To love is nothing.
To be loved is something.
To love and be loved is everything.
The University of San Diego (USD) is located in one of the world’s great diverse urban centers, set at the edge of an international gateway on a campus that is consistently ranked among the nation’s most beautiful. USD provides students and faculty members with unique opportunities to learn, to put theory into action and to find new ways to lead purposeful lives. Darlene Marcos Shiley is Chair Emerita of USD Board of Trustees, Trustee for 30-plus years, and the Honorary Chair for The Founders Gala on November 16th.
#1 Darlene Marcos Shiley was raised in the Bay Area, specifically Oakland, California, and graduated cum laude from San Jose State University.
#2 I was in a special college program for the Army. Two young female sophomores from each state were selected. Ten would be awarded a two-year Scholarship to ANY university they wanted to attend. On graduation, I would have served as a first lieutenant. I was chosen and wanted the college award so much, but I turned it down because I thought there were others that were even more eager to join. It was very painful to turn down, but the right thing to do.
#3 The two biggest influences in my life have been my Mom, who encouraged me to focus on educating myself (she supported me in everything I did). And my much-loved late husband, Donald, who helped me become the better person I am today.
#4 I have visited many places around the world, but if I had to pick one favorite it would be Africa. Nothing like a safari for excitement.
#5 The best stress reducer is to get-away. The best solution is a cruise.
#6 I am a live theatre person. Favorites are “The Lion in Winter,” “Taming of the Shrew,” and “Camelot.” (Probably because I played the lead in each).
#7 Darlene Marcos Shiley would like to find a peaceful island or spend a long stay in Portugal and write a book.
#8 I like to think that what we have done, still do, and will continue to do as “paying it forward”. We want to give others the opportunities we did not have.
#9 We attended a USD event with friends decades ago. During his speech, Dr. Author Hughes, USD president at the time, spoke of a values-based education; it resonated with both Donald and me. And that was the beginning of a very successful journey!
#10 The Founders Gala is the University’s signature fundraising event and will serve as the capstone celebration of the University’s 75th Diamond Anniversary. Proceeds from the “Founders Gala” will go towards the Founders Endowed Scholarship Fund benefiting USD undergraduate, graduate, and law students.
The University of San Diego
75th Anniversary Founders Gala
“Shine Bright on the Diamond”
Saturday, November 16, 2024
6 pm – 11 pm
Petco Park
For more coverage of community events, philanthropy, and cultural happenings, explore magazines in San Diego like GB Magazine that spotlight the people and causes shaping our city.
FAQs:
Who is Darlene Marcos Shiley?
Darlene Marcos Shiley is the president of the The Shiley Foundation and a well-known philanthropist in San Diego.
What charities does Darlene Marcos Shiley support?
Education, public television, medicine, and the arts. Among them are the University of San Diego, Scripps Health Foundation, UCSD, California State University, The Old Globe Theatre, Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Sharp Healthcare, CSU Shiley Institute for Palliative Care, The University of Portland, and KPBS public radio and television.
What awards has Darlene Marcos Shiley received?
UCSD renamed the ADRC the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Girl Scouts’ Coolest Woman of the Year
UC San Diego Lifetime Legacy Award
Chair Emerita of USD’s Board of Trustees
KPBS’ First Woman of the Year Award
What is Darlene Marcos Shiley’s legacy?
Donald and Darlene Shiley were married for 32 years. Donald was a biomedical engineer who invented a heart valve. Donald and Darlene Shiley decided their whole estate would go to charitable organizations.
Who is Darlene Marcos Shiley’s husband?
Donald Shiley was born in 1920 and passed away in 2010. He was a renowned biomedical engineer and inventor of the Björk-Shiley prosthetic heart valve
Who is Darlene Shiley married to?
Darlene Shiley is the widow of Donald Shiley.
Who are Donald Shiley’s children?
Donald Shiley had four children from a previous marriage, and their names are Dawn, Jennifer, Michael and Patrick. Their children and grandchildren have continued the family’s legacy of philanthropy.
