Families of USC students experienced the best of Trojan life during the annual celebration of Trojan Family Weekend. From September 26–29, 2024, visitors enjoyed an up-close look at how the university achieves excellence in teaching, research, academics, athletics, the arts, and public service.
From the drumbeats of the Trojan Marching Band to award-winning faculty lectures, family and friends could sample what it means to be a Trojan through more than 200 unique programs, tours, workshops, and performances.
Marshall and Leventhal families in particular learned more about what these two top-ranked schools offer its students through academic and leadership programs. Students already know access to industry leaders is a key part of their learning process, but Trojan Family Weekend gives parents that front-row seat for a change.
To kick off Marshall’s activities on Thursday, September 26, USC Marshall Dean Geoffrey Garrett hosted his first Dean’s Dialogue of the school year with Fanatics Founder and CEO Michael Rubin. Rubin discussed his lifelong philosophy of building relationships and nurturing a competitive edge to disrupt industry norms. His entrepreneurial spirit has led Fanatics to become a global digital platform and a multi-billion dollar behemoth.
On Friday morning, the Marshall and Leventhal Dean’s Welcome and Networking Breakfast invited hundreds of family members to the Town and Gown. Attendees mixed and mingled with staff experts and learned more about the schools’ resources, ranging from careers and internships to academic advising and student services. Sharing a message on video, Leventhal Dean Andy Call greeted the participants from afar and set the tone of appreciation for the attending families.
“This weekend is about celebrating the incredible families and friends who support our students’ success,” Call remarked. “It’s an opportunity for you to engage with our dedicated faculty and staff, meet other Trojan families, and participate in dynamic activities that showcase the inspiring work at USC.”
Highlighting Marshall as the “it business school,” Dean Garrett focused on schoolwide efforts to innovate the STEM-certified undergraduate curriculum. He referenced creating Marshall’s joint degrees — a new category of credential that offers dual degrees from two schools — and the nine business administration specializations called emphases as key examples.
“We’ve been thinking very hard about improving pathways for our students into their post-graduation lives. And Marshall is already doing really well in terms of careers,” Dean Garrett shared. “We’ve spent a lot of time building relationships [in New York], so much so that we’re placing top graduates at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company. This is a nice indicator of how well our students are doing.”
The dean also spoke of the need for human-centered leadership in today’s society. While leadership opportunities are generally found in graduate degree programs, Dean Garrett noted Marshall offers seven leadership programs to prepare undergraduates for the business world.
“Young people today really want mission and purpose in their lives,” Dean Garrett continued. “Not only in their personal lives, but in their professional lives.”
A faculty lecture series rounded out the school’s offerings on Friday. Mike Paranal, assistant professor of clinical accounting, continued the leadership focus with a thought-provoking panel featuring Leventhal alumni who volunteer their time as mentors to Guiding Exceptional Minds to Success (GEMS). Paranal directs this early career development program that offers mentorship and leadership training as well as coordinates corporate visits throughout Los Angeles.
“When [students] attend Marshall, we make sure that not only do they learn the skills that are important to them to be successful in whatever field they want, but they understand that they’re part of this ecosystem and that their leadership can truly impact our bigger community,” Paranal shared with the guests at the seminar.
