
Alicia Di Rado
Alicia Di Rado is USC University Communications’ editorial director. She oversees initiatives and channels that tell the overall story of USC and its people and serves as editor-in-chief of USC Trojan Family Magazine. Alicia began her career as a journalist with the Los Angeles Times and Oregonian and has served as an editor and writing coach for several decades. She also was trained in graphic design at UCLA and product design at Stanford. A native Spanish speaker, she is especially interested in sports, health, medical research, science, fitness, history and pop culture.
Stories by Alicia Di Rado:

COVID-19 vaccines roll into USC health centers: Watch it in GIFs
Some 2,500 doses of extremely cold vaccines arrive to the sound of applause and The Spirit of Troy.

Students and parents take trips across L.A. from the comfort of home
Thanks to Zoom, you can now learn all about Los Angeles on the USC Office of Orientation Programs’ Facebook page.

T-shirt says ‘thank you’ to USC front-line health care workers
The “We Fight as One” campaign sends support to Keck Medicine of USC through tees — and encouragement on social media.

Send a virtual hug to a USC front-line health care worker fighting COVID-19: Write them a card
Find out how to show extra appreciation for the medical professionals who are isolating at USC Hotel by sending them a thank-you note.

Los Angeles Times Book Prize winners named as USC anticipates annual literary fest in October
In its 25th year, the annual L.A. Times Festival of Books is scheduled to return to USC this fall.

The USC scientist taking big steps against brain tumors
USC’s University Park Campus hosts an upcoming fundraising 5K thanks to the advocacy of an energetic Keck School of Medicine neuroscientist.

USC presidential inauguration ceremonies and events set for Sept. 18-20
Here’s what to expect for the celebration marking the beginning of Carol L. Folt’s presidency.

How Tommy Trojan and other USC statues get ready for their commencement closeups
Why are people blowtorching the Trojan Shrine? It’s all to preserve and protect USC heritage.

Carol L. Folt to become USC’s 12th president
USC Board of Trustees selects internationally recognized biologist and former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill chancellor to lead the university into new era.

Nikias espouses university values and inclusion in presidential address
Higher education is key to instilling values that create an open and free society, USC leader says in annual State of the University Address.

USC 2017 | Five Trojans who inspired us this year
✌ Year in review: These USC alumni, faculty and students will give you some good vibes for the new year.

In memoriam: Joan Metcalf Schaefer, longtime USC dean of women
“Dean Joan” came to USC in 1955 and served generations of Trojans.

W. M. Keck Foundation names health care center at USC with $10 million gift
Generous support expands on prior $150 million gift for Keck Medicine of USC.

Longtime alumni leader Rod Nakamoto elected to USC Board of Trustees
As president of the Alumni Association’s Board of Governors, the financial adviser helped expand the university’s engagement with alumni across generations.

USC places among top institutions in fundraising — for four years running
Council for Aid to Education survey shows USC ranks third behind only Harvard and Stanford as the Campaign for USC continues its momentum.

NBA and social media star Chris Paul: class reunion organizer?
The Clippers standout visits USC Annenberg for an insightful conversation with journalism school Director Willow Bay.

Architect Frank Gehry to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom
USC alumnus is among the 21 luminaries who will be honored at the White House for their profound contributions to the United States.

Widney Society fetes benefactors who drive the success of the Campaign for USC
The organization is made up of supporters who have donated $1 million or more in gifts or pledges to the university over a lifetime.

Black alumni reach out to students as they mark professional successes
USC Black Alumni Association celebrates 40th year of scholarships, mentoring and support.

Nikias puts spotlight on diversity in annual presidential address
‘Nobody talks at the national level about the real crisis we face as a nation,’ says USC’s president during his annual speech.

USC 2015: The year in health and wellness
Find out what USC scientists have been working on to help you live a longer, healthier life — from disease-fighting diets to curing baldness.

It’s no Back to the Future hoverboard, but USC student’s skateboard flies
Engineer upcycles carbon fiber from spacecraft for a smooth ride.

USC mourns longtime medical leader Brian Henderson
Former dean and cancer center director helped build the field of cancer epidemiology.

SoCal VoCals sing their way to national trophy in a cappella championship
Winning? All the cool kids are doing it.