University News Archive

USC Heart Transplant Program Receives Award

USC University Hospital received a Heart Transplant Excellence Award from the independent health care ratings organization Health Grades, ranking among the top 1 percent of hospitals in the United States that perform heart transplants.

Contested Sites Disclosed on West Bank

A team of American, Israeli and Palestinian experts has developed the first map detailing 40 years of Israeli archaeological activity in the West Bank and Jerusalem - much of it never publicly disclosed.

Caregiver Conference Held in Los Angeles

Caregivers from Los Angeles County gathered downtown at the Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral on Nov. 7 for the 10th annual Caring for the Caregiver Conference.

Bright Images in the City of Light

We’ve all heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” so often that it has begun to lose its meaning. A single image, according to the saying, can tell a story better than mere text.

Once a Trojan, Always a Trojan

Superstition aside, Friday, Nov. 13 proved to be a lucky day for the approximately 260 attendees at the Half Century Trojans Annual Luncheon at Town & Gown.

Peter Guber Leads the Way as Storyteller

“Leaders are great storytellers,” said entertainment industry stalwart Peter Guber in a lecture hosted by the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development.

Wolf Pack Gathers for 50-Year Celebration

While many things have changed at USC over the last 50 years, professor Walter Wolf has remained a consistent force at the School of Pharmacy.

USC Faculty to Help Paramount School District

A multidisciplinary collaboration aims to transform middle school science and math education in the Paramount Unified School District by harnessing the expertise of USC faculty.

Dinner Salute to the Samples, Marilyn Horne

The USC Thornton School of Music’s 23rd Annual Charles Dickens Dinner, to be held on Dec. 11 at The Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, will herald two turning points in the university’s history.

Improving End-of-Life Care for African Americans

Since hospice care became a Medicare benefit nearly 25 years ago, terminally ill minorities have encountered numerous barriers in accessing its services.

Brain Has an Innate Sense of Geometry

Despite minimal exposure to the regular geometric objects found in developed countries, African tribal people perceive shapes as well as westerners, according to a new study.

USC Leads in Enrollment of International Students

USC enrolled more international students than any other American institution of higher education. according to the annual Open Doors report issued today by the Institute of International Education.

A New Generation of Visual Anthropologists

Twenty-six years ago, the first visual research center at USC was founded by Academy Award winner Barbara Myerhoff (Number Our Days).

Blazing a Trail to Education Innovation

David Dwyer is serious about change. It’s a focus that has grown out of a distinguished, decades-long career as an entrepreneur, educator, researcher and technologist, and one he brings with him to his new position as the USC Rossier School...

Grants to USC Faculty Top $100 Million

When Congress enacted the economic stimulus package, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), universities around the country cheered the government’s reinvestment in science and the opportunities it presented to advance human knowledge.

USC Students Engage Children Every Week

Two days before Halloween, the lounge of USC’s Centennial apartments looked like a cross between a pumpkin patch and an art supply store.

Are There Answers for the Big Questions?

While working on Philosophical Analysis in the Twentieth Century, Volumes 1 and 2, a definitive two-volume history of analytic philosophy, Scott Soames came to a conclusion that a less-reasoned mind might consider rather bleak: There will never be another philosopher in quite the vein of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume or Kant.

Moving Testimonials at Good Neighbors Dinner

“I am a product of the impoverished families that struggle every day,” said new lawyer Yuri Guardado as she gave heartfelt thanks to the USC Trojans who help fund the Neighborhood Academic Initiative.

Help Your Neighbors Succeed With Office Attire

Is your tie circa 2001? Heels not up to fashion snuff anymore? Now you can make room in your closet and put your old office garb to good use.

Culture Classes Explain Yankeedom

The day’s topic was “History, Values and Religion.” On the chalkboard a professor wrote: “Please describe one major difference you have noticed between Americans and people from your home country.”

Saving the Elderly From Mistreatment

The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center and the Andrus Center Volunteers hosted a seminar on preventing the mistreatment of older persons at the USC Davis School of Gerontology on Nov. 4.

Legislative Day Focuses on Health Care Reform

USC School of Pharmacy students and faculty had the opportunity to discuss the timely subject of health care reform with elected officials at the school’s annual Legislative Day, held on Nov. 6 at Town & Gown.

A Lesson on Grieving

The USC Davis School of Gerontology hosted a trip on Oct. 30 to the Glendale branch of the Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries for a lesson on the grieving process.

Seeking the Truth of the Khmer Rouge

Born and raised in Prasat, a small village in Cambodia, Kosal Path was a child when the radical Communist Khmer Rouge came into power, igniting a genocide that would end in the massacre of nearly two million citizens.

Reunion Weekend Triple Feature

More than 860 alumni and friends returned to USC to evoke fond memories, create new ones and renew support for their alma mater during Reunion Weekend 2009.

Students Honored for Helping the Underserved

Six students in the USC Primary Care Physician Assistant Program have been named National Health Service Corps scholars by the U.S. Bureau of Health Professions.

USC Start-ups Raise $115M in Two Years

Since the beginning of 2008, 15 USC spin-off companies have raised approximately $115 million in financing.

President Steven B. Sample to Retire in August

Steven B. Sample, president of the University of Southern California since 1991, announced on Nov. 2 that he will retire in August 2010.

Innovator Students Sweep Parents Weekend

In the not-so-distant future, the world may have a new model for carbon offsetting, inexpensive emergency shelters based on the principles of origami and robotic assistants for people with disabilities.

Ault Named Associate Dean for Clinical Administration

Reflecting the importance of the partnership between the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center (LAC+USC), Glenn Ault has been appointed to the new position of associate dean for clinical administration.

Higher Education Group Honors Sanchez

USC College professor George Sanchez has been selected as the outstanding Latino/a faculty in higher education research institutions by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Inc.

Political Lobbying Guidelines Offered

Each year, USC interacts with hundreds of elected officials at the national, state and local levels.

A Memorable Weekend for Trojan Parents

A record-breaking crowd of 5,000 parents signed up for the three-day Trojan Parens Weekend, 4,800 attended a pregame tailgate picnic and 7,000 cheered on the team at the USC vs. Oregon State football game.

Memory Center Launches New Web Site

The USC Memory and Aging Center, a pioneer in research and treatment for dementia and Alzheimer disease, launched its new Web site this month aimed at expanding collaborative research and increasing referrals of older adults with age-related cognitive disorders.

USC Rossier to Salute McCain and Sample

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the USC Rossier School of Education will host a Centennial Gala fund-raiser on Feb 1 honoring alumna Cindy Hensley McCain BA ’76, MA ’78, the wife of Sen. John McCain, and USC President Steven B. Sample.

USC Viterbi Faculty Earn $23.6 Million in Grants

Faculty researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have won $23.6 million in funding as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

New Cancer Research Center to be Based at USC

USC has been selected to establish a $16 million cancer research center as part of a new strategy against the disease by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and its National Cancer Institute.

Good Neighbors Nearing Its Oct. 31 Deadline

Stay active and stay healthy - that important message has been delivered to hundreds of children as part of the Fit Families Program from the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy.

USC Students Hit the Storybooks

The students in Ray Wong’s first-grade class at Weemes Elementary School were working quietly until they noticed the arrival of the USC students that read to them weekly.

Operations Research Expert to Join USC Viterbi

A scholar with operations research interests who has contributed to algorithm design and optimization is the first recipient of the Epstein Family Chair in the Daniel Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Keck School Wins $34 Million in Stimulus Funds

Faculty researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have won a total of $34 million in grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Klinger Named Director of USC Hospitality

Kris Klinger ’92 has been named the new director of USC Hospitality.

Effectiveness of After-School Tutoring Studied

Schools that fail to increase academic achievement three years in a row are required to offer their low-income students supplemental educational services, or extra tutoring outside of the school day, according to federal No Child Left Behind mandates.

SCholars Join the Trojan Family

The USC SCholars Program, a grant-funded initiative created to increase the number of first-generation and low-income students transferring from community colleges to selective research universities in California, is breaking new ground.

Record Numbers Expected for Parents Weekend

A record number of parents have registered to attend Trojan Parents Weekend. More than 4,300 parents are expected, up from 1,700 parents in 2003.

Sports Camp Programs Reach Out

Every year, hundreds of community children come to the USC campus to play football and other sports.

