Dr. Rick Trevino
Director

Dr. Rick Trevino is a Higher Education professional with a passion for student development and enhancing student success. He is a first-generation college student that earned a B.S. in Kinesiology and M.P.A. from California State University Northridge, as well as an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from California Lutheran University where his dissertation focused on first-generation students in First-Year Experience programs. Dr. Trevino has spent over decade overseeing areas such as Student Life, First-Year Experience, and Student Success Programs. Dr. Trevino most recently served as the Associate Director of the First-Year Experience for USC Dornsife.

Dr. Lucy Rinard
Assistant Director

Dr. Lucy Rinard is a higher education professional with over a decade of experience. She is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of students by creating a supportive space where they feel listened to. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, she is a proud graduate of the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI). Lucy is a first-generation college graduate and earned a BA in History and Political Science from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences and an M.Ed. and Ed.D. from the USC Rossier School of Education. Her dissertation focused on the transition experiences of first-generation Latinx students and their parents to college. Before joining the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, Lucy was the Assistant Director of First-Year Advising at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences.

Alejandra Tenorio-Rosas
NTSAF Advisor

Alejandra Tenorio-Rosas is dedicated to students’ holistic success. She is a first-generation college student that earned a double BA in Media and Cultural Studies and Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of California, Riverside, as well as an M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC. As a native of South-Central Los Angeles, she believes representation matters in higher education to achieve one’s fullest potential. Alejandra empowers students to explore both their studies and identities, serving as a trusted advocate throughout their academic journey. In her role as NTSAF’s Student Advisor, she aims to foster a safe, inclusive space for student growth and achievement.

Sara Alvarenga
Governing Board Chair 2024–2025

Sara Alvarenga is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Accounting. Sara will be the first in her family to graduate from college. USC is her second home as a South LA local, she has become well rooted in various cultures and worldly perspectives by expanding her horizons through LA’s interconnected and diverse region. Sara plans to give back to these local communities with her degree by counseling families, churches, non-profits, etc., to elevate their financial growth and enhance financial education throughout the process. As governing chair, she aspires to guide Scholars/Fellows towards their goals and learn from the Governing Board while uncovering new paths Norman Topping will form during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Daisy Castillo
Graduate Assistant

Daisy Castillo is a graduate student in the Educational Counseling Masters program. She identifies as Mexican-American, first-generation, a transfer student, Topping Fellow, and Latino Alumni Association (LAA) Scholar. A native of Ventura County, Daisy attended Ventura Community College where she later transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Chicana/o/x Studies with a minor in Educational Studies. Passionate about educational equity and underrepresented student advocacy, she has spent much of her time serving the undocumented, transfer, unhoused, and first-generation communities.

Eliana Cotom
Graduate Assistant

Eliana Cotom is a graduate student in the Rossier School of Education pursuing a Master’s in Educational Counseling. She identifies as a first-generation Latina, transfer student, double Trojan and South LA native. Eliana attended Santa Monica College and later transferred to USC, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education and Society. As a first-generation student, she is passionate about holistically supporting students in their academic, professional, and personal journeys, as well as educational equity and fostering spaces for student communities. In her work, she has supported prospective transfer students as well as the first-generation student community.

Dr. Thomas Freeman
Associate Vice Provost, Academic Programs

Dr. Thomas Freeman is an experienced Higher Education Administrator with a demonstrated history of impactful work in academe. He joins USC and the Topping family from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he was an award-winning educator and leader. Dr. Freeman has spent much of his career promoting STEM education and opportunities for all, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. He earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Tulane University. He then won a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship to investigate molecular interactions in a protein that became a novel target for cancer therapeutics at UNC’s School of Medicine. In his current role, Dr. Freeman leads initiatives that provide diverse pathways connecting students to the technology ecosystem at USC.