INFORMATION
GOVERNING BOARD | GOVERNING BOARD PROFILES

Our Vision:
A student’s social and economic background will NOT inhibit their access to and success in higher education.

ABOUT THE GOVERNING BOARD
The Norman Topping Student Aid Fund is the only student initiated, student funded, primarily student administered scholarship in the nation. The Topping Fund is administered by a Governing Board composed of 13 voting student members, two USC alumni, a community representative, one faculty member and representatives from the offices of College Advising, Admissions, Financial Aid and Financial Services who select the scholars and oversee the long term policies of the Topping Scholarship.

Governing Board selection takes place in the fall of each academic year. The number of appointments is dependant upon the number of open representative seats. Terms of appointments range based on representative status. Board members attend the annual Fall Governing Board Retreat (1 day event), usually held in late October or early November, and 2-3 Governing Board meetings per semester. Board members must also be available during the summer months for scholarship application reading, interviewing and scholar selection.

Students interested in serving on the Governing Board in 2007-2008 should contact the NTSAF office. Benefits of being a student representative include:

• Service to the university and local community
• Interaction with amazing applicants and current Topping Scholar
• Recruitment and outreach experience
• Networking with student leaders, faculty and staff

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Message from the Chair
Dear Topping Scholars and Friends,

Welcome to the Topping Family! I look forward to serving you as the 2008-2009 NTSAF Governing Board Chair. When I was first introduced to the Topping Scholars Program, I could not have anticipated the impact it would have on my experience at USC. I have found this Fund to be much more than a scholarship – it is a support system and a family.

On behalf of the Governing Board and the Staff, I congratulate each of you on your accomplishments thus far. I am certain that you will continue to shape and to change the face of our university for the better.

Throughout your experiences at USC, we ask that you remember that the support system of the Fund extends beyond your fellow Topping Scholars to include the Governing Board. I speak for the entire Board when I say that we are here to help and support you, in whatever ways we can. We will work hard to represent you and bring the most this scholarship can offer.

Once again, congratulations on your many successes, and good luck in your future endeavors. And as the saying goes…when you’re here, you’re family.

Warmly,

Ashly-Nikkole Davis