New Web Site Targets USC’s Outreach

It’s no secret that USC, which recently was named tops in community engagement among all colleges and universities, has a multitude of flourishing programs and projects in the neighborhoods surrounding its campuses.

ShakeOut Drill a Success at USC

Approximately 300 volunteers participated in a USC earthquake drill held on the Health Sciences campus on Oct. 15.

Megacities Center to Study Water Main Breaks

A recent rash of well-publicized breaks in Southern California water mains disrupted commutes and destroyed streets. Now, USC Viterbi School of Engineering professor Jean-Pierre Bardet, director of the USC Center on Megacities, will lead an effort to find causes.

O.C. Trojans Welcome the Provost

Approximately 300 alumni and university leaders gathered at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach on Oct. 7 to spend an evening with USC Executive Vice President and Provost C. L. Max Nikias.

Thanksgiving Match-up Seeks Local Hosts

USC’s Office of International Services invites Trojans to host USC international students for a Thanksgiving dinner.

USC Libraries Sets Good Neighbors Goal

USC Libraries Dean Catherine Quinlan has offered a special incentive to encourage USC Libraries faculty and staff members to participate in the USC Good Neighbors Campaign, which concludes Oct. 31.

Two Elected to the Institute of Medicine

USC professors Mark Humayun and Dana Goldman have been named to the Institute of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.

Amateur Radio Club Members Tune Into Drill

If cell phone and telephone systems are knocked out during a disaster, at least three people at the Health Sciences campus stand a chance of reaching out to the outside world.

Thinking Outside the White Box

“I am not part this or part that but whole. I am me.” That’s how one of USC’s multiracial students described herself at the Face It!: Project ReMiX Kickoff event at El Centro Chicano.

USC Again Tops Saviors of Our Cities List

USC is the most neighborly college in the country, according to Evan S. Dobelle, president of Westfield State College.

Farmers Markets Dot USC Neighborhood

A cornucopia of fresh produce and vegetables awaits shoppers at the Adams/Vermont Farmers Market, one of at least seven open throughout the week in the neighborhoods surrounding USC.

In Memoriam: Herbert A. de Vries, 91

Herbert A. de Vries, a professor emeritus of kinesiology at USC College who was known as the father of exercise and aging, has died. He was 91.

Jane Goodall Spreads Message of Hope

Jane Goodall, internationally renowned anthropologist and world conservationist, filled Bovard Auditorium on Oct. 6 with both a capacity crowd and, more importantly, a renewed sense of hope for a world in need.

Sadan Installed as School of Dentistry Dean

During the search for the new dean of the USC School of Dentistry, one candidate truly stood out from the others, USC President Steven B. Sample said.

Alumni Meet the Deans in San Francisco

More than 200 Trojans attended the inaugural “Meet the Deans” reception Oct. 2 in San Francisco’s landmark Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square.

Undergrad Research a Priority at College

As a creative writing major, Schaeffer Nelson ’10 did not know what a research project would look like for him and so he sought the advice of his professors before applying for a research grant.

Lasher Joins University Advancement Staff

Pete Lasher, whose fund-raising experience spans 17 years at three top-tier universities, has joined USC as associate senior vice president for university advancement.

Alums Are the Toast of the Campus

Alumni volunteers recently assembled on campus for the eighth annual USC Alumni Leadership Conference, the most ambitious to date.

New Name for USC Annenberg School

The USC Board of Trustees has voted to change the name of the USC Annenberg School for Communication to the USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.

Gallagher Accepts Social Responsibility Award

USC Rossier School of Education Dean Karen Symms Gallagher was honored by the Los Angeles Urban League Oct. 2 at the 88th Urban League Annual Membership Luncheon.

A Brand of Complex Research

Traveling 7,600 miles to Jordan, Laurie Brand began her massive research project that also will take her to Algeria, Egypt and Lebanon before the end of 2010.

Social Work Receives Three Grants

Three faculty members at the USC School of Social Work have received newly announced grants.

Kassner to Direct Office of Naval Research

Michael E. Kassner, a professor in the USC Viterbi School Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, has been named director of research of the Office of Naval Research.

Volunteer Victims Wanted for ShakeOut

The Great California ShakeOut needs volunteer victims for a mass casualty drill on the Health Sciences campus.

D.C. Research Office Honored

Provost C. L. Max Nikias honored the achievements of the USC D.C. Office of Research Advancement and its executive director Steven Moldin at a Town & Gown ceremony.

A Conversation With Arthur C. Bartner

“I’m married to this job. You can’t separate the band from me, me from the band.” So said Arthur C. Bartner after four decades leading the Spirit of Troy.

Public Safety Releases Security Report

The USC Department of Public Safety has released its annual Security Report, as required by law under the Clery Act.

Celebrating 15 Years of Helping Others

Fifteen years ago, USC President Steven B. Sample had a vision.

Kevin Starr Examines Postwar California

The eighth volume of historian Kevin Starr’s omnibus look at California, detailing the ascendency of the state in the post-World War II era, had the exquisite timing of appearing in July, at the very moment the Golden State was bankrupt.

Troy Camp Takes Local Kids Beyond City Limits

“It’s their first time away from Los Angeles and the smog, the first time they see the stars at night, the first time they ride a horse.”

Preparing for a Major ShakeOut

As USC gets ready to take part in the Great California ShakeOut at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 15, some university divisions are proving to be star pupils in the preparedness department.

When Pain Is a Killer

Ten years ago, author John West’s father, a well-known psychiatrist, asked him to perform an act of compassion so significant that it would change his life.

Does Wisdom Come With Age?

Sidney Harman, founder and former CEO of audio-equipment giant Harman International Industries and the first Judge Widney Professor of Business at USC, presented a lecture at the USC Davis School of Gerontology on Sept. 23.

Panel to Preview Supreme Court Term

The USC Gould School of Law will present the second annual “U.S. Supreme Court: A Preview."

In Memoriam: Arnold Heidsieck, 72

Arnold Heidsieck, professor of philosophy at USC College, preeminent scholar in German and European intellectual history and literature, has died. He was 72.

Fossils Fuel Their Imagination

David Bottjer and Luis Chiappe have established the College’s Center for Chinese Fossil Discoveries.

Dana Goldman to Head Schaeffer Center

Dana Goldman, a widely respected expert in health economics, has been named director of the new Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC.

Federal Grant Helps Math for America L.A.

Math for America Los Angeles was awarded $1.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through a National Science Foundation grant.

USC Freshman Class Gets High Marks

USC’s entering undergraduate student body is the most academically talented in the university’s 129-year history.

Bartner Lets It Fly at Dodger Stadium

It was USC Night at Chavez Ravine on Sept. 14, so naturally, the Dodgers asked the USC Marching Band to play at the game. And, oh yes, could director Arthur C. Bartner throw out the first pitch?

New Health Policy and Economics Center at USC

A major new research center focused on health policy and economics has been established at USC, USC Executive Vice President and Provost C. L. Max Nikias announced.

Elyn Saks Wins MacArthur Foundation Award

USC Gould School of Law professor and Associate Dean Elyn Saks has been selected as a 2009 fellow of the MacArthur Foundation. Saks is the first fellow selected from the faculty of USC and one of only 24 selected for this year’s awards.

New Hope in Old Hawaii

At principal Tim Lino’s Hawaiian school, each day starts with “wa oli.”

Neighborhood Restaurants Strike Gold

Every year Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold releases his list of 99 “Essential L.A. Restaurants” in LA Weekly.

Great ShakeOut Drill’s Ties to USC

Want to find out who’s responsible for making you squat under your desk at 10:15 a.m. on 10/15?

Old Secrets to a Long, Healthy Life

Analysis of ancient texts by USC Davis School of Gerontology professor Caleb Finch reveals that some ancient writers believed the diet influenced longevity.

Japhet Wins Rogers Award for Education

Garth Japhet, the creator of Soul City, a multimedia program in South Africa, is the 2009 recipient of the Everett M. Rogers Award for Achievement in entertainment education.

New Guide Helps Students Bound for College

A new practice guide released on Sept. 15 by the Institute of Education Sciences recommends five steps that educators, administrators and policy makers can take to increase access to higher education for students, starting in the 9th grade.

In Memoriam: Monte Clark, 72

Monte Clark, the co-captain of the 1958 USC football team who later played and coached in the National Football League, died on Sept. 16 in Detroit, Mich. He was 72.

