May 1, 2012

Dear Trojan Parents and Family Members,

As we arrive at the final weeks of the academic year, we say “Congratulations” to USC’s graduating seniors and look forward to welcoming new Trojan families on campus. There are many events and important dates for parents and students so be sure to access www.usc.edu/parent for the most up-to-date information.

We thank Carmel and Dan Gardner for their leadership as Co-Presidents of the Parents Council in 2011-2012 and look forward to Ana and David Kadin’s leadership in this role in 2012-2013. Also, congratulations to Valerie Weiss, mother of Alden Weiss graduating on May 11, awarded the Los Angeles Alumnae Panhellenic Woman of the Year on Saturday, April 28.

Please remind your students to check into a variety of study sessions, extended library hours and free study break opportunities on campus. Visit http://sait.usc.edu/studentlife/studyon for these activities. Study breaks include pet therapy, stress management workshops, “brain food” and more. Final exams are from Wednesday, May 2 - Wednesday, May 9. Commencement is on Friday, May 11.

Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13 is fast approaching.

The Trojan Tapestry Commemorative Scarf is available for purchase in the Office for Parent Programs and makes a beautiful gift. This one-of-a-kind, 100% silk, double sided scarf is designed and signed by world renowned artist John Nava. The scarf is a replica of the Trojan Tapestry displayed in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. With many brilliant colors, including USC's cardinal and gold, and highly detailed, it is perfect for wearing as an accessory or framing as a work of art for your home. The cost is $95 per scarf and a limited supply will be available. Contact Beth Saul, Director for Parent Programs, at saul@usc.edu with any questions and/or to order your scarf.

Save October 18-21, 2012 on your calendar for this year’s Trojan Family Weekend! This is a great way for the entire family to share in your student’s academic journey and experience what it means to be part of the spirited Trojan Family. More information will be provided in upcoming Parent e-blasts. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, contact STA Travel at 213.254.2662（www.statravel.com）. If you have any questions about Trojan Family Weekend, please call 213.740.2080 or email scparent@usc.edu.

Mark Your Calendar--Important Spring Dates-to-Remember

• Final Exams*：May 2-9
• Parents Council Ten Year Anniversary Event：Saturday, May 5
• Senior Breakfast：Wednesday, May 9, 9:30am at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center Ballroom
• Baccalaureate Blessing Mass：Thursday, May 10
• Senior and Graduate Student Recognition, May 10, 1pm at Bovard Auditorium
• Commencement：Friday, May 11

*Students usually leave campus for the summer 24 hours after their last exam.

Housing contracts end at 5pm on Wednesday, May 9.

Upcoming Parent Events from the Office for Parent Programs

Parents Council Ten Year Anniversary and Volunteer Recognition Event on May 5

The USC Parents Council Ten Year Anniversary Celebration and Volunteer Recognition Event will be held at 4pm on Saturday, May 5 in the Vineyard Room of the Davidson Conference Center. Shane Foley, former USC quarterback, will be the featured guest speaker. In addition, farewells will be made to the outgoing 2011-2012 Parents Council board（lead by Co-Presidents Carmel and Dan Gardner）and the introduction of the new 2012-2013 Parent Council board（led by incoming Co-Presidents Ana and David Kadin）. The cost is $45 per person. To register, access http://sait.usc.edu/parent/UpcomingEvents.asp.

USC South Asian Parent Circle Now Forming

Geetika Walia, an active member of the USC Parents Council, has taken the lead to develop the South Asian Parent Circle（SAPC）through the USC Office for Parent Programs. If you would like to become a member of SAPC or if you have any questions about the group or upcoming events, please contact Geetika at uscsouthasianparentcircle@gmail.com.

Parent On-Campus Volunteer Opportunities This Summer

Welcome new parents to campus with your Trojan spirit! Volunteer opportunities are now available to meet and greet parents of incoming freshmen, transfer and international students and assist with parent merchandise sales during Orientation. Please contact mariaril@usc.edu for more information.

