Word from Widney

This month, following the spectacular launch of The Campaign for the University of Southern California on September 16 (click here to watch an audio slideshow of the festivities), the multi-year effort to advance the university's academic vision and priorities kicks into high gear. Alumni support will be crucial for the successful completion of this $6 billion campaign — the largest in the history of American higher education - since the 300,000+ members of the Trojan Family comprise USC's largest and most dedicated constituency. More . . .


Alumni Headlines
HONORING THOSE WHO GIVE BACK
Paying tribute to the "lifeblood of the Trojan Family," the 2011 Volunteer Recognition Dinner was held September 16 at Town & Gown. The event celebrates alumni volunteers, organizations and friends who contribute to the advancement of USC. Click here to view event photos.



COME HOME TO USC: HOMECOMING 2011
Join 100,000 USC alumni, family and friends and experience the ultimate Trojan Family get-together — Homecoming 2011! To become an official tailgate participant and/or seller during the festivities on November 12, click here for details and to register by October 14!


HALF CENTURY TROJANS ANNUAL LUNCHEON
Kristina Raspe, USC's vice president for real estate development and asset management, will deliver the keynote address at the senior alumni group's annual luncheon in Town & Gown on October 28. For more information and to RSVP, please call (213) 740-5944.



CELEBRATE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Support breast cancer research at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center by purchasing a specially designed t-shirt. And if you're over 40, don't forget to get your yearly mammogram, since early detection is key. Visit us online or call (323) 865-3111 to schedule your mammogram today.


EMMY GLORY
Two Trojans were among the winners at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Barry Hennessey '99 won the Outstanding Reality-Competition Program Emmy for The Amazing Race. And Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner MFA '90 (pictured) won his fourth consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Dramatic Series.


USC OLYMPIANS SALUTED AT COLISEUM
At the USC-Utah football game on September 10, fans received an extra treat — an on-field salute to four of the university's Olympians. The four Trojans were honored as part of "Cardinal and Gold Medal Heritage," a celebration of the history of USC Olympic athletes.




Trojan Alum-inaries


Frank Gehry
Debra Reed
Jean Rosenbluth

Frank Gehry '54 has designed his first residential building: OPUS in Hong Kong.
Debra Reed '78, CEO of Sempra Energy, made Fortune magazine's 2011 list of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Business." USC Gould School of Law professor Jean Rosenbluth JD '93 was named a U.S. magistrate judge for the Central District of California.





Young Alumni Spotlight
POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING
At 14, Deara Okonkwo '08 founded DeDe Dance Studio, a South Central nonprofit providing a safe environment for at-risk youth to study dance. Three years later, she graduated from USC at 17. Now studying for her master's at Rossier, Deara is a mentor and role model to her dance students.





Alma Matters


Good Neighbors Campaign Hosts Kickoff Celebration
Now in its 18th year, the USC Good Neighbors Campaign kicked off Sept. 28 with a celebration at Alumni Park.

Soon-Shiong Foundation Endows a New Chair at USC Viterbi
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has received a new endowed chair from the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation funded by philanthropist and surgeon Patrick Soon-Shiong and his wife, Michele B. Chan.

SPPD Students Apply Their Lessons Around the World
The USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development (SPPD) has a mission to "shape the world," and more than 60 students spent their summers putting these words into action in Brazil, China, Bolivia and Australia.

Matt Barkley Named To AllState AFCA Good Works Team
USC quarterback Matt Barkley is one of 11 FBS football players named to the 2011 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, which recognizes players committed to making a difference in their communities.