USC Computer Scientist Wins Mathematics Prize

Shanghua Teng, recently named chairman of computer science department at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, has won a 2009 Delbert Ray Fulkerson Prize, an honor presented only every three years.

USC Marks Constitution Day

On Sept. 17, 1787, 39 of the 55 delegates attending the Constitutional Convention signed the U.S. Constitution, forging a new government for the United States of America.

Student Volunteers Jumpstart Preschoolers

Getting a jumpstart on kindergarten - that’s the opportunity neighborhood children have, thanks to a new partnership between the USC Volunteer Center and Jumpstart, a national early childhood education program.

New Bio Gets Good Yardage From Carroll

Never idle on the sidelines, Pete Carroll lives by the deceptively simple mantra of “always compete.”

In Memoriam: Berle Adams, 92

Berle Adams, longtime supporter of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, died on Aug. 25 after a long illness. He was 92.

In Memoriam: Lillian Fluor, 87

Lillian Fluor, widow of former USC trustee J. Robert Fluor, died Sept. 2 at her home in Newport Beach. She was 87.

USC Law Announces New Tax Law Program

The USC Gould School of Law is launching a new graduate tax law program for practicing attorneys and recent law graduates.

Get Hands-on Emergency Training

Are you prepared for an earthquake or fire in your office or home? Specifically, do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Have fully-stocked disaster survival kits where you work and sleep?

In Memoriam: Jane O’Brien Dart, 90

Jane O’Brien Dart, wife of former USC trustee Justin W. Dart, died at her home in Pebble Beach on April 8 after a lengthy illness. She was 90.

USC Thornton Toasts 125 Melodious Years

The USC Thornton School of Music, one of the oldest and most illustrious music schools in the country, celebrated its 125th anniversary in grand style at Town & Gown on Sept. 10.

Aggressive Hiring Planned at Hospitals

Matthew F. McElrath, the new chief human resources officer at the USC hospitals, faces a tough challenge.

Ready to Make His Mark

Clay Matthews III has a tough act to follow. His father and uncle played in the National Football League.

Multiple Honors for Law Professor’s Book

USC Gould School of Law professor Ariela Gross has won three prestigious awards for her book What Blood Won’t Tell: A History of Race on Trial in America, which chronicles racial identity trials in American courts.

From Loading Dock to Lunch Spot

What once was a loading dock in an industrial building at 3434 S. Grand Ave. has become a full-service café for USC employees, the latest offering from USC Hospitality.

A Hard-Fought Battle

When Paul Roybal began his Ph.D. work at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in 2003, he had the world at his fingertips.

LGBT Center to Host Weekend Seminar

The USC LGBT Resource Center is moving to the front lines of the civil rights battle against Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban that has in been in effect in California since the November 2008 election.

USC Orientation, Welcome Week a Big Draw

As the school year shifts into gear, USC’s two signature transition programs for new students, Orientation and Welcome Week, have come to an end after setting record attendance numbers.

A Dual Labor of Love

USC College lecturer Vicki Forman’s new book, This Lovely Life, is a personal story that explains the conflicting emotions the author went through after going into labor prematurely in 2000 and giving birth to twins.

Historic First for Social Work

On Aug. 24, USC School of Social Work graduate students Cassandra Rush and Jason Imhoof took their first steps toward becoming among the first students nationwide to earn a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in military and veteran services.

Freshmen Give Back to the Community

During their first weekend as Trojans, hundreds of USC freshmen chose to volunteer their time and services in the community they just started calling home.

Sampling a Slice of College Life

Inside a science lab at USC, two high school students stared at a preserved sheep kidney on a tray. Looking like a giant chili bean, the organ is roughly the size of a computer mouse.

Silverstein Named Social Sciences Editor

The Gerontological Society of America — the country’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — has named Merril Silverstein editor of the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences.

Renaissance at Hoover and Union

There’s a new destination for dinner, drinks and a show. Call it Ho-Un, in the tradition of No-Ho for North Hollywood.

Carroll Taps Matt Barkley as Starter

Matt Barkley has been named USC’s starting quarterback, Coach Pete Carroll has announced.

The Power of Attorneys

A hushed gallery watches as the defense attorney, dapper in a navy pants suit and rectangular glasses, gestures dramatically with her hands.

Renowned Breast Surgeon Joins USC Faculty

Stephen Sener has been named professor of clinical surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Deep Thinking on a Pivotal Program

The Ed.D. program in the USC Rossier School of Education offers an innovative approach to doctoral dissertations.

Scholarship Set in Honor of Latina Trailblazer

The Hortencia “Tessie” M. Torres Endowed Scholarship has been established by her children, two USC alumni, in a $250,000 gift.

Medal of Freedom Goes to Medicine Crow

Joseph Medicine Crow MA ’39, who received an honorary doctor of humane letters from USC in 2003, was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Harold Slavkin Hailed for His Research

The American Dental Association has named Harold Slavkin, professor and former dean of the USC School of Dentistry, winner of the 2009 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Research.

Trojan Football Adds a New Dimension

Fans can watch the live ESPN telecast of the Sept. 12 USC football game at Ohio State in 3-D for free at USC’s Galen Center.

Pharmacy School Welcomes Class of 2013

The USC School of Pharmacy greeted 187 students to the four-year, postgraduate program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Walking in the Shoes of Elders

Students at the USC Davis School of Gerontology celebrated the new academic year by “becoming senior citizens” thanks to Trading Ages, an interactive senior sensitivity training program sponsored by SCAN Health Plan.

National Forum Notes Model Created by Center for Urban Education

A public forum sponsored by White House education officials at Long Beach City College started out on Aug. 20 with a nod of recognition for the community college’s efforts to improve transfer rates to four-year universities.

In Memoriam: Linda Clingerman

Linda Jeane Clingerman, former director of policy development and communication, died of a heart attack on Aug. 9 at home in San Gabriel.

In Memoriam: Arts Patron Virginia Ramo, 93

Virginia Ramo, a USC alumna, life trustee and 2002 recipient of the university’s highest honor, the Presidential Medallion, died Aug. 19. She was 93.

Trojans to Volunteer for Service Day

Before classes even start, USC students are already hard at work - in the community.

Virtual Worlds May Act Like Developing Economies

How would a massive multiplayer game respond to an economic collapse?

Mancall Charts His Journey to Daily Show

Historian Peter Mancall prepared for his appearance on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart by re-reading his own book.

USC Awarded $2.4M Grant to Study Autism

Researchers at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute have been awarded a $2.4 million grant to conduct research on the effects of gene mutation and pollution on autism spectrum disorder.

A Future in Wellness Awaits

For the past three years, the USC School of Dentistry has helped several underrepresented minority students make their way to dental school.

Adlai Wertman Named to L.A. Commission

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has appointed USC Marshall School of Business professor Adlai Wertman as a commissioner of the Los Angeles Police and Fire Pension Fund, which oversees the $11.9 billion uniformed employee pension portfolio.

Forum Filled With Fresh Smiles

The USC School of Dentistry’s Mobile Dental Clinic has joined forces with other Southern California health care providers to provide free health services at the Forum in Inglewood through Aug. 18.

Advantage Goes to Three-Generation Households

Living in a three-generation household can enhance the economic well-being of children, according to a new study from researchers at USC and the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Berney to Join School of Architecture

Rachel Berney has been appointed assistant professor of architecture at the USC School of Architecture.

Natural Language Experts to Take on Undeciphered Scripts

The National Science Foundation has awarded Kevin Knight and collaborators $1.6 million to develop computational tools to analyze texts in now-unreadable writing systems.

In Memoriam: William Robert Smith, 91

William Robert Smith, who helped establish the elite reputation of USC Marshall’s Leventhal School of Accounting, died on July 8. He was 91.

American Psychology Assn. Honors Bob Knight

Bob Knight will receive an award for the Advancement of Psychology and Aging from the American Psychological Association Committee on Aging.

USC Hospitals Rank High in New Report

USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital ranked first and second among Los Angeles hospitals in new ratings by Consumer Reports of more than 3,400 hospitals nationwide.

Don’t Stop Believing

Curled in a blanket, Kristin Hanggi was in her Manhattan apartment writing a journal and anxiously listening to the Tony Award nominations.

