Saul Garcia
Saul covers news for USC’s many civic engagement and educational partnership programs. Reach him at saulgarc@usc.edu
Stories by Saul Garcia:
As a ‘farm boy’ turned master’s graduate, Xavier Hernandez III sets an example for others
Even with a bachelor’s degree from USC Viterbi and now a master’s from the USC Iovine and Young Academy, this proud Trojan still puts in his hours on the family farm.
Long-aspiring USC student proves that dreams can come true
Emily Suarez decided in fourth grade that she wanted to attend USC. After seven years of hard work and sacrifice in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative program, her plan is becoming a reality.
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s 2020 grads celebrate on Zoom
Even a global pandemic could not stop the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s class of 2020 from gathering online to rejoice in their successes.
Pandemic provides soon-to-be Trojan with career path possibilities
Nelson Henriquez Jr., who will graduate from the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative this month, has medicine on his mind.
USC and LAPD deliver care packages to local communities
USC’s public safety officers have teamed up with local police to distribute supplies to families in university-adjacent neighborhoods.
Trojan Eduardo Ibarra helps neighbors living amid coronavirus fear
He dreamed of finding a home at USC. Now, as a project specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, he’s focused on giving back to the community that helped him get this far.
Newly unveiled mural will exemplify black excellence at USC
The mural, which will be the first to adorn the walls of the USC Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs, features such luminaries as director John Singleton and Wanda Austin, who led the university in 2018-2019 as interim president.
King brunch honors civil rights leader’s legacy as well as USC-LAPD partnership
Leaders from USC and the Los Angeles Police Department came together at their annual brunch to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
Neighborhood Academic Initiative students prepare for the next phase of their journey: college
Parents and graduating students from South and East L.A. shared breakfast and reminisced about their seven-year path through USC’s premier college prep program.
Trojan student-athletes share holiday cheer with neighborhood children
President Folt joins USC basketball players in handing out more than $150,000 in donated gifts.
Local working families enjoy a holiday meal, thanks to Neighborhood Academic Initiative
To show their appreciation for families in the nearby community, the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative partnered with USC Hospitality to provide a warm holiday dinner.
At USC’s STEM Day, young students discover a whole new academic world
USC’s STEM Day of Discovery was an opportunity for 700 middle school and high school students to discover the many career opportunities available in health care.
Good Neighbors Campaign commemorates 25 years of serving the community
The annual dinner honoring USC faculty and staff who donated 1% of their salary featured Good Neighbors alumni and President Carol L. Folt.
Latinx Heritage Month banners celebrate the stories of USC students
For the first time, a series of colorful banners recognizing the university’s Latino community were raised on Trousdale Parkway.
Good Neighbors Campaign awards $1.4 million to community partners
Donors, volunteers and community partners came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the campaign that has generated over $25 million for more than 900 community-based programs.
Donation of more than 4,000 books aims to promote literacy in USC’s neighborhood
The books are earmarked for nine schools with K-5 programs within the USC Family of Schools and will be delivered via the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative.
Promising young scholars honored as USC high-school initiative celebrates its latest graduates
More than 1,000 students have now gone through the USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a seven-year-long pre-college program that helps prepare local students for higher education.
USC partners with nonprofit to sponsor African-American youth art project
Four commemorative posters reflect the theme of social justice and change.
USC interim president offers encouraging words at Neighborhood Academic Initiative visit
Wanda M. Austin praises parents for their support and recalls the importance of academics in her own life.
USC Kid Watch turns attention to street and traffic safety
Once it was all about keeping kids safe; now the program seeks to create a safe environment in designated drop-off locations.
USC expert dispels diabetes myths for Latino audience
Tom Buchanan offers clarity on proper steps to prevent the disease and how to seek proper treatment after it is diagnosed.
First Man screening, panel open world of opportunities for young scholars
The youngsters — participants in the signature USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative program — hang on every word from the panel of Trojan aerospace experts.
USC Good Neighbors Campaign’s key donors celebrate program’s success
The 24-year-old program, which has raised more than $23 million to send neighbor kids to college, honors USC faculty and staff who donate 1 percent of their pay.
L.A. sixth-graders start their path to college on a red carpet at USC
The USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s newest participants take the first steps on their demanding seven-year trek toward higher education.