Ron Mackovich
Ron Mackovich oversees priorities – stories about USC Village, biotech, access and value, among other areas – for USC University Communications. He has a strong background in digital journalism, most recently at KCBS-TV.
Stories by Ron Mackovich:
Army veteran serves as peacemaker in urban combat zones
Many people fear the places Hector Jiminez needs to be. He relies on his battlefield experience — and his studies at USC, where he has earned two graduate degrees — almost every day.
First-gen engineering grad ready to land Air Force career
Despite some early setbacks, graduating USC student Giovanni Flores is gaining momentum as he aims for a post-graduation pilot slot.
When Grandpa can’t figure out FaceTime: Students teach tech to connect to older adults
Smartphone support and health advice helped seniors and USC students from seven health-related disciplines get through the pandemic.
South L.A. goes green as backyard gardens and orchards grow
Fresh produce from nearby neighborhoods makes its way across Los Angeles as USC’s Good Neighbors Campaign helps support local growers.
Bina Venkataraman named 2021 USC commencement speaker
A journalist and author whose outlook unites science, compassion and optimism, Venkataraman will look ahead to an age in which courage can prevent catastrophe.
Despite advances in distance learning, homework gap persists among California families
While many K-12 students have adapted to online learning, a USC study finds that some families have had trouble accessing devices or reliable internet connections, especially Hispanics who primarily speak Spanish.
Pandemic pushes California into new age of telehealth and telecommuting
New habits developed during lockdown are likely to continue, a USC study finds, which means less driving to work or medical appointments. That said, access to these opportunities still varies by race and income.
The leaf blowers go quiet at USC, home of the country’s first campus green zone
Complaints sparked a change from noisy landscaping equipment to clean technologies on the University Park Campus, part of a major investment that’s earned the university green accolades.
E-waste isn’t wasted at USC, thanks to partnership that helps the community
An enduring program that reclaims old computers helps students and local families bridge the digital divide while also keeping more than 1 million pounds of used electronics out of landfills.
Top Air Force leader’s message inspires USC military and veteran students
At the university’s annual Veterans and ROTC Gala, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright breaks down his steps for success.
More than 8,800 offered fall admission to USC, from historically large pool of applicants
Diversity and academic achievement distinguish the newest Trojans, including a record number of first-generation college students.
California surpasses 90% internet connectivity, but low-income households still lack access
Amid the pandemic, a survey from USC and the California Emerging Technology Fund reveals regional and financial inequities that fuel the state’s digital divide.
USC and California Emerging Technology Fund form partnership to close the digital divide
The research partnership will determine just how far California has to go to close critical gaps in internet access, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic.
A shot at equity: USC vaccination site aims to expand access to immunization
As eligibility expands widely, the city opens a COVID-19 vaccination center in University Park, close to underserved South L.A. neighborhoods.
Steven Shapiro named first USC senior vice president for health affairs
The physician-scientist will bridge clinical and research efforts, a collaborative approach designed to improve care.
It’s time to address disparities in internet access, says USC’s Martha Escutia
An East L.A. native, USC’s vice president for state government relations has fought for universal broadband access for two decades. The pandemic has brought renewed attention to the issue.
USC names Samuel Garrison senior vice president of university relations
Garrison will direct a more robust department dedicated to community partnerships, civic leadership and collaboration with local businesses, schools and neighbors.
Bold initiative strengthens partnerships with local diverse businesses
Office of Business Diversity and Economic Opportunity will connect with small businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans.
Back to our roots: Native plants are growing again at USC, thanks to student-led effort
After sustainability-minded students replaced turf with native species, a university partnership flowered. Now, more water-sipping indigenous plants are getting started at test plots around campus.
Using campus downtime to get ahead on water conservation
With most buildings essentially clear of classes and students, the university takes a forward leap in sustainability by installing touch-free, water-saving faucets.
To help reach zero waste, USC invests in recycling
One bin does not fit all, which is why new sorting stations on USC campuses will keep materials separate from the start.
This world-wise veteran is ready to assist in the ER
After eight years in the Navy, Brian Phan is a well-traveled vet with a knack for photography who plans to put his USC education to use as a physician assistant.
First-gen Trojan aims to serve, whether by mentoring USC students or identifying unknown bodies
Angelina Crittenden is already making a difference through the First Generation Student Leadership Program she helped create. Her long-term plan: becoming a medical examiner.
Injury puts Navy veteran on path toward medicine
Thanks to his alumnus father, Garrett Wagner was very familiar with the Trojan Family. After suffering a torn ACL on duty, he decided to help others the way his surgeon helped him — starting at USC.