Meet Brandon Pili, USC’s first football student-athlete from Alaska
He gladly traded shoveling snow for football practices at dawn, but he still daydreams about camping, fishing and his mom’s deep-dish chocolate chip cookies.
First-generation USC student models herself after those who helped her succeed
Saianna Smith found her calling thanks to encouragement from teachers and mentors. Now the USC master’s student is helping others follow in her footsteps.
To diversify America’s orchestras, USC collaborates on new strings fellowship
Four up-and-coming classical musicians study at USC, perform with a premier orchestra and mentor diverse members of a local youth orchestra.
After helping her children get into college, it’s mom’s turn to pursue a USC degree
Transfer student Margarita Lopez home-schooled eight kids. Now, at 58, she sets her sights on a psychology degree.
USC Aims to Help Physicians Stay Healthy
Amid growing awareness of suicide and depression among health professionals nationwide, new wellness programs at Keck Medicine of USC ensure students and doctors care for themselves.
Bennis Scholars Carry Forward a Legacy of Leadership
Meet two impressive student leaders who are ready to put their leadership skills to the test.
USC’s Makerspaces Give Creative Students a Home
USC’s maker culture is thriving as working spaces for creators pop up across campus.
First-generation workshops help students settle into college life
USC is increasing resources for students in their family’s first generation to attend college, including support with academic planning and making social connections.
Friendly (and sometimes heated) rivalries get Residential Cup Competition underway
A fun-filled evening for new students kicks off a year of friendly competition.
The Trojan Marching Band Celebrates Its Spirited History at New Lyon Center Home
The USC Marching Band gets new digs—with tailor-made upgrades—at the Lyon Center. The Spirit of Troy’s newly unveiled headquarters include practice rooms, lockers and a display of band helmets through the ages.
USC Song Girls Celebrate 50 Years as Ambassadors of Trojan Spirit
For a half century, the Song Girls have crowds with school spirit and goodwill.
Snowboarder, pilot and engineer finds her home in L.A. and at USC
Budding architect Erica Leung knows her limits when riding high as a pilot and snowboarder across SoCal.
Asian-American students connect with peers at USC cultural center
Marking its 35th anniversary, Asian Pacific American Student Services supports students who may struggle with their identities.
USC volunteers help rebuild Hurricane Harvey-torn Texas coast
Women train in “mucking and gutting,” work with nonprofit to remove debris, tear out drywall and clear fallen trees for families
USC 2017 | Standout USC students, and a few recent grads, who’ve done amazing things
✌ Year in review: From fighting PTSD to helping create a sustainable future, these special Trojans Fight On in everything they do.
USC Linebacker Oluwole Betiku Finds a New Life Far From Home through Football
Natural talent, strong support and a little luck put dreams within reach for a football novice from Nigeria.
Students find home away from home at annual Thanksgiving dinner
Niki Nikias, wife of USC President C. L. Max Nikias, hosts hundreds of students unable to spend the 2017 holiday with their families.
Hiking class gets USC college students to tap benefits of forest bathing
In an age of smartphones and sedentary living, students aim to appreciate stillness, reconnect with the outdoors, get fit and learn to hike — only a few miles from urban Los Angeles.
Helenes kick off a new Conquest Week tradition at USC: protecting Hecuba
The university’s oldest all-female service organization takes on a new responsibility: Guarding the iconic statue of the queen of Troy.
‘Edible Education’ gives USC students skills in the kitchen
Never cooked before? No problem. USC Hospitality program gives students kitchen smarts they’ll use when they eventually move out of university housing.
B-52s conversation, concert kick off Trojan Family Weekend on McCarthy Quad
Band members share their thoughts on social activism before a lively set that kept Trojans on their feet.
Where to Walk or Just Relax in USC Village’s Great Outdoors
USC Village’s park-like spaces are pedestrian-friendly and perfect for relaxing.
USC Village Expands Housing Benefits to Students and Community
More than 9,000 students can now live in USC housing.
Residential College Icons Build on USC Trojan Traditions
Crests harken back to the symbols and traditions of USC.