Pat Haden
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Haden on Giving
A couple of years ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday with family and a
group of longtime friends. My daughter — a graduate of Georgetown
University — pointed out that most of the people at the party were USC
alumni. She told me that even though her college experience was a good
one, it was clear that she would never have the same type of
relationship with her alma mater.
There was something about that moment that solidified my understanding
of the special connection that USC graduates share. This so-called
Trojan Family is a living, breathing entity that bonds alumni from all
over the world to this great institution. It is important for today’s
students to build a lifelong connection with USC College, and our job
as alumni, friends, parents and supporters is to ensure that this
happens.
USC College formally launched the Tradition & Innovation
fund-raising initiative on September 13, 2005, with a celebration at
the new Molecular & Computational Biology Building. I am chair of
the steering committee, which is made up of some of the College’s most
distinguished leaders. We mean to raise $400 million over five years to
support outstanding students and faculty, research for the future,
innovative academic programs and institutional partnerships.
Our goal is to continue the tremendous ascent that has defined USC in
the last decade. We need to educate students in novel ways, to create
new research paradigms and to attract top-notch students and faculty.
We can never be satisfied to rest on our laurels. We must always be
looking for the next big thing in order to create a distinct signature
for ourselves.
In my role as chair, I frequently tell fellow alumni and colleagues
that at the core the Tradition & Innovation initiative seeks to
raise consciousness about USC College. The key is to continue the climb
to new heights without losing the magical quality that makes USC
College one of a kind — the Trojan Family spirit.
Every great academic institution must have an exceptional liberal arts
college. USC College’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it offers both
the advantages of a major research institution and, with its dedication
to education, the benefits of a smaller college. Everyone from
President Steven B. Sample to National Academy of Sciences members and
Pulitzer Prize-winning authors spend time teaching and interacting with
students. This allows USC College to give our students the skills they
need to be successful throughout a life that may include multiple
careers.
USC is now a seven-day-a-week campus. Students today need more
resources and access to new technology than those 20 years ago. Access
to multimedia and other technologies demand innovation in faculty
teaching methods. The new challenges and opportunities have energized
our faculty members, who have shown true creativity in designing new
advanced and general education courses.
USC College’s connection to the Southern California community has
always made us distinctive. We have the responsibility of remaining a
constant influence to the people surrounding our campuses. Our research
programs will directly affect the betterment of humankind.
As supporters of USC College, the participation of every friend and
supporter is integral to the success of this very important
fund-raising initiative that will have an enormous impact on the next
generation of Trojans.
Best wishes,
Patrick C. Haden (’75)
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