David Khalaf
David Khalaf, assistant director and advertising manager for Student Publications, is known for his enthusiastic attitude and courtesy to all customers, students and visitors.
Since joining the department in January 2005, his duties have included working with advertisers to make sure contracts are signed and payment is received, as well as designing ads and page layouts for the El Rodeo. “It’s a nice balance of the creative aspect and business,” says Khalaf.
“David brings to our environment a wonderful, positive can-do attitude along with the willingness and patience to nurture our writers and editors,” says Mona Cravens, director of Student Publications.
In addition to his duties in Student Publications, Khalaf has served on the Student Affairs Professional Development Committee and the SC Be Well and Social committees for the past two years. For SC Be Well, which focuses on activities, sports, health and wellness, he designs flyers for programs and organizes sports activities such as summer softball and kickball tournaments.
“David’s a team player and an innovative artist,” says Jennifer Siu, associate director of Recreational Sports and chair of SC Be Well. “He always performs above and beyond the call of duty by helping with the student awards, holiday party, end-of-the-year events, Health eNewsletter, flyers and announcements.”
Khalaf is no stranger to USC or Student Publications. As a student he served as editor-in-chief of the Daily Trojan in fall 1999. During his undergraduate career, his activities included Trojan Knights and Pepsters. Khalaf earned his bachelor’s degree in print journalism with a minor in cinema-television in 2000.
At USC, Khalaf particularly appreciates his colleagues. “The people you work with are 90% of your job,” says Khalaf. “I feel grateful to be able to return to Student Publications and work with the same people as when I was in school.”
Before working at USC, Khalaf was a yearbook advisor in the media department at UCLA and then a waiter while he pursued his dream of writing professionally. He is continuing the pursuit by working toward his master’s degree in professional writing (fiction), which he plans to complete in May 2009.
Outside of work, Khalaf enjoys sports and fitness, particularly kickball. He plays with, and is president of, the Silverlake Division of the World Adult Kickball Association.