OUR SAN DIEGO

      San Diego is located in the southwest corner of the United States at the southern tip of California and is often called America’s Finest City. A narrative description would be, “One cannot travel any farther south without crossing into a foreign country ( Mexico ) or travel any further west without dropping into the Pacific Ocean.”

      San Diego is ranked as middle-sized among cities in the US. That means it retains the charms of a small city with the conveniences of a large city. It has a lot of similarities to Dumaguete City, home of Silliman University. Both are endowed with a picturesque boulevard by the sea lined with establishments for shopping and dining. Both offer mountain and island views at a distance. But more importantly, both are home to friendly people. Both cities enjoy sunny weather all year round. Typically, Dumaguete has a wet and dry climate. San Diego has a mild, Mediterranean-type climate where it does not get very cold or very hot. Sillimanites love the lack of the white, wet stuff called snow and subscribe to the theory that “snowy places are nice to visit but a hassle to live in.” To this end, San Diegans travel about 60 miles to the mountains on rare occasions when the snow level falls under the 6000 ft. level to enjoy and frolic, knowing that they can return to their warm and dry homes at the end of the day.

      San Diego has a large tourist industry. It is home to the world-class San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, and the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). SIO operates the Birch Aquarium, which displays various marine habitats, including rare deep-sea creatures. San Diego is home to a large segment of the military. The Navy and Marines have large bases and provide annual displays of military might and technology, including the annual Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. Many Sillimanites came to San Diego as members of the military.

      Lastly, San Diego is home to Sillimanites who enjoy sharing their home away from home with visiting alumni and friends.

 ~ By John Olivar