September 2, 2021
usc alumni association
Volunteer Recognition Awards
The President’s Awards are presented to individuals in recognition of exemplary leadership, service, achievement and overall contributions to the University of Southern California.
The Volunteer Organization of the Year Award is given to a USC alumni organization in recognition of extraordinary efforts to engage USC alumni lifelong and worldwide and build a culture of philanthropy among the Trojan Family.
The Volunteer Friend of the Year Award is given to USC faculty or staff members in recognition of outstanding support of alumni volunteers in their work.
The Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awards recognize USC volunteers for their loyalty, support and dedication to the university, the community and beyond.
USC Volunteer Recognition Dinner
Welcome
Patrick E. Auerbach EdD ’08
Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations
John Iino JD ’87
President, USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
Presentation of the Organization of the Year Award
Presentation of the Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awards
Presentation of the Volunteer Friend of the Year Award
Presentation of the President’s Awards
President’s Award
Tom Henkenius ’00, MS ’19
Tom Henkenius is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ Trojans. A longtime member of the USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association (USC Lambda) Board of Directors, he served as the 2019-2021 board president. During his tenure, Henkenius played an integral role in raising money for scholarships. He helped organize USC Lambda’s 2021 Scholarship Benefit—a virtual celebration of distinguished LGBTQ+ alumni—that surpassed its fundraising goal, thanks to online contributions from LGBTQ+ and ally Trojans, friends and supporters. Now serving as immediate past president of the USC Lambda board, Henkenius will co-chair the organization’s 30th anniversary gala in 2022.
Henkenius also volunteers his time and talent with the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors. He co-chairs the board’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and serves on its Executive Committee.
An innovative digital content leader and Emmy Award-winning journalist, Henkenius is the principal partner at Thunder Communications, a content strategy and production company. He is also director of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) degree programs in digital marketing and graphic design, and teaches courses at FIDM in design thinking and digital trends.
Henkenius earned undergraduate degrees in political science and broadcast journalism from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, respectively. He also holds a master’s in integrated design, business and technology from the USC Iovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation.
President’s Award
Carmen Herrera ’89
Carmen Herrera is an entrepreneur and former corporate executive who has been giving back to USC and the Trojan Family for more than 20 years.
In 2010, Herrera became a member of the USC Latino Alumni Association (LAA) Corporate Advisory Council. Currently serving as the council chair, Herrera draws upon her professional expertise to help raise scholarship funds for Latino students attending USC. She has also served on numerous LAA committees over the years, including the 45th Annual Scholarship Gala committee, and devotes her time and energy to mentoring students.
As well as volunteering for LAA, Herrera has been a member of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors since 2018 and is presently serving on the Executive Committee. Developing the alumni leadership pipeline is a priority for Herrera, who regularly serves on panels and hosts events to cultivate the next generation of alumni leaders. In addition, Herrera served on the committees for the 87th Annual USC Alumni Awards, the 2018 Alumni Leadership Conference, and the Class of 1989 30th Reunion.
Professionally, Herrera worked at the Sempra Energy family of companies for nearly 19 years. In 2007, she became the first Latina to hold the position of director at this Fortune 500 company. Herrera is now launching Vida For Vitality, a juice enterprise focused on providing supplemental support for brain health in underserved communities.
Herrera earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the USC Marshall School of Business. She is also a certified public accountant.
President’s Award
Janet Harris Tonkovich ’64
Janet Harris Tonkovich is a thirdgeneration Californian and Trojan. Her local family history dates to the birth of her maternal grandmother, Ruth Dallman Launer, in 1892. When Launer graduated from USC in 1916, she purchased her graduation gown—and launched a family tradition. Since that time, family members have worn that gown in more than 40 USC graduation ceremonies.
The proud parent of three USC alumni—Diane ’92, Matt ’93 and Greg ’94, MS ’01—Tonkovich became an active volunteer in Greek life while her children attended USC. Most notably, she served as the president of both the Intersorority and Interfraternity Parents clubs, as well as a representative to the Greek Coordinating Council. In recognition of her outstanding service, the Greek honor society Order of Omega presented Tonkovich the John Hubbard Award for Continued Alumni Leadership.
Tonkovich has also devoted her energies to the university’s alumnae (women’s) groups. She served on the Alumnae Coordinating Council and as president of the Trojan Guild of Orange County. Her other affiliations include Town & Gown of USC and Trojan League of Orange County.
An enthusiastic member of the Half Century Trojans (HCT) Board of Directors since 2015, Tonkovich served as board president during the 2020-2021 academic year. She previously served as the HCT recording secretary.
A USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences alumna, Tonkovich received the Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award for dedicated service in 1994. Earlier this year, she was elected to the Skull and Dagger Society, USC’s oldest honor society.
Volunteer Friend of the Year Award
Kim Thomas-Barrios ’84 Associate Senior Vice President of USC Educational Partnerships
Kim Thomas-Barrios, who has worked in education for more than 38 years, was hired in 2002 to direct the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative (USC McMorrow NAI). She continues to manage the initiative, which is among the seven programs and initiatives in the portfolio of the USC Educational Partnerships department.
The USC McMorrow NAI is a university-developed college access and success program focused on the South and East Los Angeles neighborhoods where USC’s two major campuses reside. Eligibility for the program begins in the 6th grade for students (scholars) who attend partner schools in the community. Those who complete the 7-year program and are accepted to USC as freshmen or transfer students are eligible for a fully funded financial aid package. Since USC McMorrow NAI’s first graduating class in 1997, over 1,300 scholars have graduated the program and received acceptances to college. Over 80% start as freshmen at four-year colleges, and over