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Marshall and Leventhal Alumni Association Reaches 100,000+ Members

Marshall’s network spans 110 countries as alumni influence business and accounting industries worldwide.

by: Sabrina Skacan

08.14.24

Collage of alumni faces and school pride

Stronger than ever, Marshall’s Trojan Network reaches 100K+ business/accounting alumni across the globe.
[USC Photo]

Featured

Geoffrey Garrett
- Dean, USC Marshall School of Business
- Robert R. Dockson Dean's Chair in Business Administration
- Professor of Management and Organization
Cherie Michaud
- Senior Director of Alumni Relations

Stay Informed + Stay Connected

MARSHALL MONTHLY BRINGS YOU ESSENTIAL NEWS AND EVENTS FROM FACULTY, STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI.

The strength and influence of USC’s Trojan Network is legendary.

USC Marshall and USC Leventhal’s ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (MLAA) has reached a historic number: 100,000+ members. Marshall and Leventhal alumni live across the globe, spanning multiple continents and 110 countries.

“Reaching the 100,000 alumni milestone is a testament to the incredible breadth and depth of the Marshall and Leventhal network,” remarked Marshall Dean GEOFFREY GARRETT. “Our alumni are our greatest asset, and we appreciate their many contributions that exemplify the ‘One Marshall’ spirit, bringing us together in our shared pursuit of academic excellence and global distinction. This accomplishment underscores and energizes our ongoing dedication to building, nurturing, and empowering a global community of leaders, innovators, and change markers.”

The college experience jumpstarts your future. Marshall’s Trojan Network helps transform it. Marshall students are more than just classmates. They develop close friendships that last a lifetime within a support system that benefits each Trojan personally and professionally within their own cohort and especially to those who come after.

“My professional journey has been deeply shaped by the Trojan Network, starting with landing my first internship at NBC Universal while I was a student at USC, to securing my first job with GE Healthcare upon graduation through USC On Campus,” reflected Ruth Benton BS ’08, Dean’s Advisory Council Chair and the CEO & Co-Founder of Partopia Medical LLC.

From being recruited during the 2008 economic meltdown to leveraging business connections as an entrepreneur, Benton knows firsthand the reach of the Trojan Network. As a CAP mentor, she regularly utilizes her relationships to aid the success of current Marshall students.

“USC has always helped me make the most of our Trojan Network, and I love the opportunity to pay it forward with opening up and connecting my personal and professional network with other alumni and students,” Benton continued.

The Marshall Alumni Association nurtures the Trojan Network through a suite of opportunities that not only builds community but supports their career trajectory long after graduation.

“Having Marshall as a part of your life doesn’t end once you turn that tassel; it’s actually just the beginning,” said CHERIE MICHAUD MOLINA, senior director of alumni relations. “We strive to support Marshall and Leventhal alums to continue their learning personally and professionally, especially the community enrichment side. Our USC affinity and pride really shine through when they volunteer and give back to the Marshall community, not only here in Los Angeles, but around the world.”

Creating more opportunities for alumni to engage with the Marshall community is the central goal of the school’s alumni relations team. Communication is also key as many Marshall alumni may not be aware of the programs and benefits available post-graduation.

Staying connected to other Trojans and finding opportunities to grow professionally by engaging in lifelong learning opportunities is more important than ever in our ever-changing and evolving environment.

— Ruth Benton BS ’08

Dean’s Advisory Council Chair / CEO & Co-Founder of Partopia Medical LLC.

During the 2023–2024 academic year, Marshall’s alumni relations team and volunteer leaders from MLAA, hosted more than 115 various programs, including regional socials, SCervice opportunities, and the graduate programs reunion weekend, as well as lifelong learning professional development, including the LEADERSHIP SUMMIT; this annual signature event centers around leadership, professional development, and networking with fellow Trojans.

This year, the team enhanced Dean Garrett’s alumni receptions, balancing get-to-know-him sections with important guest speaker discussions on key Marshall priorities, such as sustainability and tech fluency.

Marshall’s Volunteer Leadership Council also transformed into the expanded Dean’s Alumni Council and Young Alumni Council with revised committee structures to support Dean Garrett’s strategic initiatives for aiding alumni — from the recent grad to the mid-level career professional to the executive.

Molina noted Marshall’s alumni programs will soon provide career tools such as advice to improve resumes and update LinkedIn profiles, plus much more, to aid individuals in building their career roadmap. Reunion weekends also include photographers for alumni to take new headshots.

“These types of programs help our alumni on their career journey,” Molina added. “We want to help Trojans move into the next phase of their careers.”

Not every alum will look for the same social, networking, or career development opportunities. The diversity of the alumni programs offered will be paramount as Marshall supports over 100,000 alumni and creates new events that will encourage greater engagement and participation.

“I’m excited where we are going to be taking our strong Marshall and Leventhal Trojan Network and how we’re ready to welcome in the next 100,000 members,” Molina concluded.

Alumni can join in celebrating the school’s milestone by sharing memories or photos that highlight their Trojan pride. The alumni relations team is hoping to gather 100 stories from the Marshall community that will be shared on its digital platforms.