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:
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.
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.