Nikias gives annual address on Saturday
President C. L. Max Nikias gave his annual address to students and parents on Saturday afternoon in Bovard Auditorium.
In his speech, Nikias highlighted the university’s achievements within the past year and provided details about upcoming projects and goals.
State of Troy · President C.L. Max Nikias discussed his own experience as a parent of USC students in his address to families this weekend. – Mariya Dondonyan | Daily Trojan
Before Nikias spoke, Presidents of the USC Parents Association Larry and Deborah Castro took the stage to announce the recipients of the 2014 Steven B. Sample Teaching & Mentoring Awards, a faculty recognition program now in its 11th year. This year’s honorees were David W. Ginsburg, Stacy Geck and Paul Young.
David W. Ginsburg, an assistant professor in the USC Environmental Studies program, serves as the faculty advisor for the USC Environmental Studies Scientific Dive Club as well as on the Research Advisory Committee for the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center.
Stacy Geck, an associate professor of clinical management communication in the Marshall School of Business, was recognized for her role in leading freshmen students in the Global Leadership Program in China and the Learning about International Commerce program in Singapore.
Paul Young, an assistant professor of practice in the Thornton School of Music, specializes in jazz trombone and serves as director of the Music Industry minor program.
In his address, Nikias talked about his own experience as a USC parent, as both of his daughters graduated from the university.
“My wife Niki and I have a sense of the pride you all feel today … we know firsthand how a USC education prepares a young person for life. Your children are in excellent hands,” he said.
Nikias highlighted the university’s academic achievements, including the relocation of two prominent neuroscientists, Arthur Toga and Paul Thompson, from UCLA to USC’s research facilities. Nikias also pointed out the university’s advancements in the arts, including the new USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation, which enrolled its first class of students this fall.
“It’s great to hear about the successes that are happening across the university, not just in my program. President Nikias’ speech today demonstrated why USC has earned a position as a top-tier research university,” said Addison Salzman, a sophomore majoring in aerospace engineering who attended the address with his father.
Also in Nikias’ address was a description of The Village, a residential and commercial retail complex expected to be completed by fall 2017.
“When this majestic and modern Tuscan-style village opens, we will offer a second-to-none living and learning experience,” Nikias said.
Nikias’s speech was aimed at informing students and their parents about the university’s goals.
“I’m really glad my family had the opportunity to be here this weekend,” said Ebonka Agboje, a sophomore majoring in computer science. “Hearing the president talk today made me particularly proud to call this university my home.”