Erik Brink named USC senior vice president, finance, and chief financial officer
USC SVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Erik Brink
Erik Brink has served as USC interim senior vice president, finance, since January. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

“We have some pretty ambitious goals, and I think we’re doing great things for society. I feel like there’s currently such a spirit of optimism on our campuses, and I look forward to doing everything I can to make sure that my team and I support new developments…”

Entrepreneur Turns to USC EMHA Program to Help Found Health Care Startup
USC alum, Ryan Nazar, sitting in a chair
Alumnus Ryan Nazar says the EMHA program and his USC connections continue to influence how he approaches his work at startup Practical Healthcare — as well as the industry at large. (Photo / Courtesy of Ryan Nazar)

“Listen to yourself first and foremost. Realize that you can write your own story while at USC and take advantage of that. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that it’s something that aligns with you and that you’re following your success and your vision.”

In Search of Community: An Unconventional Thinker Founds a Space for Creatives
Anant Vasudevan

“We don’t know what’s going to happen in a few years. COVID showed us that. Now it’s more important than ever to find your people and spend time investing in the ones that matter. That’s the one constant.”

USC Viterbi-Led Startup Science of Sport Connects Kids to STEM
Ricardo Valerdi holding a baseball and baseball glove.
Ricardo Valerdi poses with a baseball at the Arizona Diamondbacks Stadium. (Photo / Courtesy of Ricardo Valerdi)

“We’re supporting schools and teachers and giving them the necessary resources to succeed in the classroom, like student activity books and STEM kits.”

Chris Allen named chief financial officer of Keck Medicine of USC
CFO of Keck Medicine of USC, Chris Allen
Experienced health care executive previously served as interim CFO (Photo / Ricardo Carrasco III)

“Chris’ presence is a true source of pride for our entire leadership team, and we are confident that his strategic thinking and business acumen will propel our organization to even greater success.”

‘Game’ Changer: IYA Alum Turned PhD Student Explores the Influence of Video Games
IYA alum, Amanda Curtis, on a bridge overlooking a river.

“[IYA] was that blend of the practice-based making of things, whether that’s designing or programming or actually making something with your hands, but there’s this central interest in information and knowledge and having some sort of impact on our society. I thought it would give me the space to explore myself, and it really did.”

Gould education, global opportunity
USC Gould alum, Jimmy Nguyen
The career trajectory for Jimmy Nguyen (JD 1995) started with digital entertainment, moved to fintech, gaming and now, to blockchain advocacy.

“You are more than a law degree…I am now positioning myself more broadly to work in AI, the metaverse, ‘smart cities’ and the Internet of Things, and it’s time to go even bigger. There’s constant growth possible from a legal education, and I’m glad I got it at Gould.”

New communication major creates fan edits to bring people together
Photo of Jill Ofodu holding her USC acceptance letter.
Jill Ofodu will study communication at USC Annenberg beginning fall 2023. (Photo courtesy of Jill Ofodu)

“The difference between college and high school is no one’s holding your hand to tell you what to do…Obviously, there are people that guide you on the way, but you have a lot of accountability for your choices and goals.”

Jennifer Cohen named USC director of athletics
Photo of Jennifer Cohen, USC's Athletic Director
Jennifer Cohen has led the University of Washington athletic department since 2016. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

“USC is a national powerhouse in every measure of college athletics, and I look forward to honoring the Trojan heritage while working alongside the incredible USC Athletics team as we embrace both the opportunities and challenges of this complex moment.”

Kaitlyn Yang, USC School of Cinematic Arts alum, encourages Trojans to constantly set new goals
Photo of Kaitlyn Yang
Kaitlyn Yang worked on acclaimed television shows, started her own visual effects company and launched a nonprofit organization all before the age of 30. (Photo / Betsy Newman)

“Instead of being enamored with the USC brand, ask what you can accomplish as a Trojan. What’s your next goal? It’s all about collecting your own data, your own trials and errors, to accelerate your life forward.”