Word from Widney


Dear Fellow Trojans,

Over the last few years, "making an impact" has become the go-to catch phrase for entrepreneurs, companies and nonprofits committed to making a positive difference in the world. It's also long been a Trojan Family credo — a belief that giving back, whether it's to your alma mater, community or favorite cause, is a privilege to embrace and celebrate.

Next month, the USC Alumni Association is hosting two signature events that will inspire and motivate you to give of your very best. More...





Alumni Headlines
2014 USC Alumni Award Honorees
Congratulations to Daniel J. Epstein '62, executive chairman and founder of the ConAm Group of Companies, on receiving the 2014 Asa V. Call Alumni Achievement Award, USC's highest alumni honor. Epstein is one of eight truly outstanding Trojans being honored at the 81st Annual USC Alumni Awards on April 26. Click here to purchase tickets.



6th Annual USC Women's Conference
Join USC alumnae, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends on March 6 on the USC University Park campus. This year's theme is "Women Making an Impact" as women of all backgrounds come together for a day of empowerment, inspiration and professional networking. Register now!



USC Alumni Day of SCervice
On March 22, 2014, for the third year in a row, the USC Alumni Day of SCervice brings together Trojans from all across the world to give back to their local communities. Check back here after February 12 to sign up and make a difference in your hometown.



An Evening with President and Mrs. Nikias
2014 got off to a busy start for President and Mrs. Nikias, who kicked off the new year visiting Trojans in (click to see photos) Seattle, Santa Monica, San Diego and Pasadena. View upcoming "evening" dates and locations here.




6th Annual Half Century Trojans Going Back to College Day
On March 26, Half Century Trojans will once again have the opportunity to visit the university on a typical school day to experience the stimulating academic and cultural environment of today's USC. Learn more and register here!



Celebrate the Centenary of a Trojan Legend
On February 16, a life-sized statue of legendary USC baseball coach Rod Dedeaux '35 will be unveiled to celebrate his legacy on the day before what would have been his 100th birthday. Join us to honor the Trojan icon who was named "Coach of the Century" by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball, then stay for the 'SC-Northwestern game!



'SC at Sundance
It was another award-winning year for USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) alums at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where Whiplash, executive produced by Jason Reitman '99, won both the Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award. Another SCA alum, Tracy Droz Tragos '93, took home the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary for Rich Hill.




On Lugu Lake
Dornsife alum Ankur Poseria '09 is executive producing Under One Roof, a National Geographic documentary exploring the impact of modernity on the Moso people of the Tibetan Plateau, one of the last matriarchal societies on Earth.



In Memoriam: Ed Hookstratten
On behalf of the Trojan Family, the USC Alumni Association expresses its condolences to the family of lawyer and agent Ed Hookstratten '53, whose clients included Elvis Presley, Johnny Carson and Tom Brokaw. A 2004 Alumni Merit Award honoree and former USC baseball player, Hookstratten played a key role in raising funds to build Dedeaux Field.



Reunion Weekend 2014
Calling all undergraduates from the classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 2004 – are you interested in volunteering for your 50th, 40th, 30th, 25th, 20th or 10th class reunion committee? If so please contact Laura Capo, Director of Reunions at (213) 821-6257. Reunion Weekend will be held October 17-18 in conjunction with Homecoming.





Trojan Alum-inaries


Herb Alpert
Kirk De Micco
Jeff Float

Herb Alpert '54 won his ninth Grammy Award for his 34th studio album Steppin' Out.

Kirk De Micco '91, co-wrote/directed The Croods, which is an Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature.

Jeff Float '83, 1984 Olympic gold medalist, has been inducted into the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame.








Callie Schweitzer
Tim Tessalone
Sunny Yang

Callie Schweitzer '11, Time's director of digital innovation, has been named one of Forbes' "30 Under 30" in Media.

Tim Tessalone '77, USC's sports information director, received the Football Writers Association of America's Bert McGrane Award.

Sunny Yang MM '10 of the Kronos Quartet has been named one of the Los Angeles Times' "Faces to Watch 2014."







Young Alumni Spotlight
The founder and executive producer of Ayoka Productions a nonprofit that uses short films to highlight inspiring grassroots initiatives, Valentina Canavesio '04 produced the acclaimed documentary These Birds Walk about Pakistan's street children.





Alma Matters

$50 million gift funds convergent bioscience research at USC
Gary K. Michelson, a retired orthopedic spinal surgeon whose groundbreaking work generated more than 955 issued or pending patents worldwide, has donated $50 million to USC to fund the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience.

USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance unveils unique curriculum
The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is taking a major step forward as it unveils its groundbreaking curriculum on the school's website.

Human-trafficking victims gain legal status with law clinic's help
Two human-trafficking victims who endured abuse, forced labor and exploitation in the United States have secured legal status thanks to USC's International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC), which fought and won their cases.

2014 USC football signing day
Check out the powerhouse athletes who will play for USC's new head football coach, Steve Sarkisian.