September 15, 2025
Dear Trojan Family,
As we celebrate this International Day of Democracy at USC, I call on our community to reflect on the values that sustain both our democracy and our university — open dialogue, mutual respect, and freedom of expression. In the video above, our deans (plus one guest) share some thoughts on what democracy means to them.
I’m also excited to announce today a generous gift from USC Trustee Leonard D. Schaeffer establishing the Center for Civic Society within the USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service. The Right Honourable Gordon Brown, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, will serve as a Distinguished Scholar and direct this new center. Under his leadership, the center will bring together scholars and policymakers to generate evidence-based ideas and practical policy solutions that reinforce democratic practices and strengthen civic life worldwide.
Fight On!
Beong-Soo Kim
Interim President