The University of San Diego welcomed a new president for a day on Tuesday.
Miguel Hornedo is a USD senior graduating as a psychology major with a minor in theology and religious studies. He assumed the ceremonial leadership position, Tuesday, starting with a morning hike through Tecolote Canyon with the permanent university president, James T. Harris.
Hornedo then had several meetings with university officials, which included planning for the graduation Mass, a discussion on an admissions decision and asking a donor for money.
He spent time behind the president’s desk, a position he could see himself filling someday.
“As someone who identifies as Mexican American, I do see a need for people like myself to be in positions of leadership, especially in academics,” Hornedo told KPBS News.“ I think that education is the great equalizer. I think a way to break the socioeconomic restraints on minorities is to be educated.”
He transferred from Southwestern College as a junior and commutes from Chula Vista, where he was born and raised.
He understands the challenges that face students who don’t have a dedicated living and learning space on campus.
The annual President for a Day program requires applicants to write an essay about their leadership qualities and the issues they would address as leader of USD.
“I chose USD mostly because it’s a Catholic institution. I really value how they focus on issues like social justice as well as the values they instill in students to know between right and wrong,” he said.
Hornedo was awarded $1,000 as a donation in his name to be made to the San Diego Hunger Coalition.
