Summer 2003

FEATURES

Getting a Grip on Arthritis
“I’m waiting for the day to have just one day without pain.” These are the words of 36-year-old Mabel Leon, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age two. She is now being treated at USC with a combination of surgery and medications that have gotten her out of her wheelchair and helped her lead an independent life.
by Carl Marziali

The Great Zamperini
The larger-than-life saga of Olympian, war hero and Trojan legend Louis Zamperini ’40 – now a published autobiography and soon to be a feature film – has it all: danger, folly, romance, courage, pathos and absolution.
by Elizabeth Segal

Robotica
Watch your step. On any given day scurrying underfoot, hovering overhead and otherwise gadding about are a menagerie of robotic devices spawned by USC’s School of Engineering – in case you didn’t know, a major breeding ground for the artificially intelligent.
by Mark Ewing, Eric Mankin, Bob Calverley

COLUMNS

Editor’s Note

President’s Page
Learning has no boundaries.

Last Word
Trace the mystery master.

DEPARTMENTS

Mailbag
We treasure your letters.

In Support
Building on $2.85 billion: USC’s Building on Excellence campaign breaks fundraising records

What’s New - Shelf Life - People Watch
Bovard reborn, toxin-munching microbes, a raucous reading room and snapping inscriptions.
Championing the mentally ill, tracking curriculum crusaders.
Of brainy baritones, terror fortunetellers and smallpox soothsayers.

Alumni News
The USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association comes of age.

Class Notes
Who’s doing what & where?

Class Notes
Marriage, Births and Deaths

Alumni Profile
Quite a Fellow: Cesar Aristigeiguieta MD ’98

Alumni Profile
Alexandra’s Journeys:
Alexandra Pelosi MA ’93

Alumni Profile
A Thoroughbred Understanding:
Robert Keck ’90

In Memoriam
Ruth Leah Weg