David and Dana Dornsife speak on philanthropy

Dana and David Dornsife, longtime benefactors of the university, hosted an event Wednesday evening that discussed their experiences while traveling to rural villages in Africa. Hundreds of USC students, faculty and guests gathered at USC’s Town and Gown to hear about their philanthropic mission.

Both Dornsifes have dedicated themselves to helping those less fortunate gain access to resources. With the cooperation of World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization, the Dornsifes have made a striking difference in the villages they visited.

In 2009, the couple was providing clean water to about 2,000 people. Now, by using  up-to-date technology and with World Vision’s support, they supply valuable health practices to a new person every 30 seconds. Their work has provided water to more than 10 African countries, helping 4.5 million people. In 2014, the Dornsifes aim to aid another 1.4 million people.

The event began with an introduction of the couple by President C. L. Max Nikias.

Dana Dornsife informed the audience of the struggles many Africans face in regard to water, sanitation and hygiene: the three main components of their organization’s focus. The Dornsifes went on to explain the remarkable difference they’ve made for many of the villages in Africa and mentioned that their work helped a village build a well in one week, which would have taken the locals two years. The well provides an entire village with clean water.

The Dornsifes have also resolved to implement long-term solutions through their charity work.

“Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability — I cannot repeat this enough,” Dana Dornsife said. “Hopefully in five years we [will] have rural villages in Africa standing on their own two feet.”

Larissa Purnell, a sophomore majoring in business administration, said the Dornsifes’ presentation inspired her.

“It’s incredible what a huge impact an NGO can have on the world,” Purnell said. “As a business major, having speakers like Dana and David come to USC, it inspires [me] to pursue social entrepreneurship endeavors myself. It reinforces my passion.”

Many people in the audience shared Purnell’s view on the presentation. Steven Lamy, professor of international relations at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and vice dean for academics programs professor, said the Dornsifes were a positive influence on the USC community.

“Seeing the Dornsifes donate their own lives to make a difference in the world is incredible and should be an example for USC students,” Lamy said. “This is a ‘Fight On’ for something that matters.”

Sinjib Sato, a junior majoring in business administration, was shocked to learn how dilapidated the sanitation situation in Africa was.

“Learning that a child dies every 21 seconds from sanitation issues really resonates with you,” Sato said.

He also noted how people in the United States don’t often appreciate the value of basic amenities.

“Being at USC and in America, we take a lot of things for granted … You just don’t realize how bad things are,” Sato said.

David Dornsife noted there’s still work left to be done, and pointed out that anyone in the audience was capable of helping.

“The world needs a lot of work. So, if you want to help, you’re on, babe,” David Dornsife said.