USC BAA 48th Annual Scholarship Benefit: Afro Ball

Page 1

MISSION STATEMENT

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

REVEREND DR. THOMAS KILGORE, JR.

Founded in 1976 by Reverend Dr. Thomas Kilgore, Jr., the USC Black Alumni Association (BAA) is a leadership network established to strengthen the legacy of educational attainment and excellence of USC’s Black students. The BAA provides scholarship assistance, career mentoring and cultural advocacy through alumni networking, volunteer involvement, philanthropy and social enterprise.

2024 HONOREES

CELEBRATING 48 YEARS OF SCHOLARSHIP, LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP

OUTSTANDING BLACK ALUMNA AWARD

OUTSTANDING BLACK ALUMNUS AWARD

PROGRAM

USCBAA 48TH ANNUAL AFRO BALL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT

1 OPENING PERFORMANCE

Jazz Hands for Autism

Marshall Dance Company

Cardinal Divas of USC

2 INVOCATION

Reverend Dr. Brandon Harris Associate Dean, USC Religious and Spiritual Life

3 BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM

Christy Heath

4 WELCOME

Jasmine Taylor ’99 Executive Director, USC Black Alumni Association

5 SPECIAL REMARKS

The Honorable Karen Bass MSW ’15 Mayor of Los Angeles

6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

8 REMARKS

Donald Dean ’90 and Bryanna Wallace ’19 Co-Chairs, USC BAA Scholarship

Benefit Committee

9 GIFT PRESENTATION

Lisha Bell ’01

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Upsilon Chapter (alumnae)

Simeon Stewart ’97, MBA ’17 and iAsia Brown MBV ’23 USC Black Alumni Association Advisory Council Members

7 2023-24 BAA YEAR IN REVIEW

Jasmine Taylor ’99 Executive Director, USC Black Alumni Association

Candace House and Jevon Marco-Walls Torres 2023 BT20 Honorees

Donald Dean ’90 and Bryanna Wallace ’19

Jasmine Taylor ’99 AFTER

Music Provided by DJ Mal-Ski and DJ Mr. Quick

Kyle Webb MBA ’16 Partner, Webb Investments and Silver Creek Modular

Ray Wimley featuring Drum Nasty

Reginald

’76

, ChemTrans, Inc.,

’88

Jaqueline Randall Daughter of Dr. John Brooks Slaughter OUTSTANDING

Ayanna Howard MS ’94, PhD ’99 Dean, The Ohio State University College of Engineering Member, National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee OUTSTANDING

Prentice

’95

REMARKS 16
CLOSING
PARTY 17
BAA COUNCIL CHAIR REMARKS 10
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE 11
CALL TO ACTION 12
DR. JOHN BROOKS SLAUGHTER TRIBUE 13
Lathan
CEO
USC Black Alumni Council Honorary Advisory Board Member
Wanda M. Austin PhD
USC Life Trustee
ALUMNA AWARD 14
ALUMNUS AWARD 15
Penny For Your Thoughts Entertainment
CONTINUED
Penny
Writer, Director, Producer A
PROGRAM

WELCOME

FROM THE SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT CO-CHAIRS

DONALD DEAN ’90

BRYANNA WALLACE ’19

Co-Chair Scholarship Benefit Committee Co-Chair Scholarship Benefit Committee

MESSAGE

FROM SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT CO-CHAIRS

Dear Trojan Family and Friends,

On behalf of the Scholarship Benefit Committee we welcome you to the 48th Annual USC Black Alumni Association (BAA) Scholarship Benefit - Afro Ball!

Tonight’s theme is ‘Empowering Minds, Illuminating Futures’- acelebration of intellect, ambition, prowess, and the boundless potential of our future leaders.

So tonight, we encourage you to take a moment to bask in the achievements of those that will grace this stage, but also the individuals and supporters around you. We extend gratitude for those whose generosity has made this evening possible. And let us not forget the silent champions who stand in the wings—the mentors, educators, and loved ones—who have nurtured, guided, and believed in the dreams of those we highlight tonight.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Let us wield this weapon with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering resolve, knowing that through the transformative power of education and community, we can build a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow for all.

Today, the BAA has awarded over $5 million to support more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. This achievement would not have been possible without the full support of the alumni body, our Trojan friends, and corporate partners.

