Niki C. Nikias hands out baklava to the Trojan Knights on Thursday. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)
A tasty break for Trojan Knights during Tommy-guarding duty
In what’s become a Trojan tradition, Niki C. Nikias brings baklava to the students guarding the university icon
In the land of Tommy, Traveler and Tirebiter, add a new tradition: the bringing of the baklava.
Thursday marked the seventh year that Niki C. Nikias, wife of USC President C. L. Max Nikias, provided a baklava break for members of the Trojan Knights during their round-the-clock sentry shifts guarding the Tommy Trojan statue.
The Trojan Knights, a service organization focused on USC’s traditions, guard the statue during the days leading up to the annual USC-UCLA football game to protect it from harm (and Bruins). And since 2010, they’ve been rewarded for their dedication by none other than Niki Nikias herself.
The USC-UCLA game is Nov. 19.