Robert “Bob” Frinier is a past president of the Half Century Trojans (HCT) Board of Directors and a former HCT representative to the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors. A first-generation college graduate, Frinier served in the U.S. Army after graduating in 1963. He later returned to USC to earn his MBA in 1969.

After beginning his career at the Ford Motor Company, Frinier joined Nissan in 1980 to help launch its first U.S. manufacturing operations. He eventually became a vice president at Nissan, overseeing supply chain management, computer operations/software development and North American logistics. Frinier also remained active in professional and civic organizations, including Rotary International and the Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association. After retiring from Nissan in 1999, he continued to work as a supply chain consultant for twelve years, and also mentored entrepreneurs as U.S. Small Business Administration volunteer.

A dedicated Trojan, Frinier established the HCT’s popular technology workshops in partnership with GeroTech USC students and the USC Emeriti Center. These online workshops offer practical, peer-to-peer tech learning for senior alumni. He and his wife, Judy ’64, live in Rancho Palos Verdes; they have three children and nine grandchildren and enjoy USC football, travel and time at their Big Bear Lake cabin.