We also want to extend our appreciation and sincere thanks to our 2024 Scholarship Benefit Committee: Daniel Atwater MCG '10, iAsia Brown MBV ’ 23, Dennis Earls' 98, Isadore Hall ML ’10, McKenzie Neely-Wright, Debbie Patillo ’84, James M. Ward III ’11, with BAA staff Jasmine Taylor '99, and Faithe Clary!

WELCOME

FROM USCBAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JASMINE

MESSAGE FROM JASMINE TAYLOR

Welcome to the 48th Annual Scholarship Benefit, where we gather to celebrate and honor remarkable individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our communities and our world. Tonight, we proudly recognize the achievements of Ayanna Howard MS ’94, PhD ’99, and Prentice Penny ’95, individuals whose dedication to excellence and innovation inspire us all.

This year, we are particularly honored to acknowledge the recent transformation at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s Center for Engineering Diversity This transformation is more than just a change in name; it represents a profound commitment to diversity, excellence, and equity—a commitment embodied by the esteemed Dr. John Brooks Slaughter. Dr. Slaughter, whose recent passing has left a void in our hearts, was a visionary leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come. The renaming of the center in his honor stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the USC community and beyond.

As we gather to celebrate the achievements of our honorees and pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Slaughter, we are reminded of the importance of continuing his work. Since its founding in 1976 by Rev. Dr. Thomas Kilgore Jr., the USC Black Alumni Association (BAA) has been a steadfast advocate for educational attainment and excellence among USC's Black students. Through scholarship assistance, career mentoring, and cultural advocacy, the BAA continues to empower and uplift future generations of Black Trojans.

At the heart of the BAA's mission is a commitment to fostering the most ethnically diverse and inclusive experience for USC students, alumni, and supporters. Through leadership, networking, and shared values, we strive to honor the legacy, contributions, and participation of Black Trojans in the university and alumni communities.

Tonight, as we celebrate our honorees and pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Slaughter, let us recommit ourselves to the values of diversity, excellence, and equity Together, we can continue to build a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Thank you for joining us in this celebration.

Sincerely,

Jasmine Taylor

Executive Director USC Black Alumni Association

HONOREE OF THE USCBAA SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT

OUTSTANDING BLACK ALUMNA AWARD

AYANNA

HOWARD MS ’94, PhD ’99

Dean, College of Engineering

The Ohio State University

Member, National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee

BIOGRAPHY

HONOREE

AYANNA HOWARD MS ’94, PhD ’99

Dr. Ayanna Howard is an innovator, entrepreneur, leader, and international expert in robotics and AI. She is also the author of the best selling audiobook – Sex, Race, and Robots : How to be Human in the Age of AI. Currently, Dr. Howard is the Dean of Engineering at The Ohio State University and Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean's Chair.

Prior to Ohio State, Dr. Howard was the Chair of the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech. Previously, she was at NASA's JPL where she held the title of Senior Robotics Researcher and Deputy Manager in the Office of the Chief Scientist. Her research encompasses advancements in AI, assistive technologies, and robotics, and has resulted in over 275 publications. At NASA, she worked on future Mars rover mission technologies. Now, she works on projects ranging from pediatric robots to mitigating bias in AI.

Dr. Howard’s unique accomplishments have been highlighted through a number of awards and articles, including highlights in Vanity Fair, USA Today, and TIME Magazine, as well as recognition as one of the 23 most powerful women engineers in the world by Business Insider. She is a Fellow of IEEE, AAAI, AAAS, the National Academy of Inventors, and elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She regularly advises on issues concerning robotics, AI, and workforce development. She is a media expert source for venues such as CNN and NPR and has been featured in various interviews hosted by places like PBS, Discovery Channel, and Huffington Post.

OUTSTANDING BLACK ALUMNUS AWARD HONOREE OF THE USCBAA SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT Writer, Producer, Director A Penny For Your Thoughts Entertainment USC School of Cinematic Arts PRENTICE PENNY ’95

BIOGRAPHY

HONOREE

Prentice Penny is an Emmy nominated, Peabody, and Golden Globe winning writer-director-producer. Penny is best known for his role as showrunner and frequent director for HBO’s hit award-winning comedy “Insecure.” The culture-shifting series wrapped a successful 5-season run that earned rave reviews and is currently at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for its farewell season. The series has garnered awards recognition: 12 Emmy nominations, Peabody Awards, TCA, AFI and

