The Woman Behind It All
Celebrating Coreen Petti’s Three Decades of Service to USD
It is not every day that you have the opportunity to plan a major national event. For Coreen Petti, who joined the University of San Diego in August 1995, one of her first tasks was big: plan the country’s second 1996 presidential debate.
That event put USD in the national spotlight and initiated a storied career for Petti. She has managed some of the university’s biggest projects including anniversary celebrations, inaugurations of USD presidents, building dedications, USD’s involvement with Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week, two Super Bowls and advertising placements during six Olympic Games. She will retire from her role as Associate Vice President for University Events and Partnerships at the end of March after 30 years of service.
“Coreen’s dedication to USD is evident in every event she has planned and partnership she has forged,” said Rick Virgin, PhD, vice president for University Advancement. “Her creativity and vision have elevated the university in countless ways and made significant campus milestones memorable and meaningful.”
In 2009, as part of USD’s 60th anniversary, Petti established the Founders Gala, USD’s signature fundraising event. Since then, seven galas raised more than $10 million for student scholarships. At the seventh gala, held in 2024 during 75th anniversary, USD announced a historic $75 million gift by Darlene Marcos Shiley, chair emerita of USD’s Board of Trustees.
“Sometimes universities experience moments that make history and beckon future generations of students to be a part of its mission,” James T. Harris III, DEd, President of USD shared with GB Magazine. “Standing on stage with Mrs. Shiley at the gala that night, I knew this was one of those quintessential moments. On behalf of USD, I thank Coreen for the role she played, for her servant’s heart and for her 30 years of dedication to USD.”
Petti takes pride in her service to women. She has been named a Woman Who Means Business and a Woman Who Moves the City, a Gamechanger by Connected Women of Influence, a Cool Woman by the Girl Scouts of San Diego, a Woman of Dedication by the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary and among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Education by Women We Admire.
In 2023, she served as co-chair of the Girl Scouts San Diego Cool Women event. In 2024, she was a panelist during the San Diego Business Journal’s Business Women of the Year Awards. Petti currently serves on the San Diego Opera and iHeart Media Community advisory boards.
“Coreen sets the highest standard of excellence and hospitality across her work,” added Derek Legg, USD’s Senior Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships. “She is the best boss I have ever had.”
Petti also spent years volunteering at her church, at her children’s schools, with their sports teams and their scout troops. She served for nearly a decade on the board and as chair of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP).
“Coreen Petti is a true champion for women and girls, whose visionary leadership has made a lasting impact at OLP and throughout the broader community,” says Lauren Lek, the head of school at OLP. “Her tireless dedication was instrumental in launching our Boundless campaign, ensuring our historic campus thrives for generations to come. She has left an indelible mark, transforming our school and expanding opportunities for young women to boldly achieve their dreams.”
After retiring, Coreen and Kevin Petti, her husband of 36 years, plan to continue their tradition of traveling the world, participating in local cultural programs, enjoying sporting events and spending time with their two adult children.
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