Guided Tours Showcase UC San Diego's Architecture, Landscaping and Artwork

Visitors Tour Program Offers Free Sunday Tours of Campus

May 3, 2011

By Kristin Luciani

Tour guide Jill Holmes with her husband Michael.

Jill Holmes knows the campus as well as — if not better than — any student, faculty or staff member at the University of California, San Diego. She has been to the top of Geisel Library to see the carillon chime, uncovered the truth behind the university’s “secret” underground tunnels and has been inside the award-winning co-generation plant to see the mechanics behind providing energy efficient electrical and steam power to the campus. Holmes’ campus expertise and insider knowledge stems from her role as a volunteer guide for the UC San Diego Visitors Tour Program.

The Visitors Tour Program offers free, 90-minute guided tours of campus for area residents, new faculty and staff, first-time visitors, returning alumni and the general public. Expert adult guides lead visitors through the picturesque 1,200 acre campus, highlighting notable landmarks, award-winning architecture and one-of-a-kind art pieces while sharing the university’s history and accomplishments. Now celebrating its landmark 50th Anniversary, UC San Diego is recognized as one of the top ten public universities by U.S. News & World Report and was named by the Washington Monthly as number one in the nation for its commitment to service.

“UC San Diego has achieved so much in such a short time,” said Holmes. “The Visitors Tour Program is a great opportunity to show off the university and its remarkable achievements over the past 50 years.”

A proud alumna and former staff member, Holmes first came to UC San Diego in 1995 to earn her nurse practitioner’s certificate, then stayed on to work at the Senior Behavioral Unit (then located at Thornton Hospital) and later at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at UC San Diego. After retiring, Holmes found the Visitors Tour Program to be a great way to stay engaged with the university and join a network of people passionate about the campus.

“It’s just fun,” said Holmes. “Everyone who participates in the program is excited to be there. I’ve gotten to meet so many different people connected with the university — from people working in facilities management to admissions.”

The Visitors Tour Program offers free guided walking tours the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m., leading guests through the heart of campus to see the undergraduate schools, the Price Center, the UC San Diego Bookstore and select sculptures from the renowned Stuart Collection. Bus tours are offered each subsequent Sunday at 2 p.m. and provide a scenic overview of the campus, from new additions such as the Rady School of Management and the Conrad Prebys Music Center to founding landmarks such as Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

This fall, the Visitors Tour Program will also resume its special architectural tours of campus, which debuted Fall 2010 as part of the university’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The tours will be offered Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and Nov. 13. To learn more visit www.50th.ucsd.edu/tour. 

 “The innovative architecture is one of the things I love most about this campus,” Holmes said. “There are distinct neighborhoods with different styles, and throughout the campus the modern design reflects the growth and innovative spirit of the university.” 

Holmes continued, “One of my favorite stops on the tour is the iconic Geisel library building. There is a whole group of wonderful things at the center of campus to share with visitors — the Snake Path, the collection of Dr. Seuss works, the architecture of the library and much more.”

The Visitors Tour Program is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as guides. Volunteers do not have to be graduates of the university, but should be interested in gaining an in-depth knowledge of the campus. Complete training is provided. To learn more about becoming a tour guide, please contact (858) 534-4414 or visitorsprogram@ucsd.edu.   

If interested in taking a tour, please make a reservation by calling (858) 534-4414 or online at http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/tours.

 

Media Contact: Kristin Luciani, 858-822-3353, or kluciani@ucsd.edu