As the USC campus buzzed with enthusiasm for a new academic year, we proudly hosted our inaugural Lambda Scholars Welcome Luncheon on August 24. Our guests included Donald Gabard MS ’78, MPA ’88, PhD ’90, USC Lambda’s distinguished founder and longtime philanthropist; Kimberly Milliken-Hayden MS ’96, a USC Lambda board member; and Danielle E. Harvey ’00, ML ’19, USC’s associate vice president for alumni relations and 2023 USC Lambda Community Ally Award recipient. They offered a warm welcome to our 11 newest scholars, who are each innovative, creative and ready to take on the world.

Our luncheon was an inspiring event, full of hope and energy for what’s to come. We are proud of the equity that our scholarship program has created, enabling us to bring together some of the brightest and most diverse minds from all over the world. Each scholar brings with them a unique perspective, one that values openness and acceptance towards others. We are confident that these students will go on to become leading journalists, engineers, medical professionals, artists, entrepreneurs and more—with a shared passion for making the world a better place.  

In addition to engaging LGBTQ+ alumni through our programming and events, we strive to provide an open and inclusive space for all students to explore their identity, develop life skills, create lasting relationships and make meaningful contributions to USC and our community. From championing their education to providing them with a support system for their future endeavors, we are committed to helping them reach new heights!

Let’s continue to build an environment that celebrates excellence, equity and diversity—where everyone can reach their full potential. This is the beginning of our next greatest chapter!

Fight On with Pride!

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