Dominican University of California

Home College Hallmarks & Quirks

Hallmarks and Quirks

Things I'm Good At:

My science departments. My nursing program has the earliest starting period for clinicals (those working in the hospital), as well as for those who are studying for pre-med. I'm also in the process of renovating a mansion into a new occupational therapy building. Those lucky OT majors.
The liberal studies major. This involves getting tons of fieldwork done at local schools. Students eventually get to have their own group of students and obtain full control of the class. Scary? Exhilarating? Both? Find out for yourself.
The English Department. All kinds of guest writers come and speak here, and many of these talks are super popular.
Charities. Through different school events, my students raise money for Make A Wish, Relay for Life, and Habitat for Humanity, to name a few.

My Top 5 Must-Haves:

Hiking shoes. There's no way I can hike Mount Tamalpais, the Fire Trail, and Point Reyes without them. I also cannot endure the ginormous hills of San Francisco without their cushiness.
Sol Food. It's a bay staple and absolute heaven. Puerto Rican food is where it's at.
Camera. 'Nuff said. I'm beautiful, the surrounding area is beautiful, and you need to capture all that beauty. No excuses.
A sense of adventure. Whatever you want, whatever you need, SF has it. Chinatown, Japantown, Fisherman's Wharf, every imaginable type of food, the Walt Disney Museum, the Exploratorium, karaoke bars…the list goes on and on (and on).
Social skills. The people here are some of the most considerate, funniest, kindest, and unique group of characters you will ever meet. You'll totally find a group of friends to call your own.

Why You Might Have Heard of Me:

I'm where the Governor's Debate was held when it was between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown.
Jane Lynch came here and gave a lecture on her book, Happy Memoirs. Contrary to popular belief, she didn't haunt anyone's dreams. As far as I know.

On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...

You'll probably find most of the Dominican students in The City, whether it be at an Above and Beyond show, at a bar, or going to a club.

Those who aren't big on the party scene can probably be found driving around on an adventure that typically involves In-N-Out, Mel's Diner, or a campus event like a hypnotist show. If you're really low-key, then the many game nights, capture the flag, or movie nights are just your scene.

Favorite Hangouts:

Chilly's Café is the spot for commuters, a quick snack, or a Super Bowl marathon.
The Associated Students Body Union is also ideal for its fuzzball, pool table, and flat-screen TV. Besides the cushy couches, of course.
Anywhere in San Francisco. Seriously.

Quirks:

I'm on the semester system. Grades are given in most of the classes taken, but there are some classes that are pass/fail. Gotta keep up that GPA.
In order to graduate, students must take one service learning class, which involves a lecture and also a section of the class where students apply the concepts they're learning. This is usually done by volunteering.
In 1917, I was the first Catholic college in California to grant the BA degree to women. You're welcome, ladies.

Famous Alumni:

Marion Irvine, a.k.a. the "Flying Nun." Does your Catholic school have a famous nun-Olympian as a former student? Yeah, didn't think so.
Angela Salinas. She was the first Hispanic woman to become a general officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. No big deal. (Except it is.)
Melba Beals, journalist and member of the Little Rock Nine
Killian Larson, pro basketball player