Every year since 1932, the USC Alumni Association has honored a select group of prestigious alumni for their professional achievements and outstanding service to the University and community at the Alumni Awards gala.
Past honorees include Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong ’70, world-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry ’54, opera great Marilyn Horne ’53, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis ’73. A few of our most recent honorees include: social work pioneer Suzanne Dworak-Peck ’65, MSW ’67, actress and activist America Ferrera ’13, and real estate developer and civic leader Rick Caruso ’80.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, we will welcome alumni, family, and friends to the 91st Annual USC Alumni Awards as we celebrate the best of our Trojan Family.
Registration will open in January 2025.
2025 Nominations
Nominations for the 91st Annual USC Alumni Awards are now being accepted. All completed nominations, including supporting documents, must be submitted by Monday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m. PT.
Please be sure to review the award criteria below before submitting a nomination. The final slate of honorees will be announced in January.
Award Criteria:
Asa V. Call Alumni Achievement Award The Asa V. Call Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the University and community by generously giving their time, energy, and leadership. This award celebrates alumni who’s outstanding accomplishments have brought honor and recognition to themselves and USC.
Alumni Merit Award Alumni Merit Awards recognize individuals whose remarkable professional or personal accomplishments have brought recognition to themselves and the University. The USC Alumni Association may also present a Young Alumni Merit Award to an alumnus/a up to age 35 who meets the Alumni Merit Award criteria.
Alumni Service Award Alumni Service Awards recognize outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of the University. Each recipient’s energy, dedication, and enthusiasm epitomize the spirit of partnership vital to USC’s growth and leadership.
Please review our list of past awardees before submitting your nominations. Individuals may be nominated for different awards but not for an award they have previously received. Posthumous nominations are not considered.
Although nominations are valid for three years, you may want to supply additional supporting material. (Please note that nominees for Volunteer Recognition Awards are not automatically considered for USC Alumni Awards, and must be nominated separately.)
USC Life Trustee
Managing Member, Griffin Opportunities, LLC
Group Vice President of Sports, 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee
Alumni Merit Awards
Diana E. Ramos ’88, MD ’94
California Surgeon General
Renata Simril MRED ’99
President & CEO, The LA84 Foundation
John Terzian ’02
Co-Founder, The h.wood Group
Young Alumni Merit Award
Rachel Scott ’15
Senior Congressional Correspondent, ABC News
Alumni Service Awards
Paula Ciaramitaro ’85
Past President, Town & Gown of USC
Member, USC Associates Board of Directors
Former Member, USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
Janine ’78 and John Colich ’71
Longtime Supporters of USC Athletics
Honoree Videos
Charles Cale LLM ’66
Renata Simril MRED ’99
John Terzian ’02
Paula Ciaramitaro ’85
Janine ’78 and John Colich ’71
Past Alumni Awards Photos
2024 Sponsorship
Participation in the Alumni Awards, one of USC’s most prestigious events, provides the opportunity to support USC and reach hundreds of the most influential and affluent members of the USC community as well as a wide array of business and community leaders.
Proceeds from the evening support USC Alumni Association programs and services for the more than 450,00 alumni worldwide. Your generous contribution will be acknowledged in the event program tribute book and on the USC Alumni Association website. All charitable contributions are fully tax deductible.