Former USC President Steven B. Sample has died at the age of 75, according to a statement released by his successor, current President C.L. Max Nikias.
Nikias noted that under Sample's leadership, USC became one of the most selective universities in the nation and increased international reach.
During Sample's 19 year tenure as president, he oversaw a landmark fundraising campaign that raised $2.85 billion, making USC the only university to receive four separate nine-figure donations in a single campaign. Nikias labeled the campaign the most ambitious in the history of higher education. Sample also helped to double sponsored research to $430 million per year and oversaw the openings of many new facilities including the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Library, the USC University Hospital, and the International Residential College at Parkside. During his presidency, USC was named, "College of the Year 2000" by Time magazine and the Princeton Review.
"He stood over our Trojan Family and commanded that rare mixture of admiration, affection and authority," Nikias wrote in the statement.
Sample was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2001. He stepped down from office in 2010, but said the illness was not a major factor in his decision.
An interfaith prayer service will be held in Sample's honor tomorrow, Wednesday March 30, in front of Tommy Trojan.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Reach Staff Reporter Madeline Ottilie here.
Annenberg Media