Up next, Penny is set to direct Universal Pictures’ NEW KID, based on the #1 New York Times bestseller, which he will also produce through his company, A Penny For Your Thoughts Entertainment. Through his production company, Penny also co-created “Pause with Sam Jay,” HBO’s new Late-Night Show with ‘SNL’ writer Sam Jay. Penny is set to release his first docu-series next year for Onyx Collective/Hulu entitled “A People’s History of Black Twitter” based on the Wired article of the same name. He is also scheduled to direct his first comedy pilot for Onyx entitled “Not Cops” in the spring of 2024. Penny’s past credits are co-executive producing the Golden Globe-winning comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” supervising producer for cult favorite “Happy Endings”, along with working on the hit series “Scrubs” and the seminal sitcom

In addition to TV, Penny wrote and directed, the Netflix film UNCORKED, starring Mamoudou Athie, Niecy Nash and Courtney B. Vance. The film earned rave reviews and became Netflix’s #1 movie in the week of its

PERFORMERS

USCBAA AFRO BALL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT OPENING PERFORMANCES

PERFORMANCES BY CARDINAL DIVAS AND JUSTKING & BAND

BIOGRAPHY

PERFORMERS

CARDINAL DIVAS OF SC

The Cardinal Divas of SC is the first and only majorette team at the University of Southern California. The team was created by Princess Isis Lang in 2022. The team quickly gained national press and attention, receiving support from celebrities like Saweetie. The Cardinal Divas have been featured in press outlets such as The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Ebony, Essence, and more. The team has also made appearances on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Sports Center, and have performed at The Hollywood Bowl.

Majorette is a style of dance originated at HBCUs that brings jazz, Western African, and ballet aesthetics together. Now, we are bringing that culture and history to USC with pride and passion. Our mission is to promote the art of majorette dance and inspire young women to pursue their passion for dance. We are committed to this mission no matter what. Through it all, The Cardinal Divas of SC fight on!

JUSTKING & BAND

JustKing Jones is a Jamaican Saxophonist and Producer from New Jersey. This versatile artist's unforgettable sound has brought him all around the world for tours and performances with Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Gorillaz, Yasiin Bey, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Talib Kweli, as well as features with Grammy award winning artists such as Bilal.

PERFORMANCES BY

CHRISTY HEATH AND MARSHALL DANCE COMPANY

BIOGRAPHY

PERFORMERS

Christy Heath, a native of Los Angeles, California, embodies the city's vibrancy through her lifelong passion for music and community service. As a Customer Service Supervisor at the US Postal Service, she excels in connecting with people and delivering excellence. Christy's unexpected musical performance at an event celebrating Black heritage stamps showcased her powerful voice and left a lasting impression. Despite her busy career, Christy prioritizes her family and faith, finding strength and purpose in her role as a mother and her spiritual connection with God. Her magnetic personality, dedication, and undeniable talent continue to inspire all who

Marshall Dance Company’s mission is to preserve, present and enhance the Katherine Dunham philosophy. Dedicated to maintaining Ms. Dunham’s unique artistic, social and scholarly legacy, Marshall Dance Company engages with the community through offering high quality performances, teaching, work with schools;

Dance is an important part of human expression and a powerful means for communication across cultures and MDC is founded on the belief that community outreach and educational programs are central to our work. Marshall Dance Company helps recognize, celebrate, appreciate and honor the contributions that ethnic or cultural minorities have made to

PERFORMERS

USCBAA AFRO BALL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT

ANNOUNCER JAMES MATHIS III

PERFORMANCES BY RAY WIMLEY AND DRUM NASTY

MUSIC PROVIDED BY DJ MR. QUICK AND DJ MAL-SKI

BIOGRAPHY

PERFORMERS

DASHAUN QUICK EVINS (A.K.A MR. QUICK)

Mr. Quick, a native of Los Angeles, began his journey as a freelance DJ-Air Personality in 1984, quickly gaining recognition for his talent. Throughout college from 1988 to 1991, he served as a Radio Personality and Program Director. With a BA in Sociology & African American Studies from UC Santa Barbara and continued studies at Morehouse College, he solidified his place as an Industry Heavyweight. In 1998, he gained international acclaim headlining a 7-Month International Tour in Sydney, Australia. Returning to the US, he founded Q-20 Entertainment, expanding his influence. Notable performances include the Nike's Lebron James "More Than a Game" Tour and the "SPRITE STEP-OFF II" national tour. Alongside his entertainment career, he's served in education, currently as CEO of CEAD, aiding low-income youth. A member of ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC., he's dedicated to community service, reflecting a rich legacy of excellence spanning over three decades.

