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:
Beyond binary: USC dance student Zackery Torres finds their voice
For several years, Torres has been documenting instances of non-inclusive terminology still used in the dance world. Now, the USC Kaufman senior has turned those observations into a gender-inclusive guidebook.
Big names help students make sense of business in a COVID-19 world
Two new USC Marshall classes will assist Trojans of all majors — not just business — in better understanding how the pandemic has affected financial markets and the economy.
How USC clubs are using the Involvement Fair to build online communities
Representatives from four very different student organizations describe how they’re adapting to the world of remote recruitment and engagement.
What’s ahead for the U.S. economy after the pandemic? President Folt and Dean Garrett discuss
USC Marshall’s new dean, Geoffrey Garrett, sits down for a conversation with President Carol L. Folt — and COVID-19 isn’t far from their minds.
Aspiring product designers’ and creators’ Zoom pitch sessions go virtual
USC Iovine and Young Academy seniors usually exhibit their final projects in a showcase to classmates and faculty. But thanks to the pandemic — and Zoom — they ended up pitching the fruits of their hard labor to alumni and industry pros.
Four incoming freshmen share their stories of perseverance
A quartet of new Trojans discuss how they overcame personal challenges and found themselves heading to USC.
USC welcomes newest Trojans with virtual convocation
President Carol L. Folt, student leaders, USC’s deans and more greeted this year’s new students and urged them to embrace this transformative opportunity.
Finding community through tragedy: Incoming freshman chronicles his path to USC
From starting nonprofits to overcoming personal adversity, Marcus Lo has experienced more at 19 years old than many do in a lifetime. He’s excited to add “being a Trojan” to that list.
As U.S. schools consider reopening, what can they learn from other countries?
In the first of a series of video conversations with USC leaders, President Carol L. Folt sits down with USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera. Find out about his advice for K-12 schools and their ideas on how educators can explain racial justice to students.
As labs reopen, USC researchers adjust to new campus guidelines
As part of USC’s Project Restart, many researchers have been allowed to return to their labs. Now, they’re figuring out how to conduct research in the COVID-19 era.
USC studio guitar students take online learning into the future
The USC Thornton School of Music saw COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders as an opportunity to show students how the music industry really works — remotely.
‘Wash Your Hands’ and ‘Resist Hate’: USC Roski lecturer sees timely revival of his artwork
Several years ago, L.A. artist Eric Junker created two pieces of art with simple, straightforward messages. In 2020, those messages ring truer than ever.
USC Arts in Action and Skid Row Arts Alliance ready next round of art packages
After the success of their first round of distribution, the two organizations have a second wave ready to go.
USC community commemorates Juneteenth with virtual celebration
Professors, administrators and students all shared words of remembrance and personal stories at the university’s inaugural Juneteenth event.
‘It definitely felt like a victory’: USC students share thoughts on Supreme Court DACA decision
There’s a feeling of celebration — but three students we spoke with are already focused on what’s next.
Amid COVID-19 fears, USC Spirit Leader donates stem cells for leukemia patient
Alec Fisher was a little nervous when he was chosen for the 4-hour donation procedure, but the opportunity to help save a life wasn’t one that he could ignore.
Saying their names: USC hosts online vigil for Black lives lost
The Trojan Family honors George Floyd and the other Black lives lost to racism and oppression. The vigil included 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence — the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck until he died.
Kaiser Permanente’s Beong-Soo Kim named new USC general counsel
Kim, an attorney with more than 20 years of experience in the private and public sectors, will become USC senior vice president and general counsel in July.
Actors who portray patients adjust to the new world of virtual medical exams
USC employs hundreds of “standardized patients,” trained actors who help medical students diagnose disorders during exams. Since the pandemic hit, their duties have changed dramatically.
More than 19,000 graduates recognized at USC’s virtual conferring of degrees
Amid unprecedented circumstances, university leaders, students, the band and even a familiar comedic face gathered virtually to send off the Class of 2020.
Valedictorian Isabella Hauptman focuses on health in ways big and small
Since she was 11 years old, Isabella Hauptman wanted to be an epidemiologist. Now, as she prepares to graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic, USC’s 2020 valedictorian sees that field becoming more important than ever.
Salutatorian Gavin Kress’ path to USC was fueled by his passion for medical research
Gavin Kress’ road to Los Angeles consisted of thousands of miles and a stop at another school but ended with him being named salutatorian for the Class of 2020.
Salutatorian Thomas Kim uses his international experience to relate to people from all cultures
Though he came into USC as undecided, Thomas Kim was destined to major in international relations. Now, he hopes to use his skills to make an impact domestically and abroad.
A diploma six decades in the making: Former Trojan student-athlete earns degree at 85
Tom Capehart did more than most during his time at USC. Now, at age 85, the former four-sport athlete can finally add “graduating” to that list.