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:
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.
Air Force vet takes his math talents to USC Viterbi
After spending four years keeping some of the world’s biggest planes in the air, first-generation transfer student Matt Mena is climbing toward a computer science degree.
A dual graduation for Army reservist: college and kindergarten
After celebrating academic successes with her daughter during the pandemic, Melissa Hooper is now working her way through USC Marshall’s Master of Business for Veterans program.
Professor keeps his students on their toes, especially when they’re learning at home
At age 64, John “Old Doc” Walsh of the USC Leonard Davis School recognizes the need to stay limber — especially in the middle of a two-hour online class.
An election like no other: How to vote safely during the pandemic
Fears of the coronavirus and concerns about the voting process are putting added stress on voters. USC experts in health, policy and security offer ways to stay safe and secure at the polls.
Dance adaptation: USC Kaufman student teachers keep kids moving through online classes
Elementary students dance like no one’s watching as they step into their virtual studio, taking part in a key program that’s expanding during a tough time.
California gives rent control another chance on the 2020 ballot
In a state with notoriously high housing costs, voters will consider yet another new take on rent control. USC experts dissect the pros and cons of Proposition 21.
Transfer students’ community provides support system during COVID-19
Despite the distance caused by the pandemic, Trojans who started higher ed elsewhere are building community and encouraging each other to succeed.
With top 250 countdown, KUSC and KDFC give classical music the California touch
For the first time ever, the USC-owned radio stations are playing back the 250 most beloved classical songs as voted on by listeners in the debut of the Classical California Ultimate Playlist.
In a year like no other, the USC Class of 2024 stands out
Public high schools and first-generation students create an outstanding fall class — USC’s largest incoming class ever — with South L.A. and the Eastside leading the way.
COVID-19 proves to be a test of faith for believers, churches and communities
While in-person worship remains risky, some congregations are reimagining their communities online. USC experts address the intersections of religion, a pandemic and a historic social movement.
Amy Diamond named USC chief investment officer
Diamond will play a critical role in ensuring the stability and growth of the USC endowment.
Workers and companies face new legal and financial threats as pandemic continues
Staying in business and staying financially solvent are part of surviving a pandemic. USC experts talk about stresses and uncertainties for employees, their employers and the unemployed.
Student sets Cleopatra’s life to music
A music and business undergraduate juxtaposed modern jazz with ancient history to create two musical pieces based on the life of the legendary Egyptian ruler.
New Trojan wants to inspire more Native American students to attend college
Even though her USC journey has just begun, Natalie Battiest already understands the value of embracing her heritage.
The Spirit of Troy comes alive before an online crowd of new students
The most energetic event of this year’s Welcome Experience introduces freshmen to traditions that get Trojans on their feet.
Students from across USC keep kids of front-line medical workers on track in school
With support from three schools on two campuses, children from Keck Medicine-affiliated families — and from university-adjacent neighborhoods — are being tutored by USC students living around the world.