After a career in visual arts field, Andrew Freire JD ’23 takes on mantle of immigrant defense
Photo of Andrew Freire
Andrew Freire JD ’23 (Photo by Daniel Tran)

“I’m excited to further develop my advocacy in this field, and I also look forward to engaging more with the visual arts communities I worked with before entering law school.”

Celebrated writer and Distinguished Professor of English elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters
Photo of Percival Everett
Acclaimed writer and USC Dornsife faculty member Percival Everett has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. (Composite: Letty Avila. Photo: John Davis/Windham-Campbell Prizes)

“I believe that the arts make us better, smarter. I feel fortunate to be able to make a living as an artist and so participate in this ongoing discourse.”

Trojan trailblazer lays the bricks for children’s path to college
Photo of Kim Thomas-Barrios
Kim Thomas-Barrios speaks at the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony at USC. (Photo/Michael Owen Baker)

“How great is it to be able to develop an environment in classrooms that is welcoming, creative, open, hopefully safe — where they can explore their dreams.”

Trojan trailblazer works to make women, LGBTQ+ students feel ‘safe and comfortable’ at veterans center
Photo of Janine Williams
Janine Williams is the USC Veterans Resource Center’s first full-time supervisor. (Photo/Natanael Rodriguez)

“Being able to explore my gender identity without fear of being othered or fear for my job allows me to focus on the work I’m doing for our student populations.”

ISE Award Winner a Fierce Advocate for Mental Health
Photo of Claire Barbrack
Claire Barbrack, Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Student of the Year Award Winner.(Image/Colin Huang)

“Say yes even when something is uncertain. Some of the best decisions I have made have been the most random. There are so many events and possibilities here, so all you have to do is look for them and give everything a shot to find what you’re truly passionate about.”

USC Price Graduate Uses Real Estate Expertise to Combat Homelessness
Photo of Frank Byrd, USC student
For Executive Master of Urban Planning graduate Frank Byrd, a main draw to the USC online program was its vast network of influential faculty, staff and students. (Photo / Courtesy of Frank Byrd)

“The exposure to the many different things that I could do with that degree beyond just planning, or beyond working specifically in real estate development, set me on a different path. And it can set you on a different path, too, if you’re open and willing to learn and grow.”

Former Sprinter Discovers the Physical Aspects of Aging In MSG Program
Photo of Krystal Walden

“The best thing about a degree in gerontology is that you can tailor it to whatever you’re passionate about. For me, that’s the physical and emotional aspects of aging, but others might lean toward advocacy, policy or politics. Either way, you’re changing lives and helping people age more joyfully.”

Chris Birmingham, The Robot Whisperer
Photo of Chris Birmingham and robots
Chris Birmingham is developing robotic technologies to support people coping with difficult health conditions, such as cancer. (Photo / Keith Wang)

“I had a pressing need to do something now, in the short term. That really sparked my interest in building social robots or socially assistive robots that could help people.”

The High-Flying Frisbee Ace on a Materials Research Path
Photo of Hari Sridhara playing frisbee with teammates.
Hari Sridhara catching during a USC Ultimate Frisbee game. (Image / Meg Hofner)

“There are lots of things across the board that I find myself dabbling in to give myself a holistic college experience, and I have really enjoyed the four years I spent here.”

The Trojan Empowering Student Entrepreneurs
Photo of Sarah Hakim
Sarah Hakim - graduating senior in the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. (Image / Lee Hernandez)

“I feel like it was amazing to have an event for students by students. An event that just uplifts the community that’s usually not represented.”