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:
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 pilot 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.
Trojans’ business venture aims to make NFTs more accessible and sustainable
Many people don’t even know what an NFT is (it’s a “non-fungible token”) or how to buy one. This Trojan startup aims to take care of that.
Everything you need to know for the USC football 2022 tailgate season
Game day at USC starts well before kickoff. Be sure you know what to expect before the Sept. 3 season opener.
Convocation welcomes newest members of the Trojan Family
President Carol L. Folt joins in celebrating the new students as they begin their USC academic journey.
USC chemists create greener research labs
Professors are implementing sustainable processes and using equipment that generates less heat — and that’s just the start.
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.