PRONOUCED MALL-SKEE)

DJ Mal-Ski, heralded as the NEW World's Greatest Entertainer, is a Long Beach native whose musical journey has transcended cultures and genres, earning him global acclaim. His performances alongside icons like Stevie Wonder and Snoop Dogg solidify his status as one of the most influential DJs nationally. As the "Official DJ" for prestigious events like The Super Bowl and The Final Four, and with roles as the USC Trojans & LA Sparks' official DJ, his impact reverberates on grand stages. A Stellar-nominated producer with hits for artists like Eric Bellinger and Lecrae, DJ Mal-Ski also founded "Club Hope," a touring phenomenon. Known for breaking hits like Ella Mai’s Boo’d Up, his residencies at elite venues and TikTok sensation "We Outside" showcase his diverse talents. Television appearances on NBC's Jay Leno and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel highlight his magnetic on-screen presence, confirming DJ Mal-Ski's unparalleled musical prowess and enduring influence.

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

FRESHMAN

Samuel Amir Bell, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

SOPHMORE

Oluwaseun Aladegbami, Computer Engineering and Computer Science

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Madison Ashby, Architecture

USC School of Architecture

Kendall Bradwell

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Xavier Davis

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Jenae Edwards

USC School of Architecture

Mitchell Gray, Psychology

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Darcy Hatcher, Media Arts and Practice

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Starr Hinton, Computer Engineering and Computer Science

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Eman Jemal, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Haddy Kebbeh, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Abigail (Abitha) Nunis, Economics

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SOPHMORE

Zen Phillpots, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Murleve Roberts, Writing for Screen & Television

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Khalil Siddeeq, Narrative Studies

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Jordan Willis, Communications

USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism

Shanae Wise, Theatre

USC School of Dramatic Arts

JUNIOR

Samuel Amir Bell, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Yvonne Abedi, Journalism/Specialized Journalism

USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism

Dominick Adunagow, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Angel Ahabue, Art

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Bitiyah Asalifew, Business Administration

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Lauren Blake, Lifespan Health

USC Keck School of Medicine

George Bolis, Computer Science & Business Administration

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

JUNIOR

Aerica Chambers, Business Administration

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Racheal Amir, Chatman, Biomedical Engineering

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Kennedy Coats, African American Studies

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Etienne Codjia, Business Administration

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Miles Collins, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Mariam Darboe, Communications

USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism

Kizzyah Dorant, Human Biology

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Kymia Freeman, Public Relations

USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism

Alex Gee

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Loza Gebremariam, Computer Science and Business Administration

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Corey Gifft, Theatre

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Kole Greene, Writing for Screen and Television

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Ajani Harris, Vocal Arts

USC Thornton School of Music

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

JUNIOR

Marlasia Hewett, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Hayden Hurt, English

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Simone Jackson, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Earicka Jones, Communications

USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism

Kirrah Lewis, Public Relations

USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism

Alex Mainvielle, Accounting

USC Marshall School of Business / Levanthal School of Accounting

Jasmine Moore, Political Science

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Summer Mosley, Social Psychology

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Rachel Osei - Nsafoah, Health and Human Sciences

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Steven Parson, Philosophy, Politics & Law

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Jordan Patton, Sociology

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Keshell Phillips, Music Performance

USC Thornton School of Music

Naomi Poe, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

JUNIOR

Madison Price, Computer Science

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Cole Thrasher, Social Sciences, Economics

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Aishat Tiamiyu, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Ayonnah Tinsley, Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation

USC Iovine and Young Academy

Kipauno Washington, Economics & Data Science

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Jaylah Wilson, Political Science

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Joshua Wilson, Popular Music Performance

USC Thornton School of Music

Feben Worku

USC Marshall School of Business

SENIOR

Aissatou Balde, Public Policy

USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

Maggie Bass

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Anicka Delgado, Business Administration - Marketing

USC Marshall School of Business

Briana Downs, Cinematic Arts

USC School of Cinematic Arts

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

SENIOR

Bryneé Evans, Psychology

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Kaitelyn Haynes, Architecture

USC School of Architecture

Candace House, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Kamilah Jones, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Trinity Lee