Pharmacy School Gets Reaccreditation

R. Pete Vanderveen, dean of the USC School of Pharmacy, announced the actions of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education pertaining to the accreditation of the school’s Pharm.D. program.

A Novel Way to Work With Youngsters

Fourth grader Alex Flores clamps down hard on a pencil to finish his story that begins “One day I came to school and no one was there.”

A Summer Program Well Worth the Time

Victor Cruz Jr. admitted he had reservations about forgoing summertime indulgences such as sleeping in late for a month of intensive writing and college preparation at USC.

John Schulman to Head New Law Program

Former Warner Bros. executive John Schulman has been recruited by the USC Gould School of Law to head its new entertainment law program.

Basic College Skills Right on CUE

For some community college students, the gap between what they learned in high school and what they need to know to succeed in college credit courses is a vast one.

A Tribute to U.S. Resilience

A comprehensive study spearheaded by the USC-based Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) has determined that the economic impacts of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack were actually less severe than previously estimated.

True Colors Shine Through Golden Years

The cadre of USC alumni who had earned their bachelor’s degrees at least 50 years earlier met for the first time the morning of June 11, 1949. Sixty years later, the group’s mission remains the same.

Their Future Is Now

Alexa Sieracki is one of 33 incoming freshmen in the Resident Honors Program. Each year, the program offers approximately 30 students the opportunity to enter USC College after their junior year of high school.

USC Rossier Gets Four New Faculty Members

Four new faculty with diverse experience and expertise have joined the USC Rossier School of Education.

USC Annenberg Remembers Walter Cronkite

The USC Annenberg School for Communication remembers the life and legacy of former CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite, who died on July 17, leaving an extraordinary mark on journalism.

50 Jobs, 50 States, 50 Weeks

In the fall of 2008, USC College alum Daniel Seddiqui embarked on an unusual career path — working 50 jobs, each for one week, in 50 states. He’s experiencing 50 first days on the job. And he’s doing this on purpose.

Summer Blast Olympics Begins July 27

This summer, Trojans can join the USC Department of Professional Development’s Summer Blast Olympics.

Winstein Delivers Annual McMillan Lecture

Carolee Winstein delivered the 40th annual McMillan Lecture in Baltimore on June 11. The lecture is the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the American Physical Therapy Association.

School of Pharmacy Hosts Managed Care Program

The USC chapter of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy held a two-day conference at the USC Orange County Center in Irvine.

USC Hospitals Ranked Among Best in the Nation

USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital placed among the best hospitals in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report magazine’s 20th annual rankings of “America’s Best Hospitals,” published in the July 21 issue.

Tutor Center Earns Green Building Award

With its doors yet to open to the public, the new Ronald Tutor Campus Center has already won an award.

SPPD Fellowship Program Earns Award

The first class of graduates from the USC City/County Management Fellowship program just received their diplomas in May and already the program has earned an award from the public administration community.

Computer Scientist Teng to Join USC

Shang-Hua Teng, a theoretical computer scientist with broad experience in both academia and industry, will join the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science as professor and chair beginning in the fall.

Quartet Credits USC Trio Program

One by one, Blanca Martinez prepared her daughters for success. She gave up her job and essentially her life to drive them six days a week to the 32nd Street/USC Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School and to special afternoon and Saturday classes at USC Trio.

Royalty Honors David Warburton

USC professor David Warburton received the insignia of an officer in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace.

Coates and Wood Receive Top Honors

Keck School professors Thomas D. Coates and John C. Wood are recipients of the 13th H. Russell Smith Award for Innovation in Pediatric Biomedical Research.

Leo Mascarenhas Receives Inaugural Award

Leo Mascarenhas, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, received the inaugural Walter Laug Distinguished Teaching Award on June 20.

Mellon Grant Supports Graduate Research

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has approved a three-year $883,000 grant for the USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute’s programs for 2009 to 2012.

A Marriage of Two Minds

Peter Mancall and Lisa Bitel enjoy more in common than many married couples. Both are historians at USC College. Both are Harvard University grads. And both have written newly released books.

New Online Program Draws Diverse Students

The MAT@USC cohort, which officially starts this summer, is a strikingly diverse group that reflects the school’s long-running commitment to promoting diversity in education.

In Memoriam: Raymond A. Watt, 90

Raymond A. Watt, a USC trustee and a prominent Southern California real estate developer who has been credited as being among the first in California to develop condominiums and timeshares, died of natural causes in Rancho Mirage on July 7. He was 90.

A Chip Off an Old Block

Speeches, tributes, gifts and music marked a retirement lunch celebrating two decades of accomplishments by César Piña, the outgoing chief of the USC Viterbi School’s Metal Oxide Silicon Implementation System (MOSIS).

Start Spreading the NYC News

Nearly 400 people gathered at New World Stages theatre in New York City on June 29 for the inaugural Tommy Awards honoring five USC alumni for their contributions to the business, arts and sports communities in New York.

USC Awards $850,000 to Community Programs

USC Neighborhood Outreach awarded $850,000 to nearly 40 neighborhood programs at ceremonies on the University Park and Health Sciences campuses during the week of June 8.

Ken Taylor Retires After Long Career

Leaving a legacy as long as his list of admirers, Ken Taylor, assistant vice president for student affairs, retired in May after nearly 25 years of service.

In Memoriam: Herbert G. Klein, 91

Herbert G. Klein, a veteran journalist and the White House’s first director of communications, died on July 2. He was 91.

Michael Segerblom Sails Into Hall of Fame

Michael Segerblom, head coach and program director of the USC varsity sailing team, was named a 2009 inductee into the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association Hall of Fame.

Design Award Goes to The Lab

The Lab, an off-campus restaurant whose design elements are reminiscent of a science lab, has received a People’s Choice Award from AIA/Los Angeles, a local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

He’s in the Swing of Things

As Tom Glissmeyer ’09 teed up at the U.S. Open Championship in 2003, he had plenty to be nervous about. This was his first PGA Tour event and, at 16, he was the youngest player in contention. Tiger Woods was one hole ahead of him, Vijay Singh one behind.

Pledging a Day’s Wages

On July 1, USC Gould School of Law students will head to their summer jobs and put in a full day’s work with no expectation of a paycheck. Instead, their salaries will go to a good cause: the Public Interest Law Foundation’s Pledge-A-Day fund-raiser.

USC Welcomes Oncologist David Agus

Noted oncologist and cancer researcher David B. Agus was welcomed to the Keck School of Medicine of USC on June 24 at a reception at the home of Robert and Kelly Day, members of the Board of Overseers of the Keck School.

USC Places 4th in 2008-09 Directors’ Cup

USC finished in fourth place in the 2008-09 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings, the Trojans’ highest ranking since the national all-sports program began in 1993-94.

USC Rossier Kicks Off Its Centennial

Family and friends of the USC Rossier School of Education throughout the last century joined in celebration on June 29 as the school kicked off its 100th-year anniversary.

Meshkati Named Jefferson Science Fellow

The National Academies have selected USC systems safety expert Najmedin Meshkati to serve as a 2009 Jefferson Science fellow.

Jamie McCourt Joins USC Board of Trustees

Jamie McCourt, chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been elected to the USC Board of Trustees.

In Memoriam: Montgomery Ross Fisher, 88

Montgomery Ross Fisher, USC alumnus, former trustee and respected Southern California engineering and building contractor, died on June 10. He was 88.

Kenneth R. Klein Is New USC Trustee

Kenneth R. Klein, chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Wind River Systems Inc., has been elected to the USC Board of Trustees.

USC Has Nearly $5 Billion Economic Impact

A new report shows that USC generates $4.9 billion annually in economic activity in the Los Angeles region and beyond.

DeBeikes Jr. Named to USC Board of Trustees

Richard DeBeikes Jr., president of the diversified real estate corporation DeBeikes Investment Co., has been elected to a five-year term on the USC Board of Trustees.

Dowell Myers Tapped for Census Committee

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzennegger appointed Dowell Myers of the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development to be part of a newly created census panel that will oversee the upcoming federal census in California. The California Complete Count Committee is...

Coach Carroll Connects With Kids

USC Coach Pete Carroll has created www.CampPete.com, a Web site that allows him to interact with children across the country.

