April 27, 2011

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni of USC,

I am thrilled to announce that USC has received $110 million from its longtime supporters Julie and John Mork and their family. This historic gift will create the USC Mork Family Scholars Program, which will permanently benefit the university’s most precious asset: its exceptionally talented and diverse undergraduate student body.

This stands as the largest gift for student scholarships in USC’s history. Through their inspiring generosity, the Morks have forever changed the educational landscape at USC, and will help the university attract the most accomplished and deserving students in perpetuity. The Morks’ legacy at USC is both exceptional and assured.

Today, the USC community warmly honors the Mork family. They are special people, and I feel deeply privileged to know them. Together, they believe that higher education is vital to a robust and democratic society, and in their spirit and their actions, they embody the Trojan ideals. We will be forever grateful.

Please join us at 4 p.m. today in the International Plaza of the Ronald Tutor Campus Center for a special celebration of this announcement.

Yours truly,

C. L. Max Nikias
President