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Tariq Ligon Business Administration - Finance

USC Marshall School of Business

Christina Longmire, Global Health

USC Keck School of Medicine

Nia Marshal, Arts Technology and the Business of Innovation

USC Iovine and Young Academy

Dami Olatunji, Business & Cinematic Arts, Social Sciences & Psychology

USC Dornsife College of Letters & Science

Siaunna Respress, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Adenike Taylor

USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Science

Elliot Walker, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

Nia Walker, Business Administration

USC Marshall School of Business

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

SENIOR

Sunamawit Yimer, Computer Science & Business Administration

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

GRADUATE

Joseph Agboola, Master of Fine Arts, Producing for Film, Television and New Media

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Caitlin Autry, Law

USC Gould School of Law

Joshua Caaiquo, Occupational Therapy

USC Ostrow School of Dentistry

Christian Carwardine, Integrated Design, Business and Technology

USC Iovine and Young Academy

Titania Davis, Social Work

USC Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

James Dodd, Communication Management

USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Jessica Ekeya, Medicine

USC Keck School of Medicine

Mai-Yen Fritz

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Alexia Gonzalez, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration

USC Rossier School of Education

Maynard Hearns, Mechanical Engineering; Product Development Engineering

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Samantha Johnson, Public Administration

USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

2023-24 STUDENT SCHOLARS

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

GRADUATE

Shannon Jordan, Medicine

USC Keck School of Medicine

Maliz Mahop, Public Diplomacy

USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Shari McLean, Social Entrepreneurship

USC Marshall School of Business

La Reva Myles, Specialized Journalism

USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Antonio Okeke, Public Policy

USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

Christen Richardson, Law

USC Gould School of Law

Kemisha Roston, Education, Educational Leadership

USC Rossier School of Education

Brittany Shaw, Public Health

USC Keck School of Medicine

Wayne Tucker

USC Marshall School of Business

Jordan Vertison-Hardy, Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Yasna Vismale, Screen Scoring

USC School of Cinematic Arts

LEADERSHIP

USC BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

USC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Jasmine Taylor ’99 Executive Director

Faithe Clary Associate Director

USC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Nadine Watt ’94 President, Board of Directors

John Iino JD ’87

Interim, Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations

Danielle Harvey ’00, ML’ 19

Associate Vice President Alumni Relations

2024 SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT COMMITTEE

Donald Dean ’90 Co-Chair

Bryanna Wallace ’19 Co-Chair

Daniel Atwater MCG '10

iAsia Brown MBV ’ 23

Isadore Hall ML ’10

McKenzie Neely-Wright

Debbie Patillo ’84

James M. Ward III ’11

LEADERSHIP

BLACK ALUMNI ADVISORY COUNCIL (BAC)

Kyle Webb, MBA ’16

Chair

Darnell Bing ’13

iAsia Brown MBV ’23

Linda Burton ’82, ’85

Tasha Danvers ’02

Chris Baccus ’94

Ian Chestnut ’00

Donald Dean ’90

Dennis Earls ’98

Apollo Emeka ’09, DPPD ’20

Ron Evans ’95

Stephanie Farmer MHA ’95, MAT ’18

Gilbert Fletcher MCG ’18

Donna Gohlar ’14

Donovan Green ’87

Syreeta Greene ’99, MSW ’06, EDD ’16

Isadore Hall ML ’10

Cynthia Heard ’82

Nichola Hines ’95

Terri Holoman ’81

Raynell Huskey MCG ’19

Justin Lacey ’11

Sharoni Little, EdD ’12

Kerman Maddox MPA ’78

Rafael Matos ’01, MPAS ’05

Deborah Pattillo ’88

Wilma Pinder ’62

William Poole MS ’88

Rhonda Richards-Smith ’02

Kathryn M. Shirley ’97

Simeon Stewart II ’92, MBA ’17

LEADERSHIP

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY ADVISORY

Danny Bakewell, Jr.

