Trojan Family

The extended family of USC is a global network made up of thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and staff, as well as parents of students, SCions (children and grandchildren of alumni), the Board of Trustees, the boards of councilors, donors, athletic fans, and neighborhood partners. But the uniqueness of the Trojan Family isn’t due to its vast numbers. Rather, it’s the extraordinary closeness and solidarity that is found in this genuinely supportive community. To its members, the term “Trojan Family” is more than a phrase: it represents a promise, a commitment to support that is lifelong and worldwide.

Students

USC’s diverse student body is a strength and source of pride. From its earliest days, USC aspired to diversity by instituting policies that assured no student would be denied admission because of race, color, religion, or gender. The university has attracted more international students over the years than any other American university. Currently, 16 percent of USC’s students represent over 115 countries.
Equally important is the academic excellence that today’s USC students bring. USC accepted fewer than 32 percent of applicants for a place in the 2002 freshman class. Most graduated from the top 10 percent of their high schools. The 2002 entering class’ SAT score average is 1319 and GPA average is 3.9. But USC students are more than academic high-achievers. There have been more Trojans in the Olympics than any American university, and over 60 percent of the university’s students volunteer in community-service programs in neighborhoods around campus and throughout LA. Outstanding, well-rounded students are a hallmark of USC.

Faculty

USC’s faculty members aren’t just teachers of others’ works, but active contributors to what is taught, thought, and practiced throughout the world. The university’s faculty includes Nobel Prize laureate George A. Olah and 40 members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and, Institute of Medicine. More than 200 faculty members have received prestigious academic and professional awards from organizations as varied as National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Alumni

USC’s first alumni association was founded in 1885, just a year after the university graduated its first class. Those initial eight men and women paved the way for today’s 200,000+ member USC Alumni Association. Trojan alumni span all 50 states and virtually every region of the world. As leaders in their communities and professions, they bring recognition to their alma mater. Distinguished alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, astronaut Neil Armstrong, architect Frank Gehry, opera singer Marilyn Horne, symphony conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, film director George Lucas, and baseball legend Mark McGwire. The talents and commitment of its alumni are among USC’s greatest strengths.