Digital Expert to Join USC Marshall

Innovative digital entertainment industry leader Lucy Hood has been appointed executive director of the Institute for Communication Technology Management (CTM) and assistant professor of clinical management and organization at the USC Marshall School of Business.

Biologist Brings Hands-on Science to Kids

According to the National Science Foundation, 80 percent of jobs in the future will require some math and science skills. “Math and science are the new foundational literacy for everyone,” said Tom Luce, chief executive officer of the Math and Science Initiative.

USC Gave Him Words to Live By

Born in Romania, Alexandru “Alex” Iftimie was a child during the Romanian Revolution of 1989 when citizens overthrew the country’s communist regime.

Does She Have the Recipe for Success?

When Southern soul food comes to mind, flavors of Eastern cuisine are not usually part of the picture. For restaurant consultant and chef Debbie Lee, however, the two go together like a hot summer night and a glass of sweet tea.

School District Runs on Trojan Power

The doctorate of education program at the USC Rossier School of Education has been transforming one Southern California school district - administrator by administrator and teacher by teacher - into a success story for urban public education.

An Interactive Map for Teachers

An interactive and comprehensive map that details the certification requirements for every state in the country has gained traction among teachers.

Pete Carroll Inspires the Armed Forces

Sports and the military have always had a uniquely rewarding relationship, perhaps summarized best by legendary World War II Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

New Shoah Foundation Institute Team

Howard Gillman, dean of USC College, has appointed a new leadership team for the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education.

A New Era in Health Care Begins at USC

In a $275 million deal, USC acquired USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital from Tenet Healthcare Corp., making USC and UCLA the only Los Angeles-area universities owning hospitals.

USC Trustee Tapped to Lead NASA

President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate USC trustee Charles F. Bolden Jr. MS ’77to serve as the space agency’s next administrator.

USC to Hold Pink Slip Networking Event

The USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Alumni Association are responding to the widespread job anxiety caused by the current recession by co-hosting a “Pink Slip” networking mixer from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on June 3 at The Lab restaurant/pub.

In Memoriam: Thomas P. Nickell Jr., 88

Thomas P. Nickell Jr., former USC vice president for university affairs, died in San Diego on May 25. He was 88.

In Memoriam: Julius ‘Julie’ Bescos, 97

Julius “Julie” Bescos, one of USC’s earliest three-sport stars who also coached for the Trojans, died on May 23 in Long Beach. He was 97.

USC Rossier Alum Sought for Education Post

The White House has announced that President Barack Obama intends to nominate USC Rossier alumna Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana (Ph.D. ’95) for assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education in the Department of Education.

International Administrators Converge at USC

With USC playing host to the most international students of any U.S. university, it is only fitting that the home of the Trojans has a major profile in NAFSA, the Association of International Educators.

Evolution in Teacher Education

Graduating USC Rossier School of Education undergraduate and graduate teacher credential candidates filled the courtyard of Mudd Hall on May 13 to celebrate the master teachers who took them into their classrooms and under their wing over the past year.

Four Earn Clinton-Orfalea Fellowships

Four USC students have won the Clinton-Orfalea Fellowships — Josie Noah, Nina Abiera, Nick Arevalo and Nathaniel Madsen.

Middle East Visit Energizes Local Viterbi Alums

On a recent Middle East trip, USC Viterbi School of Engineering Dean Yannis C. Yortsos spoke to approximately 60 enthusiastic alums who are now in the process of establishing the Gulf States USC Viterbi Alumni Club.

USC Viterbi, Technion Form Partnership

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has broadened its international net of academic collaboration to include the Technion Israel Institute of Technology.

Pharmacists and Physicians Team Up at Clinic

“Patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” advised USC School of Pharmacy commencement speaker Paul Gregerson at the ceremony held at the Health Sciences Campus Quad.

University Honors 70 Staff Retirees at Luncheon

In Town & Gown, the numbers spoke loudly at the 24th annual Retirement Recognition luncheon, where 70 newly retired USC staff members in attendance have provided a combined 1,548 years of dedicated service to the university.

Richard Martin Receives Inaugural Staff Award

The inaugural J. Tillman Hall Staff Award for Service to USC was presented to retired staff member Richard “Dick” Martin at the 24th annual Staff Retirement Recognition luncheon.

USC Rossier Student Helps Others Unlock Their Potential

USC Rossier School of Education doctoral student Jeffrey Haig, 36, said he and his twin brother, Brian, discovered their niche by the time they wrapped up their undergraduate studies at UCLA and the University of California, Berkeley, respectively.

Ronnie Chan Is Asa V. Call Award Winner

The 76th annual USC Alumni Awards celebration took place on May 2 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Elepaño Earns Staff Achievement Award

Some suspect that Mariano Elepaño moves at superhuman speed. Others are convinced he has clones.

Two Longtime Education Professors Retire

Myron Dembo and David Marsh, two venerated figures among the USC Rossier School of Education faculty, are retiring after decades of service.

New Survey of State Charter Schools

Many of California’s 600-plus charter schools in the past year strengthened their fiscal stability and academic progress.

Save Those Commencement Photos! The University Archives Collects Them

Although unofficial USC mascot George Tirebiter remains top dog, a German Shepherd named Joker was nipping at his heels in the early 1970s.

Multimedia Journalists to Join USC Annenberg

Seattle Times director of development Robert Hernandez and new media researcher Andrew Lih will begin teaching at the USC Annenberg School for Communication this fall.

From Russia With Music

A lifetime of dedication and perseverance finally paid off when Angela Cholakyan earned her doctorate in musical arts from the USC Thornton School of Music.

Chemistry Student Finds Formula for Success

Eric Zuniga’s defining moment in college occurred just a few days after he arrived here in 2004. During his first chemistry lab, the fledgling engineer discovered just how seriously behind he was.

USC Marks 126th Commencement

Surprised and delighted by the pealing chimes of a newly restored university landmark, more than 8,000 graduating Trojans cheered commencement today for the 126th time in USC history.

Pomp and Unusual Circumstance

USC College issued more than 2,200 degrees during commencement 2009: 1,800 undergraduate; 245 master’s and 170 Ph.D. Here are tales from a few exceptional graduates.

Like Father, Like Son

May 15 was a big day for the Gibson family - both father, Michael, and son, David, donned their caps and gowns to receive their USC diplomas after nine collective years of hard work and long nights of studying.

Education Honors for USC at Grunion Gala

A marine education project supported by the National Science Foundation and managed by USC in collaboration with UCLA and the College of Exploration will be honored on Saturday at a black-tie fund-raiser for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro.

Three Decades of Advancement by Women

USC’s Women in Management turns 30 this year. Founding member Carolyn Heine of Academic Records & Registrar recalled how the organization helped mobilize change for women staff at the university.

Adventurer by Bus, Bike and Foot

When you finish four years of a demanding major with an unblemished record of A’s, it might be time for some self-congratulation. But that’s not the style of USC’s 2009 valedictorian, Paul VanWieren.

Posthumous Honor for Gifted Scholar

“It was unfortunate that to learn how to live, I had to learn how to die,” USC student William Zarifi wrote in a class paper shortly before his death.

School of Pharmacy Holds Senior/Alumni Banquet

Walter Cathey ’62 was named outstanding alumnus, and Terry Bonecutter and Paul Gregerson received honorary alumnus awards at the annual Alumni/Senior Awards Banquet in Pasadena.

Promoter Plans to Rock On

Sara Schlievert is either always working or never working. It’s tough to tell. Her days and nights consist of going to concerts, listening to music and introducing people to up-and-coming bands. And she gets paid for it.

A White Coat Is in Her Future

This summer, salutatorian Brenda Nuyen wants to learn how to surf. By recently mastering skateboarding, she feels up to the challenge.

What I Will Do on My Summer Vacation

Four students from USC College's Master of Professional Writing earn scholarships to attend the New York State Summer Writers Institute program.

Taking a Stand for People and the Planet

Green for All founding president Van Jones was honored with USC College’s second annual Sustainability Champion Award.

USC Rossier Professor Designs Naval Warfare Game

USC Rossier School of Education researcher Allen Munro and his colleagues have developed a sophisticated new game to help U.S. Naval officers learn antisubmarine warfare tactics in an immersive and engaging way.

