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• Chicago
• Colorado
• East Bay
• New York Metro Area
• Portland
• San Francisco
• San Diego
• Seattle
• Silicon Valley
• Washington, D.C.

Don’t see your region yet? Our global Trojan Family remains lifelong and worldwide! Check out our events calendar for opportunities to connect close to home — and keep an eye out for more regional network announcements in the months ahead.

See you soon at a Regional Trojan Network event near you!

Erika Jordan ML ’18
Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations

The post Your Link to the Global Trojan Family appeared first on USC Alumni Association.

#4 George Lucas ’66
Creator of Star Wars and one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, he’s shaped modern storytelling and the global landscape of science fiction.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/Disney

# 21 USC Life Trustee Andrew Viterbi PhD ’62
A pioneering engineer whose development of the Viterbi algorithm and co-founding of Qualcomm transformed global communications.

Photo by USC Photo/Greg Grudt

#28 USC Trustee Marc Benioff ’86
Revolutionized enterprise software as Salesforce’s Chair and CEO and is widely known for his groundbreaking 1‑1‑1 philanthropy model.

Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

#190 Shonda Rhimes MFA ’94
The CEO of Shondaland has redefined television with hit series like Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and reshaped the industry through her landmark Netflix partnership.

Photo by Jamel Toppin for Forbes

#232 Cathie Wood ’81
Founder, CEO and CIO of ARK Invest and a leading voice in identifying and investing in disruptive technologies across sectors.

Photo by Eli Warren

#249 Marian Croak MA ’81, PhD ’82
Google’s vice president of responsible AI and human-centered technologies and a pioneering engineer with more than 200 patents in IP technology.

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The group received the accolade for Nomadica, their critically acclaimed album composed, orchestrated and produced by Carla Patullo. It’s the second GRAMMY for Tonality and Patullo, who won this category in 2024 for So She Howls.

Blake founded Tonality in 2016 while pursuing his doctorate at the USC Thornton School of Music. The group performs works focused on social justice issues, aiming to promote unity and equity, and amplify underrepresented voices in choral music.

In addition to leading Tonality, Blake has worked as a vocal contractor, conductor and arranger for film and television projects, including Space Jam: A New Legacy and The Other Black Girl. His first large-scale composition, Running From, Running To: A Musical Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery, premiered at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in 2025.

The post USC Thornton Alum Wins Second GRAMMY appeared first on USC Alumni Association.

The queer-identified band, comprised of USC Thornton School of Music grads Katie Galvan ’15, Josette Maskin ’16 and Naomi McPherson ’15 describes the title track as “possibly our favorite song.”

Since the release of their debut album in 2017, Muna has earned critical praise and developed a passionate fan base. They’ve opened for Taylor Swift, performed at Coachella and Bonaroo, and appeared on television shows such as Austin City Limits and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Muna kicks off their 2026 tour in Los Angeles on May 8.

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Middleton, who served as California’s first openly transgender mayor from 2021 to 2022, is being recognized for “her commitment to housing, health equity and civic engagement.”

A benefit for DAP Health, The Chase honors the legacy of the distinguished interior designer and philanthropist Steve Chase, one of DAP’s most influential donors, board members and volunteers.

In a recent Palm Springs Life article, Middleton calls the award “an expression of respect from DAP Health for the work I’ve done in this community.”

The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy alum currently serves on the boards of USC Lambda, the Equality California Institute and the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs.

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Three distinguished USC alumni have been named as 2025 Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s by the Los Angeles Business Journal. The list, published on Dec. 15, 2025, recognizes professionals selected for their demonstrated impact on both their industries and the Los Angeles community.

Jaime L. Lee ’06, JD ’09  

Trustee, University of Southern California, CEO, Jamison Realty, Inc. and Past President, USC Alumni Association Board of Governors

Jamison CEO Jaime Lee has officially been working in commercial real estate since 2007 but growing up around her family’s commercial real estate business Lee was exposed to the business as a teenager, working in virtually every role in the company. As the CEO of the Jamison group of companies, Lee is the undeniable face of the family owned commercial real estate enterprise with a market capitalization of over $3 billion that operates 18 million square feet of office, multifamily, and retail properties throughout Southern California, generating $390 million in annual rental revenue. To date the firm has delivered over 6,300 apartment units in the City of Los Angeles with 7,500 additional under construction or in the pipeline, making it one of LA’s most active apartment developers.

