This is my first Ambassadors letter of the new academic year, and I would like to update you on a number of exciting developments that took place at USC over the summer. In July, USC finalized its purchase of Verdugo Hills Hospital, a 158-bed hospital in Glendale, California, thereby adding the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH) to Keck Medicine of USC. This new partnership significantly bolsters both organizations, and increases our ability to bring outstanding health care to residents of the Foothills, as well as throughout Southern California.
The acquisition of USC-VHH builds on a larger initiative to expand access to USC’s world-class medical care throughout our community. In recent years, we have significantly developed and beautified our Health Sciences Campus, which is home to our Keck Medical Center and its two anchor institutions: Keck Hospital of USC and the USC Norris Cancer Hospital. We also have established clinical locations throughout Southern California, and patients can now see our faculty physicians in downtown Los Angeles, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, and an increasing number of locations.
The growth on our Health Sciences Campus complements the wonderful developments we’re seeing on our University Park Campus. As students returned for classes, they found a meticulously refurbished courtyard outside Town and Gown, a renovation that was generously funded by the Ladies of Town and Gown, USC’s longest-serving support organization. Students also found a beautified Childs Way; its majestic row of trees now creates a pleasing visual connection from Vermont to Figueroa. Our engineering students discovered a handsome new quad at the heart of the Viterbi School, and construction steadily continues at Dauterive Hall and Wallis Annenberg Hall, both of which will open in the coming months.
These changes have already been met with smiles from our students. Last week on Move-in Day, Niki and I were so pleased to welcome incoming students, and to meet so many proud parents. They have reason to be proud! Their sons and daughters are part of USC’s most selective class ever: the university received 47,300 applications for this year’s freshman class, and our acceptance rate was lower than ever. On the SAT, these students scored on average at the 96th percentile nationally—an outstanding achievement. The average student completed seven Advanced Placement (or International Baccalaureate) courses in high school, and more than 500 students earned straight As throughout high school. These accomplishments speak to the tremendous depth of their academic abilities.
But beyond the impressive metrics, these students also possess a broad array of talents and an inspired drive to excel. They are curious and compassionate, and care deeply about changing our world for the better. These students represent more than 1550 different high schools, 48 states, and 51 different countries. One in eight students is a first-generation college student, while one in five is a SCion. They will certainly benefit from their time at USC, and Niki and I look forward to watching them flourish over the next four years.
In addition to our undergraduates, I would like to acknowledge our remote students, and update you on USC’s ongoing success in the area of online education. Our faculty continues to creatively apply new technologies, building a dynamic, global enterprise that offers education to individuals all over the world, while maintaining our high standards of academic rigor and quality. This year, we anticipate enrolling more than 7,600 remote students through master’s-level degree programs and executive education programs, and to generate $124 million in tuition revenues through these programs. This figure is unprecedented for a top American research university, and speaks to USC’s leadership in this area.
Also this summer, Provost Elizabeth Garrett announced USC’s new vice provost of Student Affairs, Dr. Ainsley Carry. Dr. Carry comes to USC with two decades of experience in higher education, having most recently served as vice president for Student Affairs at Auburn University in Alabama. There, he oversaw 15 units and more than 120 employees. Dr. Carry has been a passionate advocate for personal development and student leadership throughout his career, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Trojan Family.
Finally, Los Angeles Confidential included our trustee Rick Caruso and me among its list of “5 Civic Leaders Building a New LA,” which I am sharing with you here. Niki and I are so grateful for your continued support as a USC Ambassador. I look forward to writing to you throughout the coming academic year.
Yours truly,
C. L. Max Nikias
President