Grayson Schmidt
Grayson Schmidt is a writer and multimedia journalist with USC News. He comes to USC with news experience in print, radio and television. He also worked as a crime reporter for three years in Iowa, and is well aware of the irony.
Stories by Grayson Schmidt:
After years of uncertainty, members of the Class of 2023 finally enjoy their moment in the sun
COMMENCEMENT: Family and friends fill the University Park Campus as a record 20,000 degrees are conferred. It’s a day to remember.
Valedictorian Isha Sanghvi targets health inequity post-commencement
COMMENCEMENT: While at USC, the Bay Area native maintained the nonprofit she founded in high school and co-founded an organization that improves health equity for unhoused people.
Salutatorian Liam Tsao continues branching out of his comfort zone to take on new challenges
COMMENCEMENT: The USC Dornsife senior hopes to use his social policy experience in legislative work or community organizing before going to law school.
New tool helps students find sustainability courses
The Sustainability Course Finder helps spread awareness of courses across the university and provides students with an easy way to see how classes relate to various sustainability issues.
Salutatorian Carina Robles embraces interdisciplinary opportunities as a transfer student
COMMENCEMENT: Graduating with a degree in political science and a minor in dance, Robles will be heading to Taiwan as part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
USC’s big day in D.C.: Trojans celebrate the new Capital Campus
University leaders, friends and dignitaries celebrate USC’s new and notable presence in the nation’s capital — starting with an unforgettable performance by the Spirit of Troy on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
USC spring football game: Caleb Williams honored as fan anticipation meets expectations
At the Coliseum, Trojan fans have high hopes as they look toward the upcoming season.
Q&A: Getting to know USC Department of Public Safety Chief Lauretta Hill
The chief discusses the new ONE USC Safety Vision, her philosophy on public safety, and how her department will work with students, faculty, staff and the community.
USC celebrates trailblazers at Women’s History Month kickoff
Monthlong observance begins with virtual event including President Carol L. Folt and some of the university’s own Trojan trailblazers.
Southern California native Andy Stankiewicz is on a mission to restore the USC baseball dynasty
The team’s new coach remembers the glory days when USC tallied up 11 national championships. He’s ready to get the squad there again.
USC Roski students ‘confront and contextualize Blackness’ with new art exhibition
Art students Jayna Dias and Angel Itua present a lifetime of experiences as Black women and Black artists living within the Black diaspora in the exhibition The Black Experience.
8 faculty members named University Professors and Distinguished Professors
The titles recognize faculty members who are leaders in their respective research fields.
New pedestrian safety campaign encourages Trojans to look out for one another
Student-driven campaign is part of the university’s ONE USC Safety Vision, which aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the USC community.
Trojan’s new hit app Instafest brings music fans together
USC Viterbi student Anshay Saboo shows users the concert festival lineup of their dreams.
In memoriam: Rosalind ‘Roz’ Wyman, youngest person ever elected to L.A. City Council
The Trojan alumna was a driving force behind Dodgers moving west.
Student muralists spruce up Peace Garden near University Park Campus
The vibrant artwork on a 120-year-old house enlivens the walk to campus.
USC School of Dramatic Arts takes high school students Into the Woods
Students from East and South Los Angeles travel to USC’s Bing Theatre for a special morning performance; Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame) and Little Red Ridinghood are there, too.
An artist, a community and a well of inspiration
Artist noé olivas, co-founder of the Crenshaw Dairy Mart art collective and gallery, draws on his parents’ work ethic and his USC cohort’s encouragement to bring communities together in Inglewood.
USC hosts 2nd graduate recruitment conference for students at minority-serving institutions
The two-day event attracted more than 150 students from universities around the country, including many historically Black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions.
New associate dean of religious life brings varied ministry experience to USC
The Rev. Brandon Harris is eager to help USC students find connection, meaning and belonging. He starts in his new role on Monday.
USC hosts West Coast premiere of Monica Bill Barnes & Company: The Running Show
USC Kaufman student dancers are put to the test with just four days between auditions and the final show.
President Folt touts USC’s role in a more sustainable and equitable L.A. at annual Business Council summit
Event featuring UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti examines the city’s clean energy future, water resources and drought, revitalizing buildings with carbon-free power and more.
MHART program launches to help students experiencing mental health crises
Through the program — part of USC’s prioritization of Trojans’ mental health and well-being — students will be able to meet with a certified licensed mental health professional from USC Student Health.
From the forge to the field: The story (and the person) behind the Trojan sword and armor
The pieces are as iconic as Traveler, the Trojan Marching Band and the football program itself. But where the armament is crafted couldn’t be any farther from the bright lights and boisterous crowd of the Coliseum.