Merrill Balassone
Merrill Balassone is a former media representative for USC University Media Relations.
Stories by Merrill Balassone:
Majority of Californians dissatisfied with economy
USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll shows Bay Area residents have mostly positive feelings about the economy, Inland Empire lags.
USC East College Prep can transform the lives of its students and community
University Provost Michael Quick formally opens the Lincoln Heights high school paving a path to higher education.
Meet the new Trojans: the most diverse and academically talented in USC history
The Class of 2019 includes more underrepresented minority students than at most other private research universities.
Just a fan no more: Although blind, Jake Olson joins USC football team as long snapper
A dream comes true for the 18-year-old freshman who lost his sight as a child.
Poll: California voters increasingly squeezed by drought
More than half of the state’s voters oppose paying more for water as a solution, new USC Dornsife/LA Times poll shows.
California voters have mixed views on Common Core standards
A strong majority still know little or nothing about the new standards, according to a PACE/USC Rossier Poll.
Poll: California voters back Prop. 30 extension in support of public schools
The results indicate a rising sense of optimism among a majority of voters, according to a new USC Rossier poll.
Trojans get new charter high school ready for students
As USC East College Prep nears its opening, Health Sciences Campus volunteers add the finishing touches.
USC set to host Special Olympics World Games
It’s the single biggest sporting event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics.
USC-LA effort lands another $2.5 million to spur manufacturing economy
Department of Commerce leader heads a roundtable of business, government and higher education leaders to discuss the future of a biotech corridor near the Health Sciences Campus.
USC Rossier’s innovative charter high school model to serve students in Lincoln Heights
East College Prep students will benefit from the same personalized learning program developed at USC Hybrid High.
Myths, meals and paying his dues: Q&A with new Provost Michael Quick
USC’s top academic officer has advice for students, a vision for the university — and a foodie side.
Californians split on whether testing has been a boon or bust for education
USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll finds voters give state’s schools average grades, but don’t seek reform at expense of traditional education.
California voters reject tenure, USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll finds
But voters trust teachers more than any other group to improve the state’s schools.
Fall admits are a diverse, intelligent bunch — from every state and 77 countries
It’s the most selective group ever: 9,050 of nearly 52,000 applicants are invited to join the Trojan Family.
What’s the real California Dream? It’s all about the weather
USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll finds residents are pessimistic about traffic and the cost of living — but wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Californians side with Jerry Brown in UC tuition dispute
USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll finds voters oppose UC tuition increases, even if it means fewer spots for in-state students.
Kamala Harris has early lead for Senate; Antonio Villaraigosa faced uphill battle
USC Dornsife/LA Times poll shows the former mayor, who decided not to run for Barbara Boxer’s Senate seat, was nearly 10 points behind the attorney general.
Alan Arkatov installation follows education panel
Policymakers discuss leverage of entertainment and new technologies in the classroom.
Transit takes a hit on Twitter: We even like the airlines more
The most negative comments are aimed at agencies in D.C., Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago, USC study finds.
College admissions officers look toward the future
Enrollment will be reshaped by demographics, K-12 reform and student engagement, professor says at conference hosted by USC.
A few dollars translates into health for elderly, USC study finds
Participants in developing countries spend supplemental money on food, medication and doctor visits.
Californians say they want change but still approve of Sens. Boxer and Feinstein
Strong support exists for the state’s emerging generation of Democratic leaders.
USC Dornsife/LA Times poll: Californians back plastic grocery bag ban
Even when prompted about potential costs and government overreach, most Californians don’t want to overturn the ban.