A Trojan Education
Joseph Aoun, addressing the crowd at
his farewell reception in June, shared a few personal thoughts and
reflections with his longtime colleagues, staff, friends and mentors.
He focused on all that he has learned from those who have labored
beside him to make USC and the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
a better place.
What I have learned at USC:
What I have learned from the trustees is how to hold our most precious
asset — our university — in trust for future generations and how to be
a responsible steward of its destiny.
What I have learned from USC President Steve Sample is leadership and
how to make an institution believe in itself and perform to its fullest
potential.
What I have learned from the College boards and the volunteers is how
to shape a vision, embrace it and the true meaning of philanthropy —
giving without expecting anything in return.
What I have learned from USC Provost Emeritus Lloyd Armstrong is how to
mentor the deans, empower them and build for the long term.
What I have learned from USC Provost Max Nikias is tremendous energy and enthusiasm.
What I have learned from my engagement with the communities is the
importance of common destiny and the ever-embracing concept of the
Trojan family.
What I have learned from our regional partnerships is the importance of
our location. It defines our uniqueness and is one of our greatest
assets and responsibility.
What I have learned from my fellow deans is teamwork and a genuine sense of camaraderie.
What I have learned from the staff is dedication, loyalty and the meaning of true professionalism.
What I have learned from the students is boundless optimism about the future and an infinite sense of possibility.
What I have learned from my faculty colleagues is how creativity and
innovation can change an institution, the region and the world.
What I have learned from the Trojan family is how a keen sense of
shared history and great pride inspires loyalty to the alma mater.
At a farewell party for my predecessor — Morty Schapiro — Rabbi Uri
Herscher stated that in the Jewish tradition, people were measured from
the shoulders up. By this measure, the Trojan family is a family of
giants. It is a privilege for me to be part of this unique family.
—Joseph Aoun
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