Author: Trista Beard

First-gen student aims to pursue a business career that enables him to give back to the community

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.

USC NAI Graduates Return to Campus

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…

Twin sisters give back to program that helped them succeed at USC

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.

Campaigning during a global pandemic isn’t easy

“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,…

First-gen graduating senior made a home at USC thanks to her Latinx peers
One highlight of her college career was when Maria Morales and her brother performed at the Rose Bowl in 2017 with the Trojan Marching Band. (Photo/Courtesy of Maria Morales)

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.

New Trojan wants to inspire more Native American students to attend college
Natalie Battiest was a Bovard Scholar in 2019. She is of Choctaw descent and comes to USC from Oklahoma by way of Downey. (Photo/Stella Kalinina)

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.

High-touch Student Engagement in Remote Learning Environments

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…

Mexicana de corazón: Student recalls family’s sacrifices

Trumpets blasted and cymbals clashed as Selene Castillo walked among the other student representatives across Alumni Park last month. She sported a black and red robe, but it wasn’t her graduation day — she was taking part in Carol Folt’s inauguration as USC’s 12th president.

“I Want To Leave The World A Better Place Than I Found It”

Kevin Moran, astronautical engineering transfer student and U.S. Navy veteran has his eyes set on fusing engineering with humanitarian work

Student creates community for Venezuelan students

Carlos Acosta, who immigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela when he was seven, hopes to create a space for Venezuelan students to come together on campus.