Student Information:

Jump Start Your Job Search at the USC Career Center

From 9am - 3pm on Thursday, May 17, the USC Career Center will hold a one-day workshop designed to help students with graduation dates in December 2011, May 2012 and August 2012. The workshop will cover such topics as developing targeted resumes and cover letters, practicing effective interviewing skills, interacting and engaging with employers, acquiring top notch networking techniques through in-person and social media outlets, learning to negotiate job offers, customizing an action plan and utilizing LinkedIn to network and find job opportunities.

Lunch will be provided and representatives from various companies will join the Career Center staff to conduct the workshop. Encourage your student to register for the event on connectSC or call the Career Center at 213.740.9111 for more information.

Summer Storage Options for Students

Rental storage unit companies are on campus advertising their services and this information is posted around residence halls. Students may also receive emails offering storage options through their USC email accounts. Many of these companies are located close to campus and will pick up large items for students and bring them back to campus in August. Here are a few storage companies students have used in the past：

• A American Storage- 213.749.3330
• CampusStorage- 877.992.2678 at http://www.campusstorage.com
• Door to Door Storage（Moving Service）- 888.366-7222
• Public Storage- 323.291.3404
• StorQuest- 213.747.8787 or visit www.storquest.com
• U Cleaners - 310.382.6447 or visit http://ucleaners.com/shipping-storage/USC/

Alcohol Abuse Prevention On Campus Briefing Held on April 5

On April 5, the USC Safe Communities Task Force and the USC Student Affairs Wellness and Learning Initiative Committee（WaLI）, in conjunction with the USC Office for Wellness and Health Promotion, hosted the second annual Alcohol Abuse Prevention On Campus Briefing.

Held at the Davidson Conference Center, the morning featured analysis on current data on alcohol use on the USC Campus. Kimberly Timpf of EverFi was invited to interpret and respond to USC’s AlcoholEdu data, and help participants identify opportunities to advance campus prevention efforts. Following the presentation, a panel of senior administrators in Student Affairs addressed issues of policy enforcement, community expectations（e.g.Traits of a Trojan）and building a supportive environment. Discussion included increasing alternative options for late night socializing and prevention efforts for first-year students.

The Office for Wellness and Health Promotion will continue to work with constituencies across campus to engage the whole community in reducing alcohol risk and enhancing wellness. For questions regarding alcohol abuse prevention efforts at USC, please contact OWHP at owhp@usc.edu.

For Graduating Senior Families…

Need Help with Hotel Reservations?

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to book your hotel and dining reservations for the 2012 USC Commencement on Friday, May 11. Many of the local hotels and restaurants are filling up, so make your plans now. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, contact STA Travel at 213.254.2662（www.statravel.com）to check on room availability at hotels such as the Millennium Biltmore, The Luxe City Center, The JW Marriott, Omni Hotel at California Plaza and The Hilton Pasadena. Also, the Hotel Shangri-LA in Santa Monica（http://www.shangrila-hotel.com/）has exclusive rates and perks for friends and family who mention promotion code GRAD upon room reservation. Private party space is also available. Please contact 310.394.2791 or reservations@Shangrila-Hotel.com for more information and availability. STA Travel, The Luxe City Center and Hotel Shangri-LA are all sponsors of Trojan Family Weekend.

Enjoy the Graduating Senior Breakfast on May 9

The annual Senior Breakfast starts at 9:30am on Wednesday, May 9 at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center Ballroom. This event is for graduating students only. Breakfast tickets are free and need to be picked up at TCC 330 prior to the event.

Join Catholic Parents for the Baccalaureate Blessing Mass on May 10

The USC Trojan Family is invited to join Catholic Trojan parents and students for the Baccalaureate Blessing Mass at 3pm on Thursday, May 10 in Kilgore Chapel at the University Religious Center（835 West 34th Street）. Fr. Lawrence Seyer welcomes all who wish to offer a blessing and celebrate the graduates. For more information, contact Anthony Heim at 213.743.2395 or anthony@catholictrojan.org.

