USD’s  student  media: USD TV,   The  USD Vista and USD Radio — ensuring  that the students  who participate in student  media  have   the   resources that  they need  to succeed. Minnick has taken on a variety of roles during her time at USD, but advising  student   media  is  the one   job that has  stayed  consistent. 

When Minnick  began advising student media, she was in charge of  reviewing    The  Vista before it went to print, despite having no experience in media.  She is grateful  that is not her responsibility anymore so she can focus on helping students develop their leadership skills. 

“The investment in [the students] as leaders has been something I’ve really greatly appreciated,”  Minnick said. “I have been able to work with some pretty amazing students throughout my time.”

Minnick was born in the Bay Area but grew up in San Diego. Growing up, she described herself as a tomboy. 

She played softball as her main sport as a kid, and in college, she was on her school’s club soccer team. Minnick said sports are still important to her. 

“Sports were very much a part of my self identity,” Minnick shared. “Being active and athletic is still a part of my joy. I share season tickets for the Padres — and I’m a hardcore fan.” 

Another thing Minnick loves is Bob  Dylan. She has been to over 100 of his concerts, often traveling to see him. 

Minnick’s dad was an important mentor to her growing up and instilled in her the values that she still holds today.

“A   lot of  the  values  that I carry really come from my parents,” Minnick said. “But primarily   from   my   dad, in terms of the way  you value and treat people, and our obligation to being   a   person  for  others was very  much   a value that  my dad carried.” 

After high school, Minnick attended   Biola University, receiving a degree in Christian education.   She    originally    planned to go into  youth ministry within the Catholic Church. However, after becoming an RA her senior year, she decided she wanted to work in higher  education  as   another  way  to invest in young people’s futures.  She then pursued a master’s in social work with an emphasis  in student  development  in higher  education at Azusa Pacific University. 

Although Minnick attended Evangelical schools for college and graduate school, she was raised Catholic, and   this faith is important to her. She  believes that spirituality   and religion, in  whatever form they take on for a person, can help people understand the world.  

“I    loved   the    ability   [in school] to consider faith development as part of how we experience the world,” Minnick said. “You know, we talk about our social, our mental [and] our physical ways that we grow and develop. And for me, there is a spiritual aspect. And it doesn’t have to be within a traditional faith  or belief system, but   I  think   that   is  a  part   of   how   we   make   meaning  with  the  world.”

Her first job post-grad was at Santa Clara University as a community  director. She continued to  work there until she came to USD. 

Minnick began at USD as the director of student activities, working   with student government, student media and the orientation programs.  

Later, she was asked to take on a role with student conduct and began her work with the office of ethical development and restorative practices. This aspect of her job can sometimes be emotionally challenging, as she often encounters students who are in difficult situations. 

“I’ve seen students really in pain and struggle,” Minnick shared. “When people have been damaged through interactions, you know, I feel that profoundly for them, and so there’s a weight that goes with that.” 

Despite the challenges that come with her job, she loves the connections  that she’s   been able to form    with   students over   the    years.

“It doesn’t hurt to come to a campus so  beautiful  or to work with  amazing   colleagues,” Minnick said.   “Those    are  both   blessings.  But the thing that has kept me motivated    and   given    me   meaning is  working with students.”

Minnick’s  family  has   become  very  connected to   USD;  two  of her three  children   graduated  from USD  and   her    husband works in SOLES  as a  student    teacher  supervisor. 

At the end of the semester Minnick will retire after 28 years with USD.   She has many plans for retirement,    which   include napping, walking, political involvement and travel. Minnick   and  her  husband   have a trip planned to Great Britain and Ireland in the fall, and hope  to take a large trip yearly.

While Minnick’s presence will be missed at USD, she will be remembered by the lessons and connections she has made with students.

Minnick is a huge Padres fan.  Photo courtesy  of Marie Minnick