University of Southern California USC Logo

USC News logo

Health

Andrus Center Swings for Healthy Aging

By Athan Bezaitis on June 19, 2009 10:27 AM

  • Andrus Center Swings for Healthy Aging
  • USC Davis School of Gerontology Dean Gerald C. Davison, left, and Edward P. Roski Jr.

The Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center honored Edward P. Roski Jr., president and chief executive officer of Majestic Realty Co. and chairman of the USC Board of Trustees, at the 12th annual Rod Dedeaux Memorial Swing for Healthy Aging Golf Classic.

Held at the Wilshire Country Club on June 8, the sold-out event raised more than $200,000 for the Andrus Center, the research and services arm of the USC Davis School of Gerontology. The Annenberg Foundation was the presenting sponsor with a gift of $50,000.

“Today, each one of you is a champion, for your participation helps the Andrus Gerontology Center remain a well-known and highly respected leader in gerontology research,” said Gerald C. Davison, executive director of the center and dean of the USC Davis School, at the dinner and auction that followed a day of golf and conviviality on the newly renovated Wilshire course.

The evening program was emceed by former Trojan football greats Pat Haden, a USC trustee, and John McKay Jr. Haden was also co-chairman of the event, along with alum Chuck Reed.

Proceeds will benefit student scholarships and other educational programs at the center and school.

The dean also announced that the school will award the Edward P. Roski Jr. named scholarship to a gerontology graduate student this fall.

“The research being done at the Andrus Gerontology Center is remarkable,” Roski said. “USC educates more students in the field of aging than any school in the country.”

A generous philanthropist, Roski commits time and resources to civic organizations throughout Los Angeles, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Clubs and The City of Hope.

The Golf Classic is named in honor of the life and legacy of former USC baseball coach Rod Dedeaux, who for more than 70 years was a part of the Trojan Family as an alumnus, a Trojan parent and grandparent.

“Dedeaux was the epitome of healthy aging,” Davison said. “We were proud to have him as a member of our board.”

TAGS: ,