A Message of Gratitude

USC President Beong-Soo Kim has words of thanks to the Trojan Family upon being named president: “I couldn’t be more thrilled by the opportunity to continue this work of advancing USC’s mission and impact.”

(USC photo)

Trojan Helps Secure Major Funding for a New San Bernardino Park and Wellness Center

USC Price MNLM student Jorge Zatarain is overseeing development of a 20,000-square-foot park and wellness center in San Bernardino through El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center. He helped the project secure a $4.25 million California State Parks grant and $250,000 from the city of San Bernardino to support community amenities such as a playground, community garden, basketball courts, a game room and a library.

Jorge Zatarain

Iovine and Young Student Team Wins the MASEEH Center Hackathon

A USC Iovine and Young Academy student team won the MASEEH Center Hackathon. The story highlights student innovation and applied learning through a competitive, real-world build-and-pitch experience.

Students pose in front of a projected presentation slide during an academic event at USC.

USC Employee and DSW Student Earns a National CSWE Policy Fellowship

Devon Hernandez, a USC employee and Doctor of Social Work student, was selected as one of 20 fellows nationwide for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship. Over the program’s two years, he will conduct policy-focused research, receive national mentorship and develop a policy brief focused on reducing economic inequality and strengthening systems that support student stability before crises arise.

Photo courtesy of Devon Hernandez

USC Architecture Students Earn Recognition at the 2025 Vitruvian Honors and Awards

Three USC School of Architecture students were recognized in the 2025 Vitruvian Honors and Awards. Their work was highlighted for design excellence and student achievement in architecture.

Architectural model featuring a rectangular structure with layered, sculptural panels and an exposed internal framework.

USC Mann PhD Candidate Earns the 2025–26 Krown Fellowship

Ielyzaveta “Liza” Slarve, a fifth-year PhD candidate in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, received the 2025–26 Charles and Charlotte Krown Fellowship, the top graduate student honor at USC Mann. Her work investigates mechanisms behind liver cancer and includes mentoring other students.

Ielyzaveta

Student Leader Turns AI for Business Experience Into a Google Internship

Francesca Kubica, a third-year AI for Business student and executive director of the Marshall Artificial Intelligence Association, reflects on leading MAIA and helping students connect with industry. She shares how the AI for Business program and her leadership experience supported her internship with Google’s financial planning and analysis team.

Francesca Kubica

Around the University

Health & Community Well-Being

Campus Blood Drive

Support patients across our region by donating blood at USC’s Campus Blood Drive with LifeStream Blood Bank. The mobile donation bus will be at USC Village, with appointments recommended and walk-ins welcome.

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

USC Thornton School of Music

Jazz Night at Carson featuring ALAJE

Experience an evening with ALAJE (the Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble), led by USC Thornton faculty member Aarón Serfaty, performing music inspired by a range of Latin cultural traditions at Carson Soundstage (CTV 136). Admission is free and open to the public.

Monday, Mar. 2, 7:30 p.m.

USC students with hands raised at a spirit rally

Thinking about USC?