Asa V. Call Achievement Award

The Asa V. Call Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the university and community by giving generously of their time, energy and leadership. This award celebrates alumni whose outstanding accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to themselves and USC.

Christopher Cox '73

Sworn in on August 3, 2005, Christopher Cox is the 28th chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Prior to his SEC appointment by President Bush, Cox served in the U.S. Congress for 17 years, representing what is now California's 48th congressional district, from 1988 to 2005. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, he chaired many committees, including the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and the Committee on Homeland Security. He also wrote both the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and the Internet Tax Freedom Act. From 1986 to 1988, Chairman Cox served as senior associate White House counsel to President Reagan. He joined the White House from the international law firm of Latham & Watkins. A magna cum laude graduate of USC's College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Cox earned his M.B.A. and J.D. from Harvard.

Alumni Merit Awards

Alumni Merit Awards are given to individuals whose remarkable accomplishments speak well for the range and quality of a USC education.

Adam Herbert '66, MS '69

Dr. Adam Herbert, president emeritus of Indiana University, served as the university's 17th president from 2003 to 2007. Passionate about education and public service, Dr. Herbert came to Indiana University as the founding executive director of The Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership at the University of North Florida. He was also that university's president from 1989 to 1998. From 1998 to 2000, Dr. Herbert served as the State University System of Florida's sixth chancellor. A two-term member of the National Academy of Public Administration's board of trustees, Dr. Herbert previously chaired the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II President's Council. Outside academia, he worked in Washington, D.C. for many years, most notably as the research director for the Joint Center for Political Studies. In addition to his undergraduate and graduate USC degrees, Dr. Herbert holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Affairs and Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Suzanne Nora Johnson '79

Suzanne Nora Johnson is a senior director of The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Until her retirement from Goldman Sachs in January 2007, Nora Johnson had served as its vice chairman. She had previously chaired the firm's Global Markets Institute and founded its global healthcare and Latin American businesses. Nora Johnson serves on the board of directors of Intuit Inc., Pfizer Inc., and Visa Inc. She is also a board member of several non-profits, including the American Red Cross, Brookings Institution, Carnegie Institution, Children NOW, The Markle Foundation, RAND Health, Technoserve and Women's World Banking. Named one of Forbes "100 Most Powerful Women in the World" in 2006, Nora Johnson received her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Currently, she is a special advisor for the United Nations Global Compact.

Alumni Service Awards

Alumni Service Awards recognize outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of the university. The energy, dedication and enthusiasm of each recipient epitomize the spirit of partnership that is vital to USC's growth and leadership.

John C. Bedrosian '59

John C. Bedrosian, co-founder of National Medical Enterprises and Autobytel, Inc., is a longtime philanthropist who endowed the USC School of Policy, Planning and Development's Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and Public Enterprise in 2005. In recognition of his gift, SPPD presented Bedrosian with the 2006 PPD-Guardian Award. He has also been a member of SPPD's Board of Counselors since 1983 and done extensive work on behalf of University Hospital. A former president of the Federation of American Health Systems, Bedrosian served on the boards of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, the California Business Round Table and the Healthcare Leadership Council. Forty-nine years after he received his L.L. B from USC, Bedrosian remains a member of Skull & Dagger and Phi Alpha Delta.

Daniel J. Epstein '62

Daniel J. Epstein is the founder and chairman of ConAm Management Corporation, one of the nation's top-10 privately owned apartment management/ownership firms. Named San Diego's Entrepreneur of the Year for the Real Estate Industry by Ernst & Young in 1999, he oversees the operation of approximately 50,000 apartment units across the United States. A member of the USC Board of Trustees, Epstein also serves on the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate Development's executive committee, as well as the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Board of Councilors. In 1994, he received the Viterbi School's Alumnus Award. Active in both civic and charitable organizations, Epstein is a director of the National Multi-Housing Council and the Scripps Cancer Center.

Mildred Farnsworth '46

Nearly 62 years after she graduated magna cum laude, Mildred "Millie" Farnsworth remains vitally committed to her alma mater, where she made history as the first woman captain of the USC Trojan Debate Squad. A past member of the Alumnae Coordinating Council and the Association of Trojan Leagues, she also served on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors in 2006-2007. An enthusiastic supporter of the Trojan community, she is currently a member of Town and Gown, the Trojan League Associates of the Foothills and the USC University Hospital Guild, and is the immediate past president of the Half Century Trojans. Farnsworth is also a recipient of the Widney Alumni House Award.