Executive Editor and Chief of Staff

Los Angeles Sentinel

Raphael Henderson ’82 Vice President, General Banking

Wells Fargo

Lloyd McKinney ’80 Manager, Western Region General Procurement, Mission Systems Airborne C4ISR

Northrop Grumman

Gina Merritt DSW ’21 Owner

Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures LLC

Kiesha Nix Executive Director

Los Angeles Lakers Foundation

George Ramsey

Human Capital Management

Lockheed Martin

Anthony Williams MBA ’05 Vice President, Mobile Workforce

Smart Energy Water

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COUNCIL (YPC)

Bryanna Walllace ’19 Chair

LEADERSHIP

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COUNCIL (YPC)

Aria Aaron MBA ’21

Terrence Amenya ’22

Nathaniel Anderson

HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Sydney Kamlager-Dove ’14

Congresswoman

District 37, State of CA

Reginald Jones-Sawyer Sr. ’87

Assemblymember

District 59, State of CA

Reginald Lathan ’76 CEO

ChemTrans, Inc.

Reverend Cecil Murray Tansey Chair

USC School of Religion

Amber Blackwell ME ’23

Cody Bouldware ’12

Christian Bradley ’17, MA ’23

Jewel Conrad ’14

Chardae Davis ’14

Summer Fishman MA ’23

Terrell Green MS ’23

Breanna Hawkins ’11

Briana Oybude ’10

Amri Rigby ’19

Autumn Robinson ’18

Juri Taylor MBA ’23

Randall Telfar’14, MCG ’18

George Uduigwome ’21

James M. Ward III ’11

Nadiatu Watts MNLM ’23

Staci Young MCG ’18

YPC CAMPUS AND CORPORATE PARTNERS

McKenzie Neely-Wright

Area Manager - External and Legislative Affairs AT&T

Brittany Williams

Recruiting Assistant USC Athletics

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Aeva Beauty

Artistic LA

BBJ Linens

Black Nerd Coffee

Cardinal Divas of USC

Celaya Tequila

Colornet Press

Dancing Fire Entertainment

DJ Mal-Ski

DJ Mr. Quick

Don Baptiste Productions

Francis DeLoach - FDL Production

Kutula Lance Williams – FreeLance Photo Booth Rentals

Los Angeles Sentinel

Motev

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Nadiatu Watts

Nicole Dorsey

Posh 5 Productions

Red Carpet Systems

Terminal B

Town and Country

USC Advancement Communications

USC Alumni Association Events Team

USC Alumni Association Finance Team

USC Communications

USC Cultural Relations and University Events

USC School of Cinematic Arts

USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Vision Prompt

Yazmin Flowers

SPONSORS

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Congratulations to tonight’s Honorees!

You’re an inspiration to us all

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Y o u r d e d i c a t i o n t o e m p o w e r i n g m i n d s a n d i l l u m i n a t i n g f u t u r e s s e r v e s a s a g u i d i n g l i g h t f o r f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s o f T r o j a n s .

F i g h t O n !

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Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients.

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SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT

Congratulations to the honorees on their achievements and contributions to the community.

Ayanna Howard MS ’94, PhD ’99

Outstanding Black Alumna Award

Prentice Penny ’95

Outstanding Black Alumnus Award

SPONSORS

Board of Governors

The USC Alumni Association proudly supports the USC Black Alumni Association’s

48th Annual Scholarship Bene t

and congratulates this year’s distinguished honorees:

outstanding alumna award

Ayanna Howard MS ’94, PhD ’99

Dean, The Ohio State University College of Engineering Member, National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee

outstanding alumnus award

Prentice Penny ’95 Writer, Director, Producer

Nadine Watt MA ’94 President

USC Alumni Association Board of Governors

John Iino JD ’87

Interim Associate Senior Vice President Alumni Relations alumni.usc.edu

The 2024 USC Black Alumni Association Scholarship Benefit and tonight’s honorees for their unwavering commitment to the Trojan Family!

F i g h t O n ! U S C R O S S I E R S C H O O L O F E D U C A T I O N S A L U T E S

U.S. Bank strives to make a positive impact in the community. That’s why we support community events that bring us together for the greater good. When we work together, anything is possible.

U.S. Bank is proud to support USC Black Alumni Association .

Building a community of possible. Member FDIC. ©2022 U.S. Bank 736503c 6/22 usbank.com/communitypossible

SPONSORS

USC BLACK A MNI ASSOCIATION

Ronald Tutor Campus Center 3607 Trousdale Parkway, Suite 323 Los Angeles, CA 90089 alumni.usc.edu/baa 213-740-8342

SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARS

Consider donating a gift by texting “BAA” to 71777

Proceeds raised support scholarships and professional development programming

@USCBAA

#USCBAA

#USCAFROBALL

Uniting, Uplifting and Empowering Black Trojans since 1976

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