AACC Celebrates Accomplishments of Graduates

Celebrate the accomplishments of your graduating student at the 2012 African American Cultural Celebration（AACC- formerly Black Grad）at 8pm on Thursday, May 10 in Bovard Auditorium. This free signature event will include a community dance troupe, student speakers, presentation of valedictorian and salutatorian, greek student recognition and keynote speaker. Although there is no cost to attend the Celebration, a special package can be purchased which includes tickets to the AACC Recognition dinner on Wednesday, May 9, a souvenir book, commemorative DVD and a Kente cloth sash for your graduate to proudly don across the stage during official USC ceremonies. More information about the 2012 AACC Events, the AACC package or souvenir book ads is at http://sait.usc.edu/cbcsa/black_graduation_info.asp or contact blkgrad@usc.edu.

USC Dornsife Wishes to Congratulate All Parents of the Class of 2012

On Friday May 11, USC Dornsife will graduate more than 2,000 students. As you plan and prepare for the celebration honoring your student’s accomplishments, please visit http://dornsife.usc.edu/commencement to find out which of the four USC Dornsife satellite ceremonies your student can participate in, which departments will be hosting receptions and other details and updates regarding USC Dornsife commencement activities.

Information for Cap and Gown Rentals and Yearbook Pick-up

If your student missed the Grad Fair and still needs to order their cap and gown, please contact the USC Bookstore at http://www.uscbookstore.com/site_caps_and_gowns.asp for rental information. Also, the 2012 El Rodeo yearbook has arrived on campus. If your student has already pre-ordered his/her book, click here for all of the details of the distribution. If your student has not already pre-ordered the El Rodeo, please visit the distribution point in Hahn Plaza from 10am - 4pm Monday-Friday（through Commencement）to purchase a copy.

Mark Your Calendars for these upcoming events:

Opening of 2012 IML Student Showcase on May 4

The opening night of the 2012 USC Institute for Multimedia Literacy（IML）Showcase is from 4:30pm – 6:30 pm on Friday, May 4. This is a celebration of the wide range of innovative, media-rich projects created by students this year. Specifically highlighted is the fifth cohort of students to complete the Honors in Multimedia Scholarship program at IML. Students from diverse majors and areas of study have united research and creativity to design unique and innovative examples of media-rich scholarship.

This year’s projects include explorations of robotics and collaborative architecture, touch-based models for mapping human transport across city networks, quests that explore the intersection of food, immigration and national might, and interactive documentaries and digital notebooks that foster critical engagement with the contemporary mediascape. The showcase will also feature a rich array of undergraduate and graduate projects from other IML courses.

For more information about the Showcase, access http://iml.usc.edu/2012-iml-student-showcase/. IML is at 746 W. Adams Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Trojan Junior Auxiliary’s Casino de Mayo on May 5

Join the fun starting at 6:30pm on Saturday, May 5 at the Trojan Junior Auxiliary’s Casino de Mayo at TENTEN Wilshire in Los Angeles. The festive evening will include dinner, casino gaming and a silent auction. For more information contact Jaymie Robinson（Benefit Chair）at benefit@usctja.com or RSVP to http://usctja.com/benefit.html.

Interactive Webinar Customized for USC alumni and friends on May 9

Will your job situation be affected by what is happening in the California and U.S. job markets? Do you know which industries are apt to grow? Do you want to know about the future of work? Join the USC Career Center, the USC Alumni Association and LinkedIn, Inc. for this interactive webinar customized for USC alumni and friends from 5:30pm – 7pm on Wednesday, May 9.

Robert A. Kleinhenz MA ’85, PhD ’89, Chief Economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development（LAEDC）will be the keynote speaker. Register at http://careers.usc.edu/eventcalendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1317.

An Evening with President Nikias in Sacramento on May 16

USC’s 11th president, C. L. Max Nikias shares his vision on the University’s future at 5:30pm on Wednesday, May 16 at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Tickets are $20 and include a hosted reception. To RSVP, visit http://alumni.usc.edu/sacramentonikias.

Phoenix Parents Invited to Business Model Presentation on May 16

Join Phoenix Trojan Family members for this USC in Your Neighborhood event for a presentation on “Social Entrepreneurship-Can Business Models Save the World?” The presentation will focus on using innovative and existing business models to be agents of positive social change. Featured speakers are Adlai Wertman（USC Marshall Professor of Clinical Management and Organization and Founding Director of the Society and Business Lab）and Patrick Auerbach（Executive Director, USC Alumni Association）.

