The USC Associates hosted its 60th Anniversary Celebration at Associates Park Wednesday, honoring dozens of donors who have provided financial support to the university.
The intimate celebration was filled with live music and remarks from Michele Dedeaux Engemann, a 20-year USC Associate.
“Since 1959, thanks to the generosity of our members of the USC Associates we have established ourselves as the premier academic support group,” Engemann said.
The USC Associates have a long-standing history at the university that began with a group of donors who contributed at least $1,000 annually to academic programs. By 1960, the group was formally chartered and became the USC Associates that the university recognizes today.
Members of the USC Associates provide more than $1 million in scholarships to students annually, according to their website. Members have also helped fund several campus buildings including Wallis Annenberg Hall, the USC Engemann Student Health Center and the Jill and Frank Fertitta Hall.
“The names over to the side [of the buildings] represent you,” Engemann said. “Each and every one of you and your support to the University that we all love so much.”
Aside from the ancillary benefits, members of the USC Associates invest in the university to strengthen the success of the Trojan Family.
“Over the last six decades, we have increased our commitment to scholarship. That’s an amazing thing,” Engemann said.