In memoriam: Irving Biederman, 83, explored the brain’s role in vision, shape and face recognition
The longtime USC Dornsife professor was a voracious seeker of knowledge and a beloved mentor to countless students and postdoctoral researchers.
In memoriam: Charlotte Furth, 88, was among first U.S. scholars to enter China after communist revolution
During her 30-year career at USC Dornsife, the trailblazing historian’s achievements include a groundbreaking book on the history of Chinese women’s reproductive care.
In memoriam: Barry Boehm, 87, ‘living legend’ in systems and software engineering
A computer science pioneer with a career that spanned six decades, the USC Viterbi Professor Emeritus defined an era in software development.
In memoriam: Ernie Zampese, 86, holds USC record for longest punt
The Trojan halfback went on to become a noted NFL offensive coordinator.
In memoriam: Bob Hooks, 92, USC all-conference end in 1952
Hooks, a 16th round pick in the 1952 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams as a junior, also was a javelin thrower on the 1951 USC track team.
In memoriam: Bryce Nelson, 84, former director of USC Annenberg School of Journalism
After two decades as a reporter at major news organizations, Nelson devoted the final 30 years of his career to training and mentoring future journalists while tirelessly serving the USC community.
In memoriam: Lamont Dozier, songwriter and producer behind countless Motown hits
The celebrated musician was the first artist-in-residence for USC Thornton’s Popular Music program.
In memoriam: Joyce Mann, director of USC Price’s International Public Policy and Management Program
The dedicated educator and administrator was also an ace at contract bridge.
In memoriam: Vincent DeRosa, noted French hornist and former USC Thornton faculty member
The celebrated musician, who died at 101, set a playing standard that continues today.
In memoriam: Anthropologist Christopher Boehm, explored human conflict and moral origins
The USC Dornsife faculty member, who wrote several books on hierarchy and human morality, conducted field research with Jane Goodall as one of the only anthropologists to study primates.
In memoriam: Andrei Belgrader, USC School of Dramatic Arts professor
The noted director, educator and actor joined the school in 2008, and taught and directed countless undergraduate and graduate students.
In memoriam: Prominent psychotherapist Constance Ahrons, 84
An emeritus professor of sociology, Ahrons helped diminish the stigma of divorce, seeking to replace pejorative language and arguing that a “good divorce” could prove more beneficial than an unhappy marriage.
In memoriam: Richard Aldrich ‘Rink’ Babka, 85, Olympic discus medalist
Babka, one of the greatest discus throwers in USC history, co-captained the Trojans’ 1958 USC NCAA championship track and field team.
In memoriam: 1946 NCAA singles and doubles winner Bob Falkenburg, a Wimbledon and U.S. Open champ
The tennis standout was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1974 and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
In memoriam: Michael Parks, 78, former director of the USC Annenberg School of Journalism
The news career of the Pulitzer Prize winner and former Los Angeles Times editor spanned nearly 40 years.
George Ban-Weiss, 40, USC Viterbi researcher and Renaissance man
A world-class environmental researcher and virtuoso bassist, he influenced public policy and touched lives.
Tom Morey, 86, surfing legend and Boogie board inventor
The USC alumnus invented other surf devices, toys and games, but his Boogie board creation became a smash hit for beachgoers.
Former USC, NFL and CFL end Paul Salata, 94, founder of Mr. Irrelevant Award
Salata lettered at end for USC in 1944, 1946 and 1947, when the Trojans won league titles each year.
Rino Patti, 85, USC Social Work dean and professor emeritus
The nationally renowned educator and scholar served as dean of USC’s social work school from 1988 to 1997.
Steve Riley, 68, ex-USC football standout and longtime Vikings tackle
The All-American was a member of the Trojans’ undefeated 1972 national championship team.
Ex-USC, New England Patriots star fullback Sam ‘Bam’ Cunningham, 71
The College Football Hall of Famer’s performance in USC’s 1970 win at Alabama is often credited with helping integrate Southern football.
Self-storage pioneer and USC Trustee B. Wayne Hughes, 87
Hughes and his family are the largest benefactors in the history of the university — with many of his gifts arriving anonymously.
Britt Williams, 80, captain of 1961 USC football team
After lettering for three seasons at USC, Williams became one of the most successful high school football coaches in San Mateo County.
Tim Tolman, 65, leading hitter on USC’s 1978 College World Series championship team
The three-year USC letterman also played and coached in the majors.