The University of San Diego Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary Wine Classic
Calling all wine lovers — the University of San Diego’s Wine Classic is celebrating 15 years.
The July 15 fête pairs wine enthusiasts with USD’s family of wineries for a spectacular event on campus. Since its inception, the Wine Classic has raised more than $850,000 in net proceeds for USD’s Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Kevin Dooley ’93 founded the annual event and serves as this year’s honorary chair along with his wife, Heather Dooley ’02, ’05 (MEd). To commemorate the milestone, they hope to raise enough to hit the $1 million mark in net proceeds.
“My hope, in the beginning, was to create an event that not only brings to campus alumni, family, friends and members of the community, but also showcases wineries owned by USD parents and alumni while supporting our students who rely on scholarships,” Dooley shared with GB Magazine. “It far surpassed any expectation I had.”
More than 700 guests are expected to gather alongside the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, at the Garden of the Sea overlooking Mission Bay. Festivities include live music, gourmet food stations and a silent auction featuring wine-related items, including magnums and exclusive tasting experiences.
Guests will learn about wines poured directly by the owners or winemakers from more than 25 wineries – many owned or managed by USD alumni, parents or friends. They will also have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition commemorative items or pull a bottle of wine valued over $100 from the Wine Wall.
“Buying a ticket or making a small gift matters. It makes a difference,” Dooley added. “We have a 5 ½ year old and we watch every penny, but we give back to USD a little at a time and we know it adds up and can change someone’s life.”
To learn more or to purchase tickets, go to www.sandiego.edu/
