USC president C. L. Max Nikias and first lady Niki C. Nikias received a special honor at the 2012 USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) graduation dinner on April 30, 2012. Following remarks and a toast by USC Board of Trustees chairman Edward P. Roski Jr., USC senior vice president for university relations Thomas S. Sayles presented the couple with personalized NAI letterman jackets — replicas of the same jackets NAI scholars can earn over the course of their NAI journey — in appreciation for their leadership and continuing support of the university’s civic engagement efforts.
This year’s NAI graduation celebrated 54 scholars for completing the rigorous, seven-year pre-college enrichment program. Also honored was Toyota Motor Corporation, which received the 2012 USC Civic Engagement Champion Award for its financial support of NAI.