Topping in the News

Students share messages of inspiration for others who seek to be the first in their family to attend college.

After a decade working in child development, Nidia Sanguino-Gonzalez realized she had gone as far in her career as she could without a master’s degree. The early educator, mental health advocate and mother of four gave herself three years to get into the right school at the right price for her family

The Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, the First Generation Plus Success Center, the First Generation Student Assembly, and USC Admissions host event to commemorate First-Generation College Celebration Day.

Topping Scholar Luis Tun is looking to join the business world and eventually found a company dedicated to providing financial advice for immigrant and low-income communities like the one he and his family found so welcoming.

Three NAI and Topping scholars — who all hail from the areas surrounding both USC campuses — became familiar with being a part of campus life. In previous years, the transition to college was seamless, but campus closures made the transition different this fall. “I’m excited for this year. I feel like I have a…

USC Topping alumnae and former foster youth Carmen and Lucero Noyola leaned on the Trojan Guardian Scholars for guidance and support. Now they’re returning the favor.

“Nothing could have prepared me for this situation,” said Jorgel Chavez, a USC Price student who ran for city councilmember of Bell Gardens while completing his progressive master of public administration degree. “I was running against two previous incumbents and one current incumbent, and I only raised $6,600…I knew I was the underdog. And so,…

Maria Del Pilar Morales initially struggled to find her place at USC, but she soon discovered her calling in global health and her community among the university’s Latinx students and alumni.

Natalie Battiest is no stranger to USC. As a Bovard Scholar, she lived on campus during summer 2019. And earlier this year, she helped lead the Native American Student Union’s biggest College Exploration Day to date.

At the University of Southern California’s Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, beyond the scholarships we give to high-need, first-gen students with a history of community service, our most precious currency is connection, belonging, and empathy. Our work blends academic and student affairs, and we help students get the most out of the university experience…