The USC Latino Alumni Association’s premier annual event, the Scholarship Gala, is an evening celebrating the achievements of USC alumni and students. Each spring, the LAA brings the Trojan Family together to raise essential funds for student scholarships and professional development. The evening’s proceeds benefit the USC LAA Scholarship Fund, which is carefully managed to ensure long-term support for deserving students.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
404 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Schedule:
6 p.m. | Cocktail Reception
7 p.m. | Dinner – Program
9:30 p.m. | Afterparty
Thank You to Our 2025 Presenting Sponsor!
Sponsorship Opportunities
For more than 50 years, the USC Latino Alumni Association has prepared Trojans for lifelong success. The LAA community transforms lives by supporting alumni and students with resources, mentorship and opportunities. As a philanthropic community, members and friends of the LAA have contributed more than $25 million in scholarships, with more than $1.1 million awarded to students in the 2025-26 academic year alone.
The generous contributions of sponsors are recognized during the event, and all sponsorships are tax-deductible. Thank you for considering sponsorships that make a lasting impact on the lives of USC students and our Southern California community. Learn more about Gala partnerships
Digital Advertisements
Ads Submission Deadline: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Full-Page Color Ad | $2,500
Specs: 26” wide by 11” high, full color, 144 DPI, PDF, JPEG, or TIF
Half-Page Color Ad | $1,250
Specs: 13” wide by 11” high, full color, 144 DPI, PDF, JPEG, or TIF
Tickets
Individual Ticket | $700
Preferred seating for one guest.
USC LAA Scholar Ticket | $150
Sponsor an LAA Scholar to attend the event.
2026 Honorees
USC LAA Legacy Award Honoree
Gina M. Zapanta ’03
Co-Founder, Z.A. LawyersFounder, Empowered with Gina Member, USC LAA Corporate Advisory Council
Alumni Visionary Award Honoree
Randall Martinez ’89
Executive Vice President, Cordoba Corporation
Dr. John R. Hubbard Award Finalists
Daniela Rocha Acosta
Bachelor of Arts, Law, History and Culture
Nathan Castillo
Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies
Olivia Diaz
Bachelor of Science, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Master of Science, Integrative Anatomical Sciences
2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Text To Donate Sponsors
Carmen Nava ’84 & Family
Signature Sponsors
Veronica ’94 & Raul Rodriguez ’94
Benefactor Sponsors
Michael ’83 and Debbie Felix
Trustee Sponsors
The Gilbert and Jackie Cisneros Foundation
Ted and Marian Craver
Heather Cruz ’89
Erick ’95 and Candela Diaz
Return to Work Partners
TELACU Education Foundation
Victor Quiroz ’94
Trojan Sponsors
Saul ’00 and Glenda K. Alvarado
BMO
Burke Consulting Group, LLC/James Lopez ML ’21
Luis ’03 and Parmis Campa
Chubb Group Insurance
Cordoba Corporation
Ernst and Young
FMR Enterprises
JP Morgan Chase
The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
Mauro & Gisela Martinez
Lupe Simpson EdD ’21
Yolanda Salazar ’89
Southern California Gas Company
Stifel
USC Alumni Association
USC Latinx Veterans
Verizon
Rebecca Zapanta
Z.A. Lawyers|Empowered with Gina
Friend of the LAA
USC Credit Union
Committee
2026 USC LAA Scholarship Gala Committee
Christina Gonzalez EdD ’19 (Chair)
Isabel Aranda ’00
Claudia Bodan ’01
Rosa Bravo
Alma R. Burke ML ’15
Yimi Casasola ’02
David Flores ’14
Janneth Leones
Ray López-Chang MUP ’21
Mauro Martinez
David Mora ’97
Steve Monjaras ’98
Victor Quiroz ’94
Eddie Reyes ’00
Raul Rodriguez ’94
Charlene Riofrio ’06, MCG ’20
Susan Sifuentes Trigueros ’82
Doug Solorzano ’92
Dolores Sotelo
Past Honorees
Since 2007, the USC LAA Scholarship Gala has celebrated inspiring members of the Trojan Family whose achievements uplift the USC community. Past honorees include Former California State Senator Martha Escutia ’79, Former Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute President and CEO Domenika Lynch ’97, MFTH ’15, Former United Airlines CEO and Executive Chairman Oscar Muñoz ’82, Entravision Communications Founder Walter Ulloa ’70*, and U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce President Maj. Gen. Albert Zapanta ’66, MPA ’73.
- The Legacy Award recognizes an alumnus for their professional and personal achievements, dedication to the Trojan Family and service to USC.
- The Alumni Visionary Award recognizes an alumnus for remarkable levels of excellence in their professional endeavors and in service to society.
- The Dr. John R. Hubbard Recognition Award is presented to a graduating undergraduate student for their academic achievements, leadership and community service.
Past Galas
Photos
