IRIS H. W. ENGSTRAND, Ph. D.

Educator, researcher, historian, author

2004 Living Legacy Awards Honoree

Women’s International Center acknowledges and honors the life and legacy of an extraordinary individual.

Iris H. W. Engstrand, Professor of History at the University of San Diego, is a native Californian who attended Newport Harbor High School. She received her B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of Southern California, where her major fields were California, Mexico, Latin America and the Spanish Southwest. Dr. Engstrand has taught a variety of courses at USD since 1968 and is author of 21 books, including San Diego: California’s Cornerstone; San Diego: Gateway to the Pacific; Spanish Scientists in the New World; and Arizona Hispanica. She has lived and traveled extensively in Spain and Mexico, writing articles and lecturing in English and Spanish.

Dr. Engstrand has co-authored several books with her University of San Diego graduate students. These include histories of San Diego Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Yacht Club, Mayor Harley Knox, and the University of San Diego. Her academic honors include USD’s distinguished University Professorship, the Davies Award for Faculty Achievement, Awards of Merit from the California, Southern California and San Diego Historical Societies, Western History Association, and Orange Coast College; fellowships from the Fulbright Commission, American Philosophical Society and Huntington Library. She is a Trustee for the San Diego Natural History Museum, past president of the American Historical Association, Pacific Coast Branch, and president of the Western History Association (2003-2004).

An avid sports fan, Dr. Engstrand enjoys swimming, sailing, and skiing. Her husband Paul D. Engstrand is a local attorney and daughter Dr. Kristin Moran is a professor at USD. Stepsons Dr. David Engstrand, a dentist, and Craig Engstrand, a graduate of USD’s School of Law, live in Alpine with their families.

Presenting the award to Dr. Engstrand is Patrick Drinan, Ph.D Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Diego.

Women’s International Center proudly acknowledges the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Iris Engstrand with the Living Legacy Award.

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