Thousands of mothers, fathers, siblings, and other family members flocked to USC campus from October 5–8 for Trojan Family Weekend. The annual celebration empowers families to visit their students and get an up-close look at university culture. Visitors could choose from over 200 unique programs ranging from award-winning faculty lectures, free concerts, and open houses to a pre-game pep rally before Saturday’s USC football game against the Arizona Wildcats.

The Spirit of Troy Marching Band kicked off Thursday’s opening ceremony, and USC’s Vice President for Student Life Monique S. Allard taught family members how to Fight On!

Over the next four days, Marshall parents were treated to special programs that gave them a glimpse into the business school.

On Thursday, visitors learned the Art of Negotiation from LEIGH TOST, vice dean of MBA Programs. Tost, who teaches a course on negotiation, broke the 120 participants into pairs for their mock negotiations.

“How much information you keep to yourself or share with your partner is a strategic decision during your negotiation,” Tost told them at the start. When most of the groups found mutually beneficial outcomes though, the vice dean laughed and declared, “You’re a lot less competitive than your children.”

The activities continued on from there. The Leventhal School of Accounting hosted a meet and greet in front of the school with DEAN BILL HOLDER and academic advisors. Supported by staff and some students, parents had the opportunity to connect and learn more about the field of accounting.

On Friday morning, Marshall families were treated to a full day of offerings, beginning with a morning reception hosted by DEAN GEOFF GARRETT, Dean Holder, and Senior Vice Dean for Academic Programs RAMAN RANDHAWA. The event gave families an opportunity to hear Marshall and Leventhal’s academic progress, ask pressing questions, and, yes, get some breakfast.

In his remarks to the family, Dean Garrett ruminated on the significance of the Marshall network.

“The Trojan Family as a social and a community entity is incredible,” said Dean Garrett. “What we need to do is make sure that it’s equally good as a professional network. In particular, for our students as they think about career pathways, where so much of the world is relationship based.”

Dean Holder echoed his colleague’s sentiments, emphasizing the enormous responsibility Leventhal and Marshall have to the Trojan Family.

“We clearly recognize that in choosing USC, you and your children have made a tremendous commitment to us,” said Dean Holder. “In return, please know that our reciprocal commitment to you and your children’s learning experience is also unequivocal and unbending."

The rest of the day continued with a diverse slate of events across campus, including a fascinating lecture on Data Sciences with Professor YINGYING FAN, a Deans’ Dialogue discussion with the founders of ANGEL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB, and many more events around campus.