guided or lectured on anthropology, art history, biological sciences, Building, the Hedco Auditorium, and the Hedco Petroleum and classics, earth sciences, East Asian studies and cultures, environmental Chemical Molecular Biology Laboratories. studies, history, international relations, philosophy, political science, Ester was keenly interested in following the neurosciences. After she religion and while we were in Peru, we spoke Spanish — all discibecame wheelchair-bound, she asked David to attend the annual conferplines of USC Dornsife,” David said. ences in the neuroscience buildings on behalf of the family. “While atTraveling the world, the Dornsifes know firsthand the significance of tending these events, I got to know several of the professors very well, having access to the wide range of academic disciplines of USC Dornsife. finding their research fascinating and my association with them enjoy“History is critical,” David said. “Understanding the arts and how able,” David said. the Earth formed is essential. Gaining knowledge of the political imAlong with David’s sister Dody, the next big step in their alliance plications of different societies with USC was the naming of two professorand how it informs political and ships in the neurosciences in memory of economic systems is of great their parents: the Ester P. Dornsife Chair in consequence. Learning about Biological Sciences, held by Norman the lost civilizations in CamboArnheim, and the Harold W. Dornsife Chair dia and observing Angkor Wat in Neurosciences, held by Irving Biederman. and what happened there — all “In getting to know Norm and Irv, I soon of this is vitally important to our realized that their work would greatly beneglobal community and helps our fit from the addition of an imaging center on students be better citizens and campus,” David said. In 2003, Dana and world changers.” David provided the lead gift to establish the USC will also create a new state-of-the-art Dana and David Dornsife Dornsife Scholars Program to Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging Center in recognize outstanding graduatUSC Dornsife that houses a powerful brainDana and David Dornsife are honored ing seniors from USC Dornsife imaging scanner. with a plaque at the entrance to the who pursue scholarly inquiry The center also was pivotal to USC DornBovard Administration Building. sife’s successful recruitment of pioneering neuroscientists Antonio Damasio and Hanna Damasio. The Dornsifes provided funding “We think this is a to endow chairs for the Damasios: Antonio holds the David Dornsife Chair in Neuroand we are excited about the energy that we see and feel. science and Hanna the Dana Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience. We believe in our hearts that what is going to happen here In 2008, Dana and David were the guest at USC in the years to come will be nothing short of speakers at a Visions and Voices signature ” event: “Safari of the Soul: The Quest for Water . in Africa.” “After the lecture we were inun—DAVID DORNSIFE dated by students who wanted to help others and asked us how to take the next steps. Dana and progress on pressing social challenges for the nation and the and I are amazed and excited about what’s happening with this generaworld. The new Dornsife Scholar designation joins the university’s tion,” David said. The Dornsifes marvel at how today’s students want to make a differ- current undergraduate recognition programs, including: Renaissance Scholars, Discovery Scholars and Global Scholars. ence in the world at such an early age. David recalled that he was 38 “The more that we do, the more that we get involved, the more that or 39 when he first traveled to Africa. “I have been to Africa about 30 we are enriched by others and new experiences,” Dana said. times since and we have helped to bring water to hundreds of thouThe Dornsifes wholly subscribe to the philosophy of the more you sands of people through World Vision,” he said. “This is part of what it give the more you get back. means to be a citizen of the world.” “We think this is a tremendous opportunity and we are excited When visiting their home, it is abundantly clear that Dana and about the energy that we see and feel,” David said. “We believe in our David appreciate and embrace world cultures. hearts that what is going to happen here at USC in the years to come As diverse and worldly as the Dornsife home is, so is the gamut of will be nothing short of phenomenal.” their philanthropic leadership, which extends beyond water-drilling in For the Dornsifes, the university is eternally and profoundly Africa and includes research associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, the grateful. ■ Yosemite Conservancy, and support for those with end-stage cancer seeking medical breakthroughs through FDA clinical trials. Recently the Dornsifes completed a world tour through the SmithTo learn more about Dana and David Dornsife and to watch videos of the historic celebration, visit dornsife.usc.edu/dornsife. sonian that they liken to a bird’s-eye tour of USC Dornsife. “We were
tremendous opportunity
PHOTO BY STEVE COHN
phenomenal
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