Admission is $20 per person and includes a hosted reception. The presentation starts at 6pm on Wednesday, May 16 at The Capital Grille. Visit http://alumni.usc.edu/socialimpactphoenix/ to RSVP.

USC Coaches Tour Kicks off in San Diego on May 17

USC football coach Lane Kiffin and basketball coach Kevin O’Neill, along with USC student-athletes, will give the straight facts about what’s in store for the upcoming season. The Coaches Tour kicks off at 6pm on Thursday, May 17 at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar. The evening includes a reception, silent auction, dinner, “Chalk Talk” with the coaches and student-athletes and a performance by members of the Trojan Marching Band. Additional tour cities in California are Manhattan Beach（May 23）, Burlingame（May 30）, Indian Wells（June 1）, Irvine（Jane 4）and Pasadena（June 6）.

USC parents that sign-up for any of these dates will receive a $10 discount on admission（regular individual price is $85）. Make sure to enter the code PARENT at www.usc.edu/trojans to receive your discount. For additional information, please contact 213.740.4155.

USC Dornsife Family Day at the Los Angeles Zoo on May 19

From 10am - 5pm on Saturday, May 19, join Trojan Family members for a USC Day at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a day-pass to view the Zoo’s more than 1,100 animals from around the world, representing more than 250 different species, many of which are endangered in the wild.

Appetizers and non-alcoholic refreshments will be offered on the Keck Plaza at 2pm before a presentation from USC Dornsife Professor Craig Stanford as he discusses his extensive field research on wild great apes, monkeys and hosts of other animals. His work has often focused on the ecological relationships among the primate species sharing a tropical forest ecosystem. Dr. Stanford’s presentation will be in the Zoo’s Witherbee Auditorium starting at 2:30pm.

Following the presentation, visit the Zoo’s “Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains” habitat to connect what is learned during Dr. Stanford’s presentation to the Zoo’s chimpanzee inhabitants.

Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children. This includes a day-pass to the Zoo, reception, and presentation. Parking is free. For more information and registration, visit http://alumni.usc.edu/dornsifeatzoo.

Brunch to Honor Linda and Howard Schwimmer on May 20

USC Hillel and the USC Jewish Alumni Association present “Inspiring Leadership and Building the Future” as they honor Linda and Howard Schwimmer from 11am – 2pm on Sunday, May 20. The Schwimmers will be honored for their tremendous leadership and support of Jewish life at USC.

USC Hillel and the USC Jewish Alumni Association are also proud to announce the launch of two initiatives, The Center for Israel Experience and Education and The Center for Jewish Trojan Engagement and Identity that reflect the Schwimmer’s commitment to Jewish continuity.

Brunch will be served. The event will be held at the Los Angeles Westside home of Drs. Nathan and Fariba Fischel. The address will be provided upon RSVP. Email trojanfamily@uschillel.org with any questions or RSVP at http://www.uschillel.org/uschillel/jewish-trojan-family/honoring-linda-and-howard-schwimmer/.

Second Decade Society Alumni Family BBQ and USC Baseball on May 20

Spend a day with Second Decade Society alumni（undergrads who earned a bachelor's degree between 1987-2001 and/or graduate alumni in their 30s and 40s）, family and friends for the third annual BBQ and USC Trojan Baseball starting at 11:45am on Sunday, May 20. The fun begins with lunch and the opportunity to meet USC baseball coaches and players. Then cheer on the Trojans as they face Arizona in the year’s last home game at 1pm. The event will be held at the USC Dedeaux Field Rooftop. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children（includes an all-you-can-eat barbecue and baseball ticket）. Parking is $8. Access https://secure.www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/SCA/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=126057 to register.

USC Alumni Club of New York presents the Tommy Awards on May 21

The USC Alumni Club of New York will present the third annual Tommy Awards at 6:30pm on Monday, May 21 at Arena in New York City. The evening will honor extraordinary Trojan alumni in recognition of their contribution to the unique creative, philanthropic and business communities of New York. This year honorees are Marilyn Horne（BM ’53）and Tom Deierlein（MS ’93）.

$75 admission includes four hours of top-shelf bar and two hours of hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds benefit the USCNY Scholarship Fund. For more information, please contact tommyawards@alumni.usc.edu or RSVP at https://secure.www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/SCA/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=121652.