Military Social Work Program Christened

The USC School of Social Work and the USC Institute of Creative Technologies held a reception to celebrate the school’s new military social work and veteran services program, the first of its kind at a research university,

Warshel Elected to the National Academy of Sciences

Arieh Warshel, a pioneer in the field of computational biophysics and USC College veteran of more than 30 years, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

New USC College Web Site Shines Brightly

If USC were a solar system, USC College would be the sun. Now there is a new way to view this sun — through the College’s redesigned Web site.

USC’s 2009-10 Budget Guided by Prudence

USC’s 2009-10 budget, excluding health care services, will be $1.92 billion, pending approval by the Board of Trustees in June.

First Fulbright Scholars Announced

USC has 13 finalists for Fulbright scholarships this year, and seven students already have received acceptance letters. The students are headed to Laos, Spain, Thailand, India, Mexico, Austria and France.

USC Economist Receives Top Labor Economics Award

USC University Professor and professor of economics Richard Easterlin has been awarded the 2009 Prize in Labor Economics by the Institute for the Study of Labor, based in Bonn, Germany.

USC Commencement to be Held May 15

More than 40,000 graduates and their families are expected to fill Alumni Park and the sites of 34 satellite ceremonies for USC’s 126th annual commencement on May 15.

Flu Outbreak Update: USC Takes Precautions

USC has taken special steps to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak of swine influenza.

USC Rossier Alum Wins Dissertation Award

Margaret Sauceda Curwen Ph.D. ’08, an alumna of the USC Rossier School of Education, has received the 2008-09 Phi Delta Kappa International Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award.

A Conversation With Phil Ethington

If you want to see an example of an original, restless intellect, go to Phil Ethington’s Web site at www-rcf.usc.edu/~philipje.

Brown, Cowan Named Academy Fellows

The American Academy of Arts & Sciences announced on April 20 that University Professor Geoffrey Cowan and John Seely Brown, formerly of the USC Annenberg Center, are its newest fellows.

Laying the Groundwork for a Guggenheim

Karen Halttunen, professor of history at USC College, has earned a Guggenheim Fellowship to support her book about 19th-century New Englanders and their sense of identity in relation to place.

Boyle, Hartke to Join Elite Club

Writer T. Coraghessan Boyle of USC College and composer Stephen Hartke of the USC Thornton School of Music have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Scholars Who Shout ‘Eureka!’

Over the centuries, questions from scholars have led to astonishing “eureka” moments - such as the time when tradition tells us that the ancient Greek scholar Archimedes asked, “How do I measure the volume of an irregular figure?”

Green L.A. Partnership Formed

USC joined local civic, business and research leaders on April 15 in an ambitious partnership to make Los Angeles a world leader in green industry.

Presidential Medal Goes to Stanley Gold

USC trustee and past board chairman Stanley Gold was awarded the university’s highest honor, the Presidential Medallion, at the Academic Convocation on April 14.

Celebration Marks Acquisition of Hospitals

Members of the USC Board of Trustees and the Keck School of Medicine Board of Overseers gathered with university officers and others to celebrate the university’s acquisition of two hospitals.

From Russia With Love

Opening in 1926, the historic Shrine Auditorium building with its Moroccan architecture and golden dome cupolas has been most famously a venue for the Oscars.

From Diaper Bag to Briefcase

Becoming a new mom is hard. Becoming a new working mom is harder and can throw even the most confident, successful woman for a loop.

Trojan Fleet Doubles in Size

Travel to the USC campus on Catalina Island became much easier when the U.S. Coast Guard approved passenger travel on a boat operated by the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies.

USC Thornton to Celebrate 125 Years

On April 2, the USC Thornton School of Music previewed its 125th anniversary with the news that its physical size will increase by 50 percent over the next two years as it takes over and renovates three buildings from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Speed Dating a Hit With Faculty

Speed dating without romance is like a presentation without Powerpoint: unusual, but not without potential.

Stirred Up by a Souljourn

Dafer M. Dakhil had an interesting question for the USC students sitting across from him in the basement of the Omar Mosque directly across the street from USC’s International Residential College at Parkside.

Interdisciplinary Scholars to Join USC

USC has recruited five leading interdisciplinary scholars as part of its ongoing initiative to attract a dozen accomplished researchers, it was announced by Executive Vice President and Provost C. L. Max Nikias on behalf of President Steven B. Sample.

Estela Mara Bensimon: A True Mentor

The USC Rossier School of Education professor was selected as a recipient of the USC Mellon Faculty-to-Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentoring.

USC Celebrates Purchase of Two Hospitals

USC’s newest employees got a taste of Trojan hospitality at picnic celebrations welcoming USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital into the family.

New Models for K-12 Teacher Pay Cited

School union members and administrators discuss how other districts across the country are redefining teacher compensation.

In Memoriam: Diane Ainsworth, 56

Diane Ainsworth, a science writer for the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, died of an aneurysm on March 29 in her Altadena home, according to her father Donald Ainsworth. She was 56.

Dentistry Marks End of Harold Slavkin Era

Eight-year deanship saw the development of innovative learning philosophies, influential research and cutting-edge facilities.

Update: USC Hit-and-Run Incident

Los Angeles City Council, USC, L.A. County Offer Rewards Totaling $135,000

Bringing Down the Wall

Facebook helps a former Weemes Elementary student say thanks to a USC mentor who changed his life.

Social Work Adds Fun to Emergency Prep

Mixing business with pleasure, the school’s staff members take part in exercises that demonstrate the importance of being prepared for unexpected trouble.

Law Student Wins Campaign to Free Woman

After nearly 30 years in prison, Connie Keel will be released thanks to the efforts of USC Law student Adam Reich and his professors.

In Memoriam: Timothy M. Doheny, 83

The rancher and advocate for California’s land and wildlife helped to lay the cornerstone for USC’s landmark library.

In Memoriam: Emery Stoops, 106

The university’s oldest alumnus was a longtime supporter of education at USC whose ‘legacy was an inspiration.’

Time for Them to Look Into Mirror

Entertainment management expert’s new book explores celebrity narcissism and its effects on youth and popular culture.

Two New B.A. Degrees Set by USC College

Students can broaden their liberal arts education by pursuing courses in narrative studies and human performance.

Avishai Sadan Named Dentistry Dean

Coming to USC this summer from Case Western Reserve University, Sadan brings a strong background in clinical, curricular and research.

New Eateries for Trojan Family

Two coffee cafes, a pizza place and a pub offering small plates and large tables expand food options.

Prep Students Get Into the GameDesk

Inspired by a USC Viterbi curriculum, high schoolers hone their math skills and learn how to build complex computer games.

Coach Carroll Scores at Town & Gown

‘Celebration of the Heart,’ a scholarship gala held by the School of Social Work, salutes Pete Carroll’s community service.

Local Port Stakeholders Pack Town Hall

Panelists speak candidly about pressing economic issues at a Long Beach gathering of transportation officials.

Get in the Running for Grant Money

Community members and university volunteers can team up to apply for funds supplied by USC Neighborhood Outreach. At stake is $1.1 million raised by the Good Neighbors Campaign.

Researchers Study Motivation in Class

What factors prompt young students to learn? That question has been addressed over the past two years by members of a group formed by two USC Rossier faculty members.

International Studies Scholars Score

USC College professor Patrick James and three students earn national awards given for creativity in teaching and research.

Florence Clark Elected to New Post

Associate dean will become president of the American Occupational Therapy Association next spring.

In Memoriam: Leonore Annenberg, 91

The philanthropist, who was instrumental in the growth of museums and nonprofit organizations around the country, dedicated her life to education and the arts, says President Sample.

Kids’ Day Enlivens Health Sciences Campus

School of Pharmacy hosts young students, showing them a good time and the importance of staying on the right path.

Science Springs to Life for Students

Researchers at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies show how they use science to create special effects, virtual humans and much more.

Conference to Tackle Teacher Pay

Age-old question of whether salaries should be paid based on tenure or merit will be the hot topic at Davidson Conference Center. U.S. Secretary of Education senior adviser Jim Shelton is scheduled to attend.

USC Engineer Wins Light Plane Contest

Aerospace and mechanical engineer Sina Golshany is the university’s first student to win the competition in more than three decades.

Celebrating 1,232 Years of Service

Elizabeth Garrett salutes the retirees whose many contributions served the university through its pivotal years.

Strong Showing for Pharmacy School

The California Pharmacists Association honors USC pharmacy students and alumni at its annual meeting.

