Whenever Kathryn
and I travel we’re always delighted to meet alumni who embody the
slogan, “The Trojan Family: lifelong and world-wide.” Last May, during
the USC Board of Trustees’ trip to China, we received a warm reception
from alumni and friends who are living proof that the bonds among the
members of the Trojan Family transcend continents and cultures, and are
stronger and more resilient than ever.
One of the
people I had the pleasure of meeting for the second time was a
remarkable 101-year-old alumna of USC named Lei Jieqiong. As I talked
with Madame Lei, I realized what a pivotal role USC has played in her
life and career. As a student, her passion for public service was
kindled by Professor Emory Bogardus, a prominent researcher and writer
in the field of sociology, and the founder of USC’s Department of
Sociology and School of Social Work. After returning to China, Lei
Jieqiong helped develop social work in her own country, dedicating
herself to programs that improved the lives of women and children, and
emerging as an inspiring leader and a key political figure.
This summer I had the honor of presenting Madame Lei with two mementos
of her membership in the Trojan Family: a replica of the certificate
she received when she graduated from USC in 1931 with a master’s degree
in sociology, and the university’s first Distinguished International
Alumna of the 20th Century Award.
Meetings with other
USC alumni in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai inspired me to reflect on
the influence of Trojans throughout the Asian Pacific region. USC has
always had strong ties to countries in the Pacific Rim. For more than a
century our university has been a favorite destination for students of
Asian Pacific heritage.
Students from around the
world attend USC not only because of our reputation as a world-class
research university, but also because of our reputation for welcoming
people of every race, creed, and background. When students come to our
campus, they know that they will be able to exchange and explore ideas
in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance.
Many international students also come to USC because they know it’s a
place to build friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.
Because USC attracts more international students than any other
American university, our campus provides the atmosphere and the
opportunity for all of our students – and that, of course, includes
domestic students – to build a network of personal and professional
contacts that extends around the world. Every day, on every continent,
USC alumni are starting new businesses, serving society and helping to
transform the world.
One of my favorite stories about the global influence of USC alumni
comes from a meeting I had with the prime minister of Malaysia. After
our one-hour meeting, I thanked him for being so generous with his
time. He replied, “But Dr. Sample, of course I must be kind to the
president of USC. After all, my government is riddled with these – what
do you call them? – these Trojans!”
The prime minister’s comment was evidence of two key characteristics of
Trojans. First, our alumni are proud to let people know that they
attended USC. Second, they are likely men and women of high
achievement, leaders in their respective fields, and exemplary members
of the Trojan Family.
As USC becomes a truly global university, I’m very proud of the work
our alumni are doing around the world. No matter where we are located
or what we are doing, we all share a common history and a common bond.
It’s absolutely true that our membership in the Trojan Family is indeed
lifelong and worldwide.
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KIn
Beijing, Steven Sample presents USC’s Distinguished International
Alumna of the 20th Century Award to 101-year-old Lei Jieqiong.
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