USC trustee to fund new residential college


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Ray Irani, trustee, alumnus and Judge Widney Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Viterbi School of Engineering and Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, has donated $20 million to fund the creation of the new Ray Irani Residential College at the USC Village, projected to open in spring 2017.

The $20 million donation contributes to USC’s multi-year fundraising campaign which seeks to raise $6 billion for academic and philanthropic advancements throughout USC and non-USC communities.

The Ray Irani Residential College is one of two residential colleges set for construction at the USC Village. USC trustee and fellow alumna Kathleen McCarthy will chair the McCarthy Honors College, the first residential college to be established for the USC Village. The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation donated funds last year to establish McCarthy Honors College.

According to USC News, $15 million of the donation will be allocated toward the creation of the Ray Irani Residential College and $5 million is set to introduce two faculty chair positions, as well as contributions toward a student support fund. The donation also funds the creation of the Ghada Irani Chair in the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Irani’s donation is among the largest donations to the $650 million USC Village retail-residential project.

“I believe residential colleges are invaluable to helping students acclimate to and make the most of their university experience — especially students coming from other countries and cultures,” Irani said in a statement released by USC News.

Irani, a doctorate recipient from USC in 1957, worked for Monsanto as a research scientist and later moved to work for Diamond Shamrock Corporation and the Olin Corporation. Afterwards, Irani moved on to conduct research for Occidental Petroleum, where he later served as chief executive officer and chairman. Irani retired from Occidential Petroleum in 2013.

In addition, Irani has received honors from the French National Order of the Legion of Honor and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

“As a trustee, donor, alumnus and distinguished faculty member, Ray Irani has been a pivotal partner — and beloved member — of the USC community for more than six decades,” said President C. L. Max Nikias in a statement released by USC News. “Dr. Irani’s most recent gift helps assure that the USC Village will provide the world-class living and learning environment that our outstanding students deserve, while nurturing their intellectual, creative and personal growth.”