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:
War in Ukraine hits home for Trojan rower
Despite the conflict in her home country, junior Anastasiia Slivina stays strong for her family and her teammates.
President Folt encourages business sustainability class to ‘engage people’s hearts’
The president — a biologist — notes that diverse perspectives are key to creating a more sustainable future, whether students come from backgrounds in business, engineering or the arts.
A return to normal and a proper sendoff: Class of 2022 is urged to live ‘a life of purpose’
COMMENCEMENT 2022: A class tempered by the uncertainty of COVID-19 crosses a finish line during USC’s 139th commencement ceremony — where a new passage awaits. Share in the festivities and see some of our favorite photos of the day.
5 ways USC commencement is cleaner and greener
COMMENCEMENT 2022: The goal for commencement ceremony venues is to be zero-waste — or as close to zero-waste as possible.
Valedictorian Adam Karelin brings his global perspective to the music world
COMMENCEMENT 2022: His USC resume includes an interrupted overseas semester and a unique performance with the pandemic as its backdrop.
Salutatorian Shreya Daniel looks to do it all after graduation
COMMENCEMENT 2022: Medical school is next for the USC Dornsife soon-to-be graduate, along with a side hustle that has so far raised nearly $15,000 for charity.
Salutatorian Andrew Binder continues acts of service beyond USC
COMMENCEMENT 2022: The graduating senior is taking his USC Dornsife degree in philosophy, politics and law and heading into the Marines.
New Unchained Scholars leaders look to carry on their predecessor’s message of hope
They weren’t seeking leadership roles, but Tangela “Tangie” Griffin and Myra Waters stepped up when the president of the group — which supports formerly incarcerated master’s and doctoral social work students — died unexpectedly.
Peace Pods bring islands of serenity to USC community
The Peace Pods project, a collaborative effort of USC Arts in Action, provides solitary space for people to decompress from everyday life.
USC spring football game gives Trojan fans, and the country, their first look at the Lincoln Riley era
There’s a palpable sense of excitement in the Coliseum — and the largest crowd ever at a USC spring game — as the new-look Trojans make their debut.
Dan Mazmanian awarded Presidential Medallion for advancing USC’s values in the field of sustainability
The professor and chair of the Presidential Working Group on Sustainable Education, Research and Operations has brought his policy and environmental expertise to shape a universitywide initiative to educate a new generation of leaders.
Festival of Books returns to USC as an in-person event this weekend
Considered the largest literary and cultural festival in the nation, the event is expected to draw more than 150,000 attendees Saturday and Sunday.
Robert Cutietta awarded Presidential Medallion for advancing USC’s values in the field of the arts
As dean of USC Thornton School of Music and USC Kaufman School of Dance, Cutietta introduced groundbreaking programs and oversaw the opening of the university’s first new school in more than 40 years.
Sarah Van Orman awarded Presidential Medallion for advancing USC’s values in the field of student health
As chief health officer at USC Student Health, Van Orman keeps Trojans healthy. When COVID-19 struck, she found herself caring for the entire community’s wellbeing.
If we lose ‘America’s best idea,’ we lose our tie to the Earth, President Folt tells national parks class
EARTH WEEK: The president — an environmental scientist — shares her love of the national treasures that sparked her love of science and discovery during the runup to USC’s Earth Week observance.
‘Gangsta Gardener’ Ron Finley headlines Earth Week celebration event
EARTH WEEK: Finley has been showing people how to rebuild communities through gardening for more than a decade.
Signaling a cultural shift, President Folt dedicates landmark building to alum Joseph Medicine Crow
The president honors the Native American author, historian and war hero, whose legacy of fostering connections among cultures aligns with the purpose of the Center for International and Public Affairs.
USC celebrates its military, veterans and ROTC — in person, at last
Featured speaker retired Air Force Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski headlined a lively evening of tradition and celebration of USC’s long partnership with the military.
Students explore podcasting through new interdisciplinary program
USC’s Communication and Journalism, Dramatic Arts, and Cinematic Arts schools join forces to help budding storytellers master the medium.
Drama draws audience in for honest talk about diversity, equity and inclusion
Student and faculty actors of the Institute for Theatre & Social Change at the USC School of Dramatic Arts bring stories of discrimination to life. Then it’s the audience’s turn to speak up.
USC Nuzhdin Lab opens new facilities at AltaSea at the Port of L.A.
The 6,000-square-foot Sustainable Seaweed Aquaculture Lab will pursue groundbreaking research on regenerative aquaculture.
Education drives this week’s USC Safety Days — from electric scooters to skateboards
Pedestrians and bikes, skateboards or electric scooters can be a dangerous mix. A two-day event this weekon at the University Park Campus aims to help everyone stay safe.
USC Annenberg’s resident Olympics expert has a front-row seat at his 12th Games
Award-winning sportswriter and journalism professor Alan Abrahamson is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Olympic movement.
Her father’s mistakes don’t define this Trojan
With help from the student support group Unchained Scholars, Monique Bingham writes a narrative that’s very different from that of her father: He spent much of his life behind bars.