USC Davis to Offer New Master’s Degree

The curriculum, to be taught in the fall, is aimed at students seeking careers in retirement communities, hospice care and assisted living facilities.

USC Roski School Dean Twice Honored

Ruth Weisberg garners a lifetime achievement award from the Women’s Caucus of Art and chronicles her work at a College Art Association event.

In Memoriam: George O. Totten III, 86

The Distinguished Professor Emeritus at USC College was a World War II veteran and scholar of world peace.

Health Technology Short Courses Offered

A new USC Viterbi program teaches health care professionals to reduce costs by relying on engineering techniques.

Can Optimism Lead to Action?

Hundreds of high school students attend the Young Scholars Forum at USC, an event that asks teenagers to examine their role in society.

USC Women’s Conference Set for March 13

The USC Alumni Association joins forces with Bank of America and The Doctors of USC to launch a new signature event.

A Unique Perspective on Margaret Mead

A new book by USC College professor Nancy Lutkehaus, her former assistant, offers a different slant on the renowned anthropologist.

Marshall Sets Summer Business Program

The four-week program in July will explore finance, strategy, marketing, operations and organization.

Back to School for the Young at Heart

USC’s Half Century Trojans reawaken their inner student at an inaugural event featuring a full day of activities on campus.

Law Student Seeks Freedom for Convict

Possible parole of a battered woman who served nearly three decades in prison goes before Gov. Schwarzenegger.

Motivational Speaking

Rep. Linda Sanchez shares her personal and political experiences with Latino students at SPPD event.

Thomas Sayles Joins USC Administration

New vice president for government and community relations has extensive experience in business, law and governance.

In Memoriam: Wanda Wilk, 88

The philanthropist and USC alumna established the Polish Music Center on campus with her late husband Stefan Wilk.

Pharm School Hailed for Community Work

National award recognizes transformative efforts at seven safety-net clinics providing quality health care to uninsured and underserved residents.

Singing the Praises of a Long Partnership

A USC gathering unites the participants of a documentary about a mentor and his students who joined a choir and changed their lives.

Hollins Gets Lifetime Achievement Award

USC Rossier professor nets this year’s honor for her distinguished contributions to education research over four decades.

Sustainability Expert Joins USC

New program manager Matthew Oden was trained by Al Gore, served the United Nations and earned a master’s in environmental management from Yale.

USC Launches Public Diplomacy Magazine

PD unites scholarship and practice in the first publication dedicated to the emerging field.

Educational Visit From Across the Pond

USC Rossier leaders swap strategies with U.K. educators regarding the growth and treatment of college-bound students.

Sample Upbeat in Annual Faculty Address

USC president lauds purchase agreement for hospitals and says that ‘difficult times often bring out the best in us.’

Lecture Series on Folklore Studies Debuts

The speaker series, which continues through April, supports a new minor in folklore at USC College.

SPPD, USC Annenberg Host Holt Lecture

NYU social sciences professor Craig Calhoun reflects on innovation and a commitment to informing the public through teaching.

Doctoral Students and Dissertations

Education and engineering students attend the first retreat organized by USC Rossier’s Doctoral Support Center. The goal: to help students focus on the daunting task at hand.

Social Work Acquires 3 Academic Journals

The publications, housed at the school's Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services, link academic disciplines, present innovative research and provide new insights.

Violence Against Women Day Hits Home

Social work students are surprised to discover that men must get professional help before the women they know can receive their own.

Trojans Lend a Helping Hand

The USC Alumni Association and the USC Volunteer Center partner at five L.A. social service sites on “Friends & Neighbors Service Day.”

Psychology Students Visit USC Rossier

The school offers Schurr High School students a behind-the-scenes look at current brain research in their field.

USC Africa Fund to Help Undergrads

The fund, which builds on the USC Global Scholars program, comes in response to strong student interest in Africa. It will support travel and study by at least two students each year.

USC to Purchase Two Private Hospitals

The deal to acquire the USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital is expected to close March 31.

Looking Forward to the Sound of Music

Grammy Career Day gives hundreds of students the chance to start thinking about a college education and the music business.

That’s How They (Honor) Roll

Thousands of hours contributed by volunteers leads to the Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service.

Children With a Reason to Smile

Dentistry students and faculty provide oral health education, screenings and care referrals to youngsters at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary.

SPPD Signs Pact With World Bank

The memorandum of understanding is signed during a conference focusing on challenges facing megacities in the developing world.

Lessons Learned in the Great ShakeOut

New plans for 2009 include better transportation for victims, more information for families and improved communications.

Olah, Scholtz Named to National Academy

The USC Viterbi School is one of only six schools in the nation with two or more elected members in the National Academy of Engineering.

Past and Present Victories

USC Trio students learn about Martin Luther King’s dream while fulfilling their own.

Lincoln Artifacts on Display by USC Law

In honor of his 200th birthday, the school’s library features its unique collection of books, pennies and stamps.

So You Want to be a Professor?

Ambitious USC College graduate students try to move ahead of the competition through special projects, workshops and symposia.

Honors for University Professor Jean Shih

The School of Pharmacy scientist wins a National Institutes of Health grant topping $1 million and will be honored this summer by the Society of Chinese Bioscientists.

SPPD Helps City Officials Face Challenges

Faculty and students take part in a three-day leadership training conference seeking solutions for thousands of U.S. cities and townships.

Key Education Leader Joins USC Rossier

Rudolph Crew, a former head of the New York City Public School system, will recruit students and develop new partnerships in the community.

Castells Named USC University Professor

In social sciences, USC Annenberg’s Manuel Castells is among the top five most cited scholars around the world.

Campus Planning Process Begins at HSC

The final master plan - which will identify critical needs for future growth - could take two years to develop.

City, USC Move Forward on Campus Plan

The City of Los Angeles issues a Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report. A public scoping meeting is set for Feb. 18.

A Capitalist Ahead of Her Time

New research answers a longtime question of how Lucrezia Borgia boosted her personal wealth when times were tough.

Provost Offers a Vision for Future

In the 31st Pullias Lecture on higher education, C. L. Max Nikias reflects on risk-taking, discovery and Promethean universities.

KUSC Transmitting Antenna Damaged

GM Eric DeWeese says the station is working to fix the problem caused by a recent hailstorm.

Carroll to be Honored for Community Work

Coach will be recognized at USC School of Social Work’s gala in March.

IEEE Elects Three New Fellows From USC

President Sample, Shri Narayanan and Timothy Pinkston earn the distinction among the nation’s top engineers.

Calling All Teachers of the Future

USC Rossier invites applicants to participate in a new online masters program.

Financial Aid Faces an ‘Uncertain Future’

Two-day enrollment conference at USC attempts to develop strategies for greater access to higher education.

SPPD Celebrates Its 80th Anniversary

Dean Jack H. Knott says the School of Policy, Planning, and Development remains dedicated to advancing academic theory and making an impact in the world.

Thomas-Barrios Works on School Access

Kim Thomas-Barrios, director of the USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI), met in Washington, D.C., in December with other recipients of grants from the Lumina Foundation to discuss best practices and plan future work. Based in Indianapolis, the Lumina Foundation is...

Rossier Alum to Head Calif. Education

Glen Thomas, whom colleagues say has a passion for curriculum and instruction, is appointed to the post by Gov. Schwarzenegger.

USC Financial Aid Expected to Increase

Pool of applicants for the fall semester represents a highly diverse group of students from around the world.

Financial Aid Faces an ‘Uncertain Future’

Two-day enrollment conference at USC attempts to develop strategies for greater access to higher education.

Plans Announced for College Commons

Signature programs are designed to engage faculty, students.

USC Housing to Manage 7 Student Rentals

University Park tenants will have access to a support staff and 24-hour hotline.

Pharmacy Student Claims National Kudo

Bonnie Hui receives an honor recognizing her contributions to community service.

Robert Abeles Named a Senior VP

Margo Steurbaut and Courtney Surls are appointed vice presidents of finance and development, respectively.

Lawmakers Laud USC Rossier Professor’s Study

Dominic Brewer’s findings on student performance data lead to a call for reform by Oklahoma senators.

Humayun Holds Chair in Biomed Sciences

USC engineer and physician Mark Humayun accepts the newly created professorship named in honor of former provost Cornelius J. Pings.