Philip Nulud ’03

Member, APAA Board of Directors and Shareholder, Buchalter

Philip Nulud has built a nearly two-decade career protecting and monetizing trademarks and intellectual property for globally recognized brands across fashion, apparel, retail, and consumer products. His practice spans trademark prosecution and enforcement, licensing transactions, patent protection, and emerging issues in AI and digital environments, and he has handled thousands of domestic and international trademark disputes across industries. Nulud’s clients include couture fashion houses, streetwear brands, professional athletes, celebrities, influencers and major corporations. He represents Badgley Mischka, and household-name brands across multiple sectors. Nulud’s client portfolio also includes a national specialty retail chain with 250+ stores, where he managed its expansion into apparel through licenses.

Daniel Prince ’00, MA ’02

President, USC Alumni Association Board of Governors and Partner; LA Litigation Department Chair, Paul Hastings LLP

Daniel Prince, chair of Paul Hastings’ Litigation Department in Los Angeles and hiring partner for that office, is regarded as a leading litigator of his generation, with high-profile victories under his belt and mounting successes in bet-the-company matters under way. His experience and capabilities run the litigation gamut from corporate and government investigations to complex litigation matters, domestic and international arbitrations, trials and class actions. Prince led the Paul Hastings team to a complete victory for client Rear Admiral Bruce Loveless (Ret.) in the case involving an alleged overcharge of the US Navy of more than $35 million. Prince played a key role in securing a jury verdict for Admiral Loveless and in the court’s decision to drop all other charges against four other defendants post-trial.

Read the full Thriving in Their 40s: Leaders of Influence list on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s website.

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Meredith Jaggard EdD ’24, assistant vice president for alumni engagement

Joycelyn Blizzard, assistant vice president for affinity programs

The USC Alumni Association — now 500,000 alumni strong — forges lifelong and worldwide connections among our Trojan Family. USCAA is excited to welcome two dynamic, experienced leaders to the leadership team of Associate Senior Vice President Erika Jordan.
  
In August, alumna Meredith Jaggard EdD ’24 joined USCAA as assistant vice president for alumni engagement. She will build on more than a decade of experience in alumni relations to lead USC’s alumni engagement strategies through regional engagement programs, a new alumni career engagement program, and signature events.

AVP Jaggard remarked, “Coming home to USC feels like a full-circle moment. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative the Trojan Family can be, and I’m thrilled to help deepen those connections, whether through regional programs, career resources or lifelong traditions that remind us of what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Meredith served most recently as the inaugural chief alumni officer for the University of California San Francisco Law School, where she oversaw campus-wide efforts to build long-term relationships with the alumni community. She brings a wealth of experience in higher education, having served as UC Law SF’s director of alumni engagement and culture and as the senior director of membership marketing and social media at the University of South Carolina.

Joycelyn Blizzard joins USCAA as assistant vice president for affinity programs. She brings more than a decade of experience in cultivating strong, meaningful connections within cultural and affinity-based communities. At USC, she will provide strategic direction and visionary leadership for USC’s multicultural affinity groups — bridging the student-to-alumni pathway, supporting philanthropic initiatives and growing robust, engaged communities.

AVP Blizzard said, “I’m eager to build on the rich legacy of USC’s affinity engagement to bolster the Trojan Family by ensuring there are relevant and sustainable entry points for each alumnus. As the university’s largest constituency, it’s our responsibility to build at the speed of trust to access the significant potential of the USCAA.”

Joycelyn joins the university from Bowdoin College in Maine, where she served as the college’s inaugural director of multicultural alumni engagement. Previously, she held key roles at St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia, including director of development, director of alumnae relations and director of annual giving. 

“Our team’s vision is to create an unparalleled alumni experience — and I am confident that with the experience Meredith and Joycelyn bring, we will achieve our aspirations. They bring a contagious energy and drive that I know will inspire not only our team, but our Trojan Family,” said ASVP Jordan.

These executive leadership appointments mark an important new chapter for the USC Alumni Association. After celebrating its centennial in 2023, the association is undertaking a new strategic direction focused on an unparalleled alumni experience, exceptional engagement and impact through philanthropy.  

