GENERAL INFORMATION
USC, Southern California's first
major comprehensive university, has played an integral part in the
growth of this dynamic and cultural region, and African Americans
have been part of the USC legacy since 1897. As in the past, USC
Black Alumni have contributed significantly to the development of
the West - especially Southern California. John A. Somerville and
his wife Vada Watson, founders of the Los Angeles NAACP and owners
of the famed Dunbar Hotel, are two of our early alumni who along
with architect to the stars Paul Williams brought distinction and
honor to USC and the Black community. Their philanthropic
leadership and professional excellence are models that many still
follow today.
Making the Future Today
The University of Southern California's African American academic
support group, the Black Alumni Association, provides scholarships
and facilitates a comprehensive network - 10,000 strong - of
African American alumni, faculty & staff, students and friends
of the University in advancing the interests and needs of the USC
African American community and community-at-large.
Quality in All That We Do
Since 1976, the USC Black Alumni Association has welcomed
successful, concerned leaders to its ranks. Founded by Civil Rights
Activist the late Rev. Thomas Kilgore, Jr., -- then USC Presidential
Advisor/Director of Special Community Affairs --the top African
American leaders in the Los Angeles community began the legacy of an
unending mission to support African American scholars at USC.
That tradition remains true today.
Members are community leaders and accomplished professionals from
diverse disciplines. Most are alumni, but many are those
committed to the development of strong African American leaders and
scholars. It is an investment in all of our futures. It is a
commonality that brings us to support a shared vision, a commitment
to diversity, leadership and academic achievement.
To date, the USC BAA has awarded more
than $1million dollars to over 1,400 continuing and transfer undergraduate/graduate
students attending USC since 1976. Recipients are selected on the
basis of need, academic merit, leadership, community service, and
personal interview.
So join our USC family in this
exciting and meaningful endeavor which provides unique business
opportunities and added value that is otherwise hard to find!
For additional information regarding BAA Sponsorships, please call the USC Office of Black Alumni Programs at (213) 740-8342.
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