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USC Marshall and USC Leventhal Celebrate the Power of Philanthropy

USC Marshall and USC Leventhal Celebrate the Power of Philanthropy

The annual scholarship celebration event connects student scholarship recipients with the donors who support them.

by: Erica Keil
02.03.26
Dean Geoffrey Garrett speaking at the scholarship celebration

Geoffrey Garrett speaks at the Marshall and Leventhal scholarship celebration.

[USC Photo / Brian Morri]

Featured

  • Geoffrey Garrett

    Geoffrey Garrett
    • Dean, USC Marshall School of Business
    • Chair, President's AI Strategy Committee
    • Robert R. Dockson Dean's Chair in Business Administration
    • Professor of Management and Organization
  • Andy Call

    Andy Call
    • Dean, USC Leventhal School of Accounting
    • Alan Casden Dean’s Chair
    • Professor of Accounting

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On January 29, the USC Marshall School of Business and USC Leventhal School of Accounting hosted their annual Scholarship Celebration at Town & Gown. The evening brought together more than 250 donors and donor representatives, students, faculty, and staff for a program centered on gratitude, community, and the transformational power of scholarship support.

Senior university leaders were also in attendance, including USC President Beong-Soo Kim, underscoring the university’s unified commitment to expanding access and honoring its scholarship donors.

“Tonight is all about the amazing students who are here and the incredible generosity of the people who made that possible,” said Geoff Garrett, dean of the USC Marshall School of Business.

The impact of that generosity is significant. Last fiscal year, USC Marshall and USC Leventhal awarded more than $28 million in scholarships, 56% of which were donor funded. These awards support more than 1,500 students each year, helping reduce financial barriers, strengthen retention, and create pathways for the next generation of business and accounting leaders.

Chloe Young, a Class of 2026 progressive degree student, emphasized the power of the Trojan community, noting that “something strengthened by USC is that it’s people first. When you invest in people and people invest in you, that’s what allows you to grow and pursue a meaningful life.”

For many in the room, the celebration marked the first time students were able to meet the donors whose generosity directly shaped their USC experience. Among them was Wendy Fisher, founder of the Wendy L. Fisher Endowed Fellowship, who reflected on her purpose for giving.

“Tonight, I want to hear from the students,” Fisher said. “I’m going to do my best to ask questions that elicit answers so I can learn more to direct my scholarships to be even more helpful.”

Dean Andy Call of USC Leventhal welcomed guests and expressed heartfelt appreciation to donors, including the evening’s presenting sponsors, Scott MBA ’88 and Ella ’92 Brittingham. He shared recent academic innovations and emphasized that donor support continues to fuel the schools’ ability to broaden access and enhance the student experience.

Call also highlighted the new Marshall & Leventhal Scholarship Ambassador Program, a select group of student volunteers who engage with alumni, donors, and executives to demonstrate the impact of scholarships on student success.

Dean Garrett echoed Call’s remarks, underscoring that philanthropy is central to Marshall’s ability to prepare students for leadership in the rapidly changing world of AI. Garrett recognized recipients of the James G. Ellis Endowed Scholarship and the Gail G. Ellis Scholarship before introducing Jim Ellis, former Marshall dean, noting several of his innovations, including the World Bachelor in Business and Master of Business for Veterans programs, that helped establish distinctive areas of strength for the school.

Tonight is all about the amazing students who are here and the incredible generosity of the people who made that possible.

— Dean Geoffrey Garrett

Ellis began his speech by thanking the donors and students who define the spirit of the Scholarship Celebration, including former student Tyler Muse ’07 who created the pooled scholarship in 2010 to honor him.

Ellis then turned to a keynote rooted in trust, including the faith donors place in USC when creating scholarships. He noted that they give “hard‑earned money” and trust the university “to put it to the best possible use.” He described donor giving as an act of belief that shapes student lives.

The USC Trojan Marching Band closed the evening with a spirited performance. As guests made their way out of the ballroom, the theme of the night was unmistakable: generosity builds futures.

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