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A Supporter of the Arts

Stan’s enduring passion for music and the creative arts continues to inspire new opportunities for the LGBTQ+ Trojan community. Thanks to his generous support, the USC Lambda Association will host our inaugural music symposium, which will celebrate and showcase the incredible creativity and artistry of our LGBTQ+ students, in the fall of 2025.

A Leader Who’s Made a Difference
Stan’s impact on the USC LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond his impressive resume. His inspiring work fostered a spirit of acceptance and inclusivity that continues to thrive. His story exemplifies the power of perseverance and advocacy—and the indelible change one individual can make at an institution. 

The post Celebrating Dr. Stanley Harris: A Pioneering Force for LGBTQ+ Advocacy at USC appeared first on USC Alumni Association.

What was it like being the first openly LGBTQ+ Student Affairs staff member at USC in the late 1980s?

There was no protection from discrimination in employment. For my first two years at USC, I remained closeted. There was no open gay visibility on campus. On a 1989 freshman survey, 38% said homosexual relations should be prohibited. People back then struggled to even say the word “gay.”

In 1988, USC adopted Principles of Community, encouraging respect for diversity. My counseling center colleagues asked me about my sexual orientation.  I came out to them and became the first “out” person in the Division of Student Affairs.

What are some of the proudest moments or achievements from your time leading the Vice President’s Advisory Group for Gay, Lesbian and Bi Issues?

In 1989, the AIDS epidemic was lethal. I organized the first university AIDS Walk LA team, led by our marching band. We raised awareness and money to fight AIDS.

The gay student group invited me to be their faculty advisor. We advocated to the vice president of the student affairs division to create LGBTQ+ student support services. In response, the vice president  asked me to chair a new Student Affairs Advisory Group to develop LGBTQ+ student supportive services and to educate interested faculty and staff groups. In our first year, 1990-1991, we gained the vice president of student affairs’ support for the university’s Equal Opportunity Policy to include sexual orientation. More advocacy continued.

Early on, I invited LGBTQ+ student, staff, faculty and alumni leaders to my home for a “vision” and planning retreat. At that time, we had a student-led “Lambda Alumni” outreach group. I proposed that instead we start an alumni-led “Lambda Alumni” organization. Donald Gabard, then a graduate student, concurred. As soon as he graduated, Don began advising the student-led “Lambda Alumni” group and planning for its alumni-led successor organization.*

Also in 1990, I was appointed as the first USC Coordinator of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Student Services — a role that eventually became the LGBTQ+ Student Center. I started and led a Gay and Bi Men’s Support Group at the Student Counseling Center.

How did you envision the Lambda Alumni Association when it was first officially launched by founder Donald Gabard, and how do you see its role evolving today?

Don Gabard envisioned the Lambda Alumni Association’s focus of raising money for student scholarships. Activities with this focus have also supported LGBTQ+ alumni social and occupational success.

Could you elaborate on your integrative approach to psychiatric care and its importance for LGBTQ+ mental health?

My integrative approach starts with a full biopsychosocial and cultural evaluation to identify how past and current stressors contribute to disorder symptoms. Helping LGBTQ+ students deal with the religious, cultural, social and physical challenges of their identities in our homophobic world is essential for health.

How do you think the landscape for LGBTQ+ students at USC and other universities has changed since you began your advocacy?

Institutionalized homophobic discrimination has gradually been transformed into tolerance, inclusion and even institutional support. Students from conservative backgrounds may still face distressing homophobia and sexism, but progressive changes now offer hope for marriage and family equality and for equal opportunities in education, athletics, the military and employment.

What advice would you give to young LGBTQ+ professionals entering fields like psychiatry or student affairs?

Seek educational, social and employment experiences that are congruent with your values and support your career goals.

How has your involvement with organizations like Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights informed your work at USC?

In 1979, I was a founding member of the San Francisco Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights (BAPHR), the first organization of gay physicians. We advocated for the health of gay people.

The support and mentoring I experienced there prepared me to become president of the Southern California Lambda Medical Association when I moved to Los Angeles to work at USC. We promoted health for LGBTQ+ people, addressed public health concerns and produced educational and social events.

In 1993, I founded the Southern California Psychiatric Society’s Gay, Lesbian and Bi Issues Committee, which I chaired for nearly 30 years. We created educational events and advocated for marriage and family equality.

What are your hopes for the future of the LGBTQ+ community at USC and in the broader society?

I wish for health and success in love and work!

