In 2021, USC Marshall made headlines as the first top 20 business school to REACH GENDER PARITY in its undergraduate program. In another step forward, the Faculty Hiring Initiative ENSURED GENDER PARITY in new tenure-track faculty appointments last year and for years to come. Yet, there is still a marked gender gap in philanthropy, which reflects broader U.S. trends. Fewer than 10 percent of the school’s major donors and just 35 percent of all donors identify as women.

THE TORCH INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN'S PHILANTHROPY is set to change this by giving a bold, collective voice to the philanthropic priorities of Marshall-affiliated women. The endeavor aims to raise an initial $30 million during a three-year campaign, double the number of women donors, and inspire 100 women to make a leadership gift to the Marshall School. Women who give to the Torch Fund, a new annual fund, or make a major gift will be recognized as part of The Torch Society.

Conceived in consultation with a dedicated alumnae steering committee and nearly 90 women who participated in focus group sessions on women’s giving and engagement at Marshall, this call for equity clearly resonates with alumnae and friends. Together, donors have already pledged over $17 million, meeting more than half of the campaign goal at its launch.

“Since day one, USC has supported women — one of the three students in the first graduating class in 1884 was a woman,” said philanthropist Cynthia van Eck ‘86, chair of the Torch Initiative Steering Committee and the USC Marshall Board of Leaders. “The Torch Initiative is an important way for us to celebrate this history. Individually, it is a way for me to give back all that USC gave to me and to open the door for other alumnae to do the same.”

Inspired by trailblazers like JANE HOFFMAN POPOVICH ’65, whose vision and generosity transformed Marshall’s campus, The Torch Initiative invites women to ignite the kind of change they want to see at the school.

For van Eck, this means preparing students to lead in the rapidly evolving finance world. “Helping Marshall to put students in the best position they can be to get jobs upon graduation, knowing about what is happening at the cutting edge in finance and investments, supporting professors who are teaching that today — this is of the utmost importance to me,” said van Eck. To that end, her philanthropy includes hosting Marshall students at VanEck Investments in New York and establishing the VANECK DIGITAL ASSETS INITIATIVE.

Teaching excellence has also emerged as a priority for alumnae inspired by the Torch Initiative, who quickly stepped up with commitments to establish three of the FIRST TEACHING CHAIRS in the Marshall’s history — an exciting foreshadowing of the school’s future that will be “powered by the Torch Society.”

“It’s essential for women to have a voice through philanthropy,” said JANET HORAN, Marshall’s vice dean, finance & administration, and chief financial officer. “Named chairs and programs are investments that support the future of the school. Endowed funds generate steady income in perpetuity, realizing a donor’s priorities and empowering faculty and students for years to come.”

The Torch Fund enables women who give any amount to determine how the funds are applied toward immediate priorities. “Every dollar given by an annual fund donor makes an impact, giving us the flexibility to meet the school’s most pressing needs, including scholarships. Annual funds close the financial gap and enable students who are looking at Marshall to make their goal a reality,” she added.