“Swing for Healthy Aging” Golf Tournament on May 21

The 2012 Rod Dedeaux Memorial Golf Classic will be held Monday, May 21, at the Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles This year’s tournament will honor Roger Engemann, former USC baseball coach Rod Dedeaux’s son-in-law and a long-time supporter of the tournament, the USC Davis School of Gerontology and the university.

For information about participating in the golf tournament or sponsorship opportunities, please contact gerogive@usc.edu or register at http://www.cgagolflinks.com/tournament_detail.asp?tournament_id=1039.

PAC-12 Night at the San Diego Padres Baseball Game on June 2

Wear your USC colors with pride at the Pac-12 Night at San Diego Petco Park starting at 3:15pm on Saturday, June 2 in the Western Metal Supply Building. The cost is $60 per ticket and includes unlimited food, served from 3:15pm – 5:15pm and beer and soda served from 3:15pm until the end of the 7th inning. The game starts at 4:15pm with the Arizona Diamondbacks taking on the San Diego Padres. Purchase tickets at http://tiny.cc/5lw8bw and show your SCupport of the Pac-12!
Catholic Trojan Parent Association Dinner Meeting on June 11

Parents are invited to attend the upcoming Catholic Trojan Parent Association planning meeting at 6:30pm on Monday, June 11. Fr. Lawrence Seyer and Lisa and Gregg Gipe will lead a dinner discussion about the continuing development of the Catholic Campus Ministry programs at the new Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center. Meet at the temporary location of the USC Catholic Center at University Village, 3163 South Hoover（between Superior Market and the Gazebo.）For more information call 213.743.2400. Please RSVP with the Gipes at lgipe@usc.edu.

Tour the Central Coast with the USC Alumni Club of Santa Barbara on July 7

All aboard the classic Silver Splendor rail car for a daylong adventure of wine tasting, sightseeing and Trojan Family camaraderie from 10am - 4:30pm on Saturday, July 7.

The USC Alumni Club of Santa Barbara has chartered the renowned Silver Splendor, a classic Vista Dome rail car. The day long adventure will feature unparalleled views along the central coast from Santa Barbara north to San Luis Obispo（and through Vandenberg Air Force Base）. Along with the sightseeing, enjoy selected wines, gourmet sandwiches and of course, great Trojan hospitality and friendship!

The cost is $95 per person and includes wine and food. Please contact Moses Marines（President, USC Alumni Club of Santa Barbara）at moses.marines@alumni.usc.edu for more information and registration.

Additional News:

Congratulations to this year’s Phi Beta Kappa 2012 Inductees!

Vowing to uphold the Greek motto, “love of learning is the guide to life,” 221 juniors and seniors, predominantly from USC Dornsife, were named into the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society during the annual Phi Beta Kappa Society Epsilon Chapter of California at USC ceremony held March 30 at Town and Gown.

Those selected for the honor, have demonstrated intellectual integrity, interest in various views and a range of academic interests. Students joined members who include United States Supreme Court justices, U.S. presidents and Nobel laureates. For event details, including footage and photos, access http://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/1129/a-lifelong-yearning-for-learning/.

Students Continue to Transform USC Neighborhoods

Each year over 2,000 USC students enroll in one of several courses that combine academic coursework with hands-on experience in neighborhoods surrounding the university through the Joint Educational Project（JEP）at USC Dornsife.

Founded in 1972, JEP is one of the oldest and largest service-learning programs in the United States. This Fall will mark the 40th anniversary of the program and celebration plans are underway. To learn more about this unique program and the lives changed by these experiences visit dornsife.usc.edu/jep.

Plan Your 2012 Weekend Calendar with USC Football

Make sure to order your tickets to watch the USC Trojans on their quest for a top spot in the BCS. Contact the USC Ticket Office for more information at 213-740-GOSC.

There are four Weekenders planned for the 2012 football season：Syracuse（Saturday, 9/8）, Stanford（Saturday, 9/15）, Washington（Saturday, October 13）and Arizona（Saturday, October 27）. Access http://alumni.usc.edu/events/football/football.html for the most up-to-date information on the Weekenders.