*The USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Association was founded in 1992 and received its university charter that year.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Thanks to the generosity of our attendees—and dedicated supporters like you—we are happy to announce that we exceeded our $25,000 fundraising goal for the evening. Your generous support will enable us to continue providing scholarship assistance to deserving students. If you were not able to attend the gala, we invite you to text “LAMBDA” to 71777, or make a contribution today of any size. Every gift counts!

If you were able to join us, we’d love to hear about your gala experience—please share your thoughts and feedback with us by completing this brief survey. And, be sure to check out photos from the gala and flip through the digital version of this year’s program book.

On behalf of USC Lambda, we want to thank you for all that you to do to support our mission. Together, we can make a positive impact on the next generation of LGBTQ+ Trojans.

Fight On!

Brandon Kyle EdD ’19
Executive Director
USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Association

Tiffany D. Brooks MFA ’18
Assistant Director
USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Association

The post Thank You for Celebrating 30 Years of Lambda! appeared first on USC Alumni Association.

For some Trojans, the USC experience was greatly enhanced by being part of a fraternity or sorority. Black Greek-Letter Organizations (BGLOs) have a more than 100-year history at USC, beginning with the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Established in 1921, it was the first BGLO in the western United States and the third Greek organization to find a home at USC.

Alpha Delta was then joined by the Lambda chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1923, and the Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1924. And this year, the Beta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., will mark 75 years at USC. Some of its most notable alumni include Kenneth Frank ’89, Prentice Penny ’95, Brett Dismuke ’97 and Melvin Felton II ’05.

The achievements of BGLO alumni have made a positive impact in every field and industry. Homecoming is the perfect time for celebrating our rich traditions and dynamic history, while looking forward to uplifting our future generations of Black Trojans.

This Homecoming, we can’t wait to welcome you, our Black Trojan Family, back home. Our legendary tailgate will include all of our traditional favorites from Dulan’s Soul Food and music by DJ Mr. Quick as well as a special appearance by the Cardinal Divas, USC’s first all-Black majorette team. Bring your friends and family and come celebrate with us! See you there! Fight On!

Danielle E. Harvey ’00, ML ’19
Interim Executive Director,
USC Black Alumni Association and
Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Beta Omega Chapter Alumni

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For the year ahead, I would like to focus on going back to basics (B2B) to refine and enhance our programming and outreach. Now that everyday life has somewhat “normalized” post-pandemic (fingers crossed!), our board is working with APAA’s tireless staff to strengthen your connections to each other and to USC.

Our APAA Board of Directors has already hit the ground running! In early August, we gathered for our annual board retreat for a strategic planning session. Then, later that month, we reunited to welcome our new scholarship recipients at our annual APAA Scholars retreat. On behalf of our board, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to our scholarship fund; your generosity is helping USC students realize their dream of a USC degree. If you would like to donate to our scholarship fund, please visit USC Giving. Remember, every gift counts!

Another element of our B2B plan is creating more opportunities to bring alumni together. We hope you’ll join us for our first mixer of the year on Thursday, October 24, at the Everson Royce Bar in downtown Los Angeles. We hope to see you there!

Lastly, I want to thank my predecessor, Mary Yao Tee ’91, for her exemplary leadership and dedicated service. We all appreciate the sacrifices she has made for APAA, and are grateful that she will continue to serve as our board’s immediate past president.

Fight On!

Sky Kogachi ’95 
President, Board of Directors
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association 

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We are devastated by the senseless act of violence that recently took place near Los Angeles in Monterey Park. The joyous celebration surrounding the Lunar New Year was tragically shattered—a loss compounded by the horrific events in Half Moon Bay, California. We are heartbroken for the people who are grieving for their family and friends, and we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to everyone affected.

These tragedies come at a time when our Asian and Pacific Islander community has been experiencing an overwhelming amount of trauma. We hope that our strong, resilient community and our allies will work together to support one another once again. And we are grateful to USC for offering immediate support through the following resources:

Support and Intervention teams are available for immediate and long-term assistance.

USC Counseling and Mental Health teams are ready to offer guidance and counseling—or to just listen.

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life can offer you spiritual care and grief counseling.

Your USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association is also here to support you during the difficult time of healing ahead. If we can be of assistance, please email us.

Ada Yeh ’89
President, Board of Directors
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association

Grace Shiba ’77
Executive Director
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association

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