At the Tournament of Roses, USC alumnus Louis Zamperini was recognized with a very touching tribute. Mr. Zamperini was selected last summer as the parade’s grand marshal, but passed away shortly after his selection. …Continue Reading Tribute to a Trojan legend
During the holiday season, Niki and I are extremely fortunate to spend time with many members of the USC community, and we’re always touched to see—and feel—the special version of holiday spirit that our Trojan Family shares. It was in this same spirit of warmth that Niki and I welcomed more than 350 USC students to our home on Thanksgiving Day, continuing a tradition we began shortly after my inauguration in 2010…Niki and I also attended the Festival of the Autumn Moon Gala, honoring USC Trustee Dominic Ng, chairman and chief executive officer of East West Bank, for his professional and philanthropic accomplishments, as well as his ardent support of Asian art and culture…At another exceptional event in November, the USC Institute of Urology raised $2 million to support its world-class patient care and research programs—and it did so in a single night! The gala honored Derrick Hall, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks major league baseball franchise, who stands proudly as a prostate cancer survivor and advocate. Mr. Hall received the inaugural Louis Zamperini Courage Award, which bears the name of the late Olympian and USC alumnus who survived a harrowing imprisonment during World War II. …Continue Reading Sharing the holiday spirit with the Trojan Family
Throughout the holidays, Trojan student-athletes—drawn from six different sports—distributed gifts to disadvantaged children in South Los Angeles. Reflecting on the experience, football player Chris Willson said, “Being at USC, we have an amazing platform to reach out to the community.”…Continue Reading Trojan student-athletes show their spirit
President Bill Clinton delivered thought-provoking remarks, and then engaged in a lively one-on-one discussion with Dean James Ellis of our Marshall School of Business. Speaking directly to our students, who filled Bovard to the rafters, President Clinton said, “The next 20 years look good to me. I wish I were your age. I’d love to see what’s going to happen. We’re entering an age of unprecedented discovery.” Last year, as part of this same lecture series, we welcomed President and Mrs. George W. Bush…The Washington Post recently published an op-ed I wrote regarding the cost of higher education, and the need for more private universities to offer opportunities to community college students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. USC admitted 824 of these students last year; however, at most elite, private institutions, fewer than one of every 1,000 students are transfers from a community college. …Continue Reading President Bill Clinton speaks with Trojans; promoting access to college; new recruits in science and the arts
“Why do people go to university?” author B. Joseph Pine II asked a roomful of USC leaders. It’s not for the ideas or the books or the classroom instruction, he said. It’s not even for the out-of-classroom encounters, though that’s getting a bit closer. “It’s because they’re looking to be transformed.”
The renowned author and business consultant was the featured speaker at this year’s President’s Leadership Retreat, held Nov. 20. Some 400 USC managers gathered in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center ballroom that morning to listen and then brainstorm on the university’s place in what Pine has dubbed “the experience economy.”…Continue Reading USC Experience Initiative receives boost from groundbreaking author Joseph Pine
In an ongoing commitment to fostering community partnerships throughout the city, USC has awarded the Los Angeles Police Department a $100,000 annual grant to support its burgeoning Cadet Leadership Program. The annual award will help the LAPD expand its signature community youth program, which has 6,000 active members age 13 to 20 from every part of the…Continue Reading USC awards $100,000 annual grant to LAPD Cadet Leadership Program
For the first time since the alliance formed between USC and Pacific Asia Museum one year ago, more than 550 supporters and friends of the museum gathered for the annual Festival of the Autumn Moon Gala. The event, in its 37th year, honored Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bank, for his business and civic leadership…Continue Reading USC Pacific Asia Museum Gala honors USC Trustee Dominic Ng
Following in the pioneering vision of USC founder Judge Robert Maclay Widney, USC honored its philanthropic leaders at the 3rd annual Widney Society Gala. Benefactors who have donated $1 million or more in gifts or pledges to the university are inducted at this annual event, recognizing their extraordinary generosity and foresight in creating an enduring…Continue Reading Widney Society sets course for USC’s future
Retired Army General David Petraeus, left, and USC President C. L. Max Nikias, right, show their engraved wooden Trojan swords. The swords were presented to them by the USC Student Veterans Association for their help in opening USC Veterans Resource Center, on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. (USC Photo/ Gus Ruelas)…Continue Reading Veterans Resource Center established for USC students
C. L. Max Nikias first arrived at USC in 1991, and has served as a professor, national research center director, engineering dean, provost, and president. He serves the university as a life trustee and as its president emeritus. During his tenure as president, Nikias advanced USC’s premier academic and global standing, led a generational upgrade and expansion of both of the university’s campuses, and created college pathways for low-income students….Continue Reading “The Destined Reign of Troy”