USC Media and Public Relations

Los Angeles Times featured the dedication ceremony for the Sumner M. Redstone Production Building at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, which was attended by USC President C. L. Max Nikias, media magnate Sumner Redstone, USC alumnus George Lucas and director Steven Spielberg. USC School of Cinematic Arts Dean Elizabeth Daley said that 1,000 students would use the facility each year to learn how to produce, direct and edit films. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Redstone donated $10 million to help create the state-of-the-art building. “I’ve always said that content is king. USC has been instrumental in celebrating the type of talent that exemplifies this,” Redstone said. “Sumner has exceeded everyone’s expectations when it comes to giving to the Trojan family,” Spielberg added. The event was also covered by CW News Los Angeles affiliate KTLA-TV and Haute Living.

The Hollywood Reporter highlighted Hollywood professionals working at USC, stating that they give students insight into industry trends and what it’s really like to work in the entertainment field. The story highlighted Larry Auerbach, Alan Berger, Bill Prady, Nina Jacobson, Eric Schrier, Julie Rieger, Randy Runkle, Daniel Sussman and Todd Hoffman of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Auerbach said that A-list professionals take these jobs for reasons other than money. Berger, an agent at Creative Artists Agency, has brought clients like Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell to his classes. Schrier, executive vice president at FX Productions and a USC alumnus, said he learned valuable lessons from speakers in Berger’s class. The story noted that entertainment lawyer Larry Stein teaches at the USC Gould School.

MundoFox Los Angeles affiliate KWHY-TV featured the USC School of Pharmacy and the STAR Program, which gives local high school students hands-on experience in the field. Cesar Armendariz, director of USC Health Sciences Campus Community Outreach, said that the USC School of Pharmacy is seeking young Latino and minority students to come learn, because the need is very great. Tatiana Melguizo of the USC Rossier School said her research shows that minorities with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math fields earn significantly more than their peers. She added that many students aren’t aware of the potential salaries involved.

The Week featured GLIMPSE, a showcase of USC digital technology held last week at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The story highlighted holograms of Holocaust survivors developed by the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education and USC’s Institute of Creative Technologies. The holographic virtual survivors will allow future generations to ask questions and learn their stories. In the next one to five years, the holograms could be set up at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

NBC News’ “NBC Nightly News” featured Jelena Mirkovic of the USC Viterbi School and noted that USC is one of the few universities that offer degrees in cybersecurity. The story reported that because the need for cybersecurity experts is expanding, students with this expertise are well positioned to find jobs.

Los Angeles Times reported that Colombian musician Juanes will perform at USC as part of “Grammy in the Schools Live! — A Celebration of Music & Education.” The event showcases high school music training and education initiatives, including Grammy Camp. Camp participants are eligible for scholarships to the USC Thornton School, the story noted. Ronald McCurdy of the USC Thornton School helps the students rehearse.

Associated Press featured research by Amytis Towfighi of the Keck School of USC finding that depressed stroke survivors face a higher risk of early death. “When patients have their depression treated they’re more motivated to take their medication, do therapy and live a full life,” Towfighi said.

The New York Times quoted Edward Kleinbard of the USC Gould School about a derivatives tax proposal.

Inside Higher Ed quoted Jerome Lucido of the USC Rossier School about cases in which universities falsified data used for U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Fox News interviewed Carrie Breton of the Keck School of USC about a study linking air pollution and low birth weight.

The Birmingham News reported that USC is one of the top schools in the country in terms of enrolling National Merit Scholars. The news was also covered by Tuscaloosa News; NBC News Huntsville, Ala., affiliate WAFF-TV; and CBS News Birmingham, Ala., affiliate WIAT-TV.

Los Angeles Times covered a proposed Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum lease agreement between USC and the state of California.

LAist highlighted a panel of female Asian artists and performers, hosted by Visions and Voices: The USC Arts & Humanities Initiative.

Forbes highlighted USC research finding that the greatest indicator for success at innovative companies was organizational culture.