Meter Rates Going Up on Jefferson

Starting Tuesday, new Park & Pay stations installed by the city's Department of Transportation will cost $1 per hour.

USC Enrollment Center Hosts Symposium

Leading financial aid practitioners to attend two-day conference focusing on student aid in uncertain times.

What Does It Take to Walk on Water?

Freshman Academy students dive into basic concepts involving engineering and applied sciences.

USC Viterbi School to Co-host Summit

First-of-a-kind conference will address issues of sustainability, health, national security and quality of life.

Legal Innovations in a Complex World

Business and legal scholars explore reform in increasingly competitive markets during an event sponsored by USC Law.

Charter Schools Can Measure Success

USC surveys allow parents, teachers and students to eliminate guesswork when key decisions must be made.

CREATE Appoints Interim Director

Isaac Maya is serving as head of the National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis during the search for a replacement.

Good Neighbors Campaign Reaches Goal

USC College also doubles its participation rate, meeting a donor’s $1 million challenge for the Joint Educational Project.

Meet the Class of 2012

USC College student standouts join the Trojan Family.

Education Without Borders

To compete for top engineering students, USC Viterbi's globalization program emphasizes global education and research opportunities abroad.

New Leader for USC Rossier Program

Student affairs veteran Tracy Poon Tambascia to oversee postsecondary administration graduates.

SPPD Signs Pact With Peace Corps

Agreement will allow former volunteers to pursue a graduate education in public policy and planning, among other areas.

Culture: The New Insanity Defense?

USC political scientist calls for national policy on culture as legal evidence.

L.A. County Honors USC Caregivers

USC Gerontology Center and L.A. Caregiver Resource Center are recognized by the board of supervisors.

Offering Advice With No Price

Margarita Zeichner-David, a trusty mentor of dental students, receives the Faculty Adviser Award.

USC Scientist Receives Presidential Honor

President George W. Bush presents Early Career Award to Keck School professor Li Zhang at the White House.

Trojans Assess Solis’ New Position

USC alum and newly named Secretary of Labor faces key challenges as a member of Obama’s administration.

Small Gifts, Big Hearts

USC College undergraduates demonstrate their holiday spirit with practical presents for the homeless.

AT&T Aids USC Neighborhood Program

The Neighborhood Academic Initiative guides local students from junior high through high school and into top colleges.

Pharmacy Celebrates Renovated Facility

Gathering marks the official opening of the Jane and Gale Bensussen Research Floor.

Posters Stress a Strong Message

Schoolchildren design anti-graffiti artwork for an annual Kid Watch contest.

Professors Get Raubenheimer Awards

Charles McKenna, Peter Mancall and Macarena Gomez-Barris take home the top honor at yearly holiday celebration.

Scripter to Name Winner on Gala’s Night

New master of ceremonies and new eligibility rules round out major changes as the USC Libraries’ award enters its third decade.

Starnes Named Chair of Surgery Dept.

In his new role, the renowned surgeon will focus on recruitment and building upon a top academic program.

Students Win Transportation Scholarships

USC Viterbi and School of Policy, Planning and Development are tapped by group’s L.A. and Orange County chapters.

Spain’s National Award Goes to Castells

USC Annenberg professor is recognized for his achievements in sociology and political science.

Program to be Offered Free Via Internet

The program allows U.S. military personnel around the world to become chartered financial analysts.

Raise High the Roof Beams

Sharpies in hand, Trojans sign the beams to be installed on the roof of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.

Purchasing Power Used for Sustainability

From recycled carpet to soy ink, every product option is reviewed by university officials.

Urgency of College Board Study Cited

Vice provost presents startling findings on the future of American higher education.

Management Strategies Outlined on YouTube

What worked on Wall Street can suit the knowledge-based industry, says USC Marshall expert.

Climate Changes the Rules

New and revamped sustainability courses are part of an effort to expand ‘green’ programs at USC.

USC Team a Hit in Case Competition

Six MBA students are named finalists in Wharton School event aimed at developing economy in Philadelphia.

USC Marshall Center Honored

Center for Effective Organizations reaches the highest level of achievement in human resources profession.

Newsmakers

High Gene Award

Academic Senate Highlights

President Sample to attend next monthly meeting on Dec. 12.

Teaching Educators to Network

With a little help from friends, a USC Rossier professor hopes to garner social support for his peers.

Half of USC’s Trash Recycled, Figures Show

The amount of waste kept out of landfills has steadily increased in recent years, according to Facility Management Services.

USC Moves Ahead on Master Plan

University begins planning process for new student housing adjacent to University Park campus following approval from City Council.

New Theory Helps Explain Economic Crisis

SPPD Dean Jack Knott and a colleague analyze the political decisions that were harmful to the common good.

The Jewish Past, in Vinyl

Pop culture buffs Josh Kun and Roger Bennett chronicle Jewish music loved and lost.

USC to Head Global Genetic Effort

Carlos and Michele Pato will lead U.S. part of attempt to grasp the underlying risks for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

New Organization for Future Pharmacists

Local chapter at USC School of Pharmacy aims to strengthen diversity and reach out to the community.

Newsmakers

Golden Alums

Susan Metros Addresses Visual Literacy

USC associate vice provost charts a student’s path to academic success during a seminar in Spain.

Preventing Sexual Assault by Peers

The Men Care project teaches collegians how to recognize patterns in sexual assault cases and how to stop an assault before it starts.

New USC Restaurant Opens in Radisson

McKay’s honors celebrated Trojan football coach John McKay and augments USC Hospitality’s growing portfolio of dining options.

USC Annenberg Receives Two Grants

The California Endowment awards, totaling more than $4 million over three years, will expand programs improving health journalism and community health communication.

Small Things Make Big Waves

Karla Heidelberg is the first researcher to bring a scanning electron microscope on board an oceanographic expedition to study microbes known as protists.

Newsmakers

Tobacco Road

And the 2009 Alumni Awards Go to …

The USC Alumni Association will honor Hong Kong real estate developer Ronnie C. Chan and other prominent alums.

Report From the World Economic Forum

USC School of Gerontology Dean Gerald C. Davison attends Dubai summit to address challenges in gerontology and other global issues.

Two Named to Endowed Professorships

The USC School of Social Work’s Ron Avi Astor and Lawrence A. Palinkas are honored for their career accomplishments and contributions to USC.

USC Tops International Student Enrollment

Foreign enrollment reaches 7,189 students, with record numbers from China and India.

New Group Preps Students for Alumni Life

The Alumni Association takes the initial steps in creating an active and influential Student Alumni Association.

ShakeOut, Disaster Drills at USC

Disaster response teams take action during the much-anticipated earthquake drill on campus.

Viterbi Archive Unveiled at Doheny Library

The voluminous Andrew J. Viterbi collection documents origins of the communications revolution.

A Walk to Remember

Local schoolchildren safely make their way through the neighborhood thanks to a special escort as part of the Kid Watch Community Campaign.

Provost Outlines USC Arts Initiative 11/12/08

New program will make art more available to all students.

School of Theatre Unveils Annual Award

Actor, director and environmentalist Robert Redford to be the first recipient of award next year that will bear his name.

Record-Setting Reunion Weekend

The Class of 1958 celebrates a golden milestone by raising $165,000 for campus amenities.

Ed.D. Program Thrives at USC Rossier

School of Education provides a practical doctorate program for the future, says Dean Gallagher.

Peer Networks Targeted at D.C. Panel

Kristan Venegas of the USC Rossier School of Education presented at a panel Sept. 18 at the Council for Opportunity in Education’s 27th annual conference in Washington, D.C. Her panel, “Tap Into the Power of Peer Networks,” focused on fostering...

Preparing for the Drill of a Lifetime

USC gets ready for a region-wide earthquake drill near Cromwell Field on Nov. 13.

Daya Perkins Awarded Krown Fellowship

The Charles and Charlotte Krown Fellowship is an annual award that supports doctoral student research and achievement.

More Loan Help for USC Law Graduates

Changes make loan repayment assistance program available to a larger number of alums.

D.C. Offices Make Matches

USC's offices of research advancement and federal relations work together to help faculty cross the capital's tricky terrain.

R&D Funding for University Increases

USC keeps pace or moves ahead of peers in overall research and development funding.

USC Observes Constitution Day

The university commemorates the 221st anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.