Each year, USC programs and faculty research are highlighted in print, broadcast and online stories throughout the world. Highlights of recent news coverage are compiled by USC Media Relations.
USC in the News 1/23/2013
Los Angeles Times ran an op-ed by Nina Eliasoph of the USC Dornsife College about volunteerism as a vehicle for social reform. Eliasoph wrote that most people engage in “plug-in volunteering” — donating the odd day or so to a cause, but not questioning why a particular problem exists in society in the first place. “They should talk to one another, for example, about whether the people they are feeding this week will be hungry again next week,” she wrote.
Inside Higher Ed featured Craig Stanford of the USC Dornsife College and his research on the threat of extinction faced by great apes. Stanford said that the destruction of habitat and the black market in ape meat have decimated the great ape population in the wild. “We face a 21st century biodiversity crisis, and the possible loss of our genetic next of kin,” he added. “Allowing them to die would be like allowing your extended family to die.”
ABC News San Diego affiliate KGTV-TV featured the USC School of Social Work’s Military Social Work and Veteran Services graduate program. Many veterans don’t reach out for mental health services after returning from deployment, the story stated. “We have to figure out a way to get these men and women into care earlier,” said Anthony Hassan of the USC School of Social Work. The story stated that USC’s program is the largest of its kind in the country and is available as an online program.
Foreign Policy ran an op-ed by Laurie Brand of the USC Dornsife College stating that the kingdom of Jordan is unlikely to experience an Arab Spring-style revolt like the one that occurred in Tunisia. “At least in the near term, the demonstrations may continue, but the messages on the banners in Jordan are likely to remain tame, criticizing the government and its policies, but never those who actually rule,” Brand wrote. NPR News cited the op-ed. Foreign Policy ran a second op-ed by Brand on the subject.
KPCC-FM featured research by Tameka Gilreath and Ron Astor of the USC School of Social Work finding that teens living in families where a sibling or parent is sent to war are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The researchers, who collected anonymous surveys from 14,149 Southern California high school students, suggested that more community and school-based support is needed for teens with close relatives in the military.
KPCC-FM featured “Barrios to Burbs: The Making of the Mexican-American Middle Class” by Jody Agius Vallejo of the USC Dornsife College. The book indicates that life for people in this demographic is full of complexities. “The new American middle class is becoming more and more diverse,” Vallejo said. She added that many of her Latino students at USC identify with the book.
Los Angeles Times ran an op-ed by Vincent Brook of the USC Annenberg School about the depiction of faith in the movie “Life of Pi.” “To ascribe spiritual transcendence as deriving from a horrific disaster that killed one’s family and scores of others, and whose subsequent ordeal was overcome not by divine intervention but by rational intelligence and pluck, seems rather a brief for sadomasochism and hubris than religious belief,” Brooks wrote.
The New York Times quoted William Deverell of the USC Dornsife College about Cardinal Roger Mahony’s influence in Los Angeles.
The Wall Street Journal cited Edward Kleinbard of the USC Gould School regarding corporate tax havens.
Los Angeles Times quoted Rebecca Lonergan of the USC Dornsife College about the California statute of limitations and whether Cardinal Roger Mahony could be prosecuted for alleged mishandling of clergy sex abuse in the 1980s.
ABC News Los Angeles affiliate KABC-TV interviewed Patrick James of the USC Dornsife College about the Republican Party and gun control.
The Wall Street Journal cited research by Alexandra Michel of the USC Marshall School finding that many Wall Street bankers suffer from sleep deprivation and other physical and emotional ailments.
Los Angeles Times reported that Kenneth Breisch of the USC School of Architecture will participate in a panel on architectural photography.
Los Angeles Times mentioned that USC alumna and City Councilmember Jan Perry spoke to USC students at a Shabbat dinner commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.
Los Angeles Times stated that Keck Hospital of USC is among the area hospitals with voluntary policies for staff on getting flu vaccines.
Bloomberg Businessweek ran a column by Warren Bennis of the USC Marshall School about the possibility of introducing business school courses on the world’s religions.
Pocono Record ran a column by Susan Estrich of the USC Gould School about President Barack Obama’s second inaugural address.
The Orange County Register covered research by Dowell Myers of the USC Price School finding a decline in California’s child population.
KPCC-FM mentioned that a forum for Los Angeles mayoral candidates was held at USC’s Bovard Auditorium.
Us Weekly mentioned that Nickelodeon’s 26th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards will be held at USC’s Galen Center.
Unimas Los Angeles affiliate KFTR-DT covered a performance USC student Suemy Gonzales and her band Trio Ellas.