May 29, 2015
Niki and I would like to begin this month’s letter with our heartfelt congratulations to our graduating students and their families. We are so proud of the extraordinary accomplishments of our newest alumni, and wish them continued success as they make their way in the world. We also wish to acknowledge the tremendous support they received from their families and friends. We hope to welcome you all back to campus often, and in next month’s letter, I will share some wonderful photos from our recent commencement.
Prime Minister of Japan returns to USC
On the subject of returning alumni, I had the profound honor of welcoming the prime minister of Japan, the Honorable Shinzo Abe, back to USC—as the final stop on his recent diplomatic visit to the United States. In 1978, Prime Minister Abe spent three semesters at USC, taking courses in political science, international relations, and history, while also studying English. During his morning visit, Niki and I hosted him, along with Japan’s first lady, Akie Abe, for a tour of campus, and he marveled at the campus’ growth in the intervening four decades. We also arranged for his beloved former professor, Thomas Johnson, to join us.
Prime Minister Abe proudly shared some memories from his time at USC, and emphasized that his experiences here shaped his understanding of the world, and that he deeply appreciated the opportunity to learn and communicate with students from many different cultures during his formative years. He also told me that he still makes a point to watch some of our football games, and proudly exclaimed, “Go Trojans!” I presented him with a personalized USC letterman jacket as a keepsake. He loved it!
On a related note, this past semester, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, spent two weeks at USC, teaching the course “Case Studies in Modern Leadership,” alongside Professor Steven Lamy. The course drew 82 undergraduates from diverse majors, and imagined what the world may look like in 2025. It also provided our students with the unique opportunity to learn directly from an illustrious and richly experienced world leader.
USC in D.C.
Last month, I led a delegation of USC trustees, deans, and senior administrators to Washington, D.C., where we met with a range of distinguished government officials, including Senator Barbara Boxer; Senator Dean Heller; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader; Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid; and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard. Our discussions covered several pressing issues that affect higher education, including research funding, student aid, and veteran care, as well as a White House proposal to rate the nation’s post-secondary institutions. During our time in the capital, we also hosted a reception for Trojan alumni, parents, and supporters. Our trip was highly productive, and our timing was perfect, as the famous cherry blossoms were in glorious bloom.
Trustee Joan Payden honored
This year’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative Scholars gala—which saluted the accomplishments of 61 exceptionally talented young students in the program—was particularly special, as it also provided an occasion to honor our longstanding trustee, Joan Payden. Ms. Payden recently gave a generous $5 million gift to further endow this nationally-acclaimed program, thereby ensuring that USC can expand its support for dedicated college-bound students. Her gift allows us to work with an additional 600 students in the neighborhoods near our Health Sciences Campus, and established the Joan A. Payden Student Academy.
Festival of Books
Last month, for the fifth straight year, USC hosted the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, drawing 157,000 visitors to our University Park Campus. The two-day event featured a number of literary luminaries, including Joyce Carol Oates and Malcolm Gladwell, who filled Bovard Auditorium to the rafters. Many of USC’s renowned literary faculty—notably best-selling author T.C. Boyle and NPR commentator Sandra Tsing Loh—discussed their most recent works. Coinciding with the festival, Professor Boyle and alumnus LeVar Burton took top honors at the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. Throughout the weekend, the atmosphere was absolutely delightful, as the event pairs thought-provoking panels with excellent food, live music, and creative presentations.
Sand volleyball wins national title
Niki and I were thrilled that the USC women’s sand volleyball team won its first national title—the university’s 123rd all-time team national championship! This victory carried special meaning, as the team has only been in existence for four years. This historic win also speaks to these student-athletes’ outstanding dedication and Trojan spirit—as well as the stellar guidance they received from head coach Anna Collier. To these magnificent student-athletes—and to all of USC’s ardent Ambassadors—we say: thank you, and Fight On!
Yours truly,
C. L. Max Nikias
President