History

Lambda was founded in 1992 as part of USC Student Affairs. Joining the ranks of the other multicultural alumni associations at USC, Lambda has recently moved to become a part of the USC Alumni Association, and has officially become the USC Lambda Gay + Lesbian Alumni Association.

As one of the officially sanctioned alumni associations within the University, Lambda is a volunteer-run 501 (c)(3) organization. Our purpose is to award scholarships to deserving students who support LGBT issues regardless of sexual orientation, to keep our members connected to the university and to each other, and to create an enriching and supportive community that promotes education, networking, and an increase in visibility of LGBT alumni.

Highlights from our history:

November 12, 1992
With the generous help of Jim Dennis (former VP of Student Affairs), and former Associate Vice Presidents Kristine Dillion and Cynthia Cherry, the official Lambda charter is granted on behalf of the senior administration and signed by President Sample.

May 1, 1993
Inaugural reception for the Lambda Alumni Association.

May 12, 1993
First Board Meeting for Lambda Alumni Association takes place. Lambda has 65 registered members. By June of 1994, the membership totals more than 200.

May 5, 1994
Lambda Alumni Association awards its first scholarships to three students at a dinner at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The awards totaled $3000.00.

Fall 1998
Lambda's Scholarship fund totals $20,000.

April 16, 2000
Lambda awards it's first Lambda Alumni Association Recognition Award (LAARA) to California State Assembly member Shelia James Kuehl

Fall 2003
Lambda Alumni Association leaves Student Affairs and becomes an official Alumni Association with Alumni Relations.

Fall 2005
Lambda Alumni launches an active campaign to recruit new members and increase presence on campus through new marketing initiatives. This campaign is called "Back to Lambda."

Spring 2006
Under the direction of Courtney Miller and David Hildebrand, the re-branding campaign and website are launched. The Board is expanded to include a committee structure and online memembership is made possible.