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Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy Inspires Impact at USC Marshall

Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy Inspires Impact at USC Marshall

As the campaign enters its second year, Trojan women demonstrate the power of collective philanthropic action, uplifting the USC Marshall community and transforming the school’s future.

by: Bea Huff Hunter
02.19.25
Torch Initiative Collage

The Torch Initiative is empowering mentorship and real-world learning at USC Marshall.

[USC Photo]

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The Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy is more than a fundraising campaign; it is inspiring a new generation of philanthropic leaders among Trojan women. By recognizing and valuing women’s contributions, this ambitious, alumnae-led initiative aims to double Marshall’s female donor base and inspire 100 women to make leadership gifts to the school.

“The Torch Initiative sets forth bold ambitions for women’s philanthropy at USC Marshall — empowering us, as alumnae, parents, and friends, to give back to the community that has shaped us so profoundly,” said Cynthia van Eck, philanthropist, chair of the Torch Initiative Steering Committee, and chair of the Marshall Board of Leaders. “It is truly inspiring to see just how much this campaign resonates with fellow Trojan women, uniting us to invest time, talent, and treasure in the people and ideas that will shape Marshall’s future and, in doing so, transform our world.”

Now in its second year, the campaign’s success highlights the impact of collective philanthropic efforts. Torch Initiative donors have ignited positive change at the school by endowing 22 scholarships, six teaching chairs, and a tenured faculty chair while directly funding numerous school programs, including entrepreneurship, international programs, and sustainable inclusive growth.

Fostering future leaders through mentorship and philanthropy

Cheryl Sylwester Faillace ’88, MBA ’98, a former investment banker and member of the Board of Leaders, joined the Torch Initiative to create meaningful connections with alumnae and students.

“I want to be able to inspire other female alums to give as well and show how vital women are to the USC community and its future success,” Faillace said.

That’s why she made a generous gift to Guiding Exceptional Minds to Success (GEMS) — which embodies her vision of alums sharing the fruit of their accomplishments with the next generation.

The Torch Initiative sets forth bold ambitions for women’s philanthropy at USC Marshall — empowering us as alumnae, parents, and friends to give back to the community that has shaped us so profoundly.

— Cynthia van Eck

Chair, Torch Initiative Steering Committee

GEMS offers personalized mentoring, corporate visits, and professional presence training to a select group of undergraduates. Students give back by teaching financial literacy to at-risk youth in Los Angeles as part of the program.

Olivia Patterson ’26, joined GEMS hoping to bridge academic theory and real-world application. An aspiring founder, Patterson was paired with mentor Loren Castle ’06, an angel investor and entrepreneur behind the popular Sweet Loren’s natural cookie dough brand. Patterson’s conversations with Castle left a lasting impression, and she has pursued venture capital opportunities, deepening her understanding of the startup world.

"GEMS went above and beyond," Patterson reflected.

Stories like this resonate with the entire Torch Initiative community. The innovative Torch Fund offers women a greater voice in the philanthropic process by enabling donors to support specific USC Marshall priorities.

Last year, donors contributed over $280,000 to the Torch Fund and voted to allocate these funds to real-world learning programs. The funds benefit GEMS and the school’s Career Advantage Program, Global Leadership Program, Marshall Leadership Fellows Program, and National Association of Black Accountants — enhancing programming for over 400 undergraduate and graduate students.

According to Michael Paranal — GEMS founder and director, USC Leventhal School of Accounting’s chief diversity officer, and an assistant professor of accounting — programs like these transform participants’ lives and careers, and many return after graduation to pay it forward.

“Students actively reach out to me, asking, ‘Professor, how can I come back and give back to this program?’” Paranal said. “I am so profusely grateful to the Torch Initiative donors, who are essentially asking the same question. They believe in what we can achieve with GEMS and recognize the possibilities of this partnership.”

Faillace’s philanthropy and the collective action of Torch Fund donors will help GEMS and programs like it connect more students with inspiring mentors, fostering confidence, career success, and a drive to give back.

Amplifying Alumnae Influence and Impact at the School

Inspired by gratitude to those who supported her career journey, Mary Kayser ’91 established the Mary Kayser Passing the Torch Endowed Scholarship for USC Leventhal School of Accounting undergraduates.

“I hit a point in my life and career where it was time to stop, pause, and reflect,” said Kayser, who is chief financial officer of a private equity firm, a USC Leventhal board member, and a dedicated mentor to USC students.

Kayser’s scholarship strives to uplift students like her younger self, who are “looking for an opportunity and have the grit, the courage, the bravery, the passion, and the desire to propel their career forward.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors who, like Kayser, align the school’s top priorities with their personal interests, the Torch Initiative is more than halfway to its goal of 100 leadership gifts.

“A woman's voice at the table does matter,” Kayser said. “The advice I would give anyone considering the Torch Initiative is to do it. Fight on! You might like what happens.”

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