University of Southern California The USC Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering USC
The USC Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering
Giving
Prospective Students Current Students Alumni & Friends
Destination: the Future
Giving Priorities
Educational Programs
Students
Faculty
Research
Distance Education
Facilities & Infrastructure
Make a Difference
Corporate & Foundation
Make a Gift Now

Home > Giving > Giving Priorities > Educational Programs

 

GIVING PRIORITIES
 Educational Programs

  
  • Academic Department & Institute Namings
  • Curriculum Development
  • Cross-Disciplinary Programs
  • International Outreach
  • Distinguished Lecture Series 
  
Since offering its first classes in engineering in 1905, USC has integrated teaching with advanced technology. Our adaptability
in the face of quickening change has helped us attain our position
as a leader in engineering education. Our pace-setting ideas keep
us relevant and attractive to students, researchers and the marketplace.

Today Viterbi Engineering is a premiere incubator for pioneering educational programs. Our ground-breaking programs challenge students by offering more real world experiences, encouraging cross-disciplinary study and providing front-row involvement in cutting-edge research.

Engineering has transformed, often single-handedly, the world in which we live. Yet the rapid pace of technological change requires a new kind of vigilant attention to our School’s curriculum and educational programs.

As we develop the next wave of futuristic programs, your support is critical. Gifts in support of education can frequently be structured to match your interests or background. A financial contribution toward studies in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology and bioengineering will provide new generations of students with a relevant and contemporary education. 

Shaping Education
Department by Department
 
The Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science are two examples of how the Viterbi School partners with inspired and committed donors to reach new milestones. Alumni Daniel J. Epstein (BSISE ’62) and John Mork (BSPE ’70) both made history by naming departments within Viterbi Engineering. Their desire to not only help financially, but to also impact the way we teach engineering in these disciplines, coupled perfectly with our desire to be the best in these areas.
 
The Epstein and Mork departments have experienced increased national recognition, growing respect and new-found energy which are a direct result of the School’s outstanding partnerships with visionary and committed donors.
As a Trojan, I wanted to give
back to the school. As an energy entrepreneur, I knew supporting an educational department focused on energy production was a smart investment in the future.
 
John Mork (BSPE ’70)
Energy Corporation of America 

Daniel J. Epstein's gift to name the industrial and systems engineering department was
a watershed moment for the School, and was the first of the several prominent naming gifts from our donor community. Our goal is to continue to use Dan’s gift as an opportunity to break into the tier of top ten departments in the nation. I believe that the gift has given us the means and the opportunity to do so.
 
James Moore
Chair, Daniel J. Epstein
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Bridging Research and Commercial Application

The USC Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization is a perfect example of one creative approach to education. The institute is USC’s central resource for start-up creation, intellectual property licensing, faculty intellectual property development and venture capital outreach.
 
It originated in the Viterbi School as a close collaboration and partnership between the School and Viterbi alumnus, Mark Stevens (BSEE ’81, MSCENG ’84).
 
“I wanted to give back but wanted to do something truly unique. Through my background as a venture capitalist and an engineering alumnus, I was able to bring a distinct perspective to the table,” says Stevens.
 
The program teaches students the real world mechanics of commercial applications and business development so that they are capable of developing full circle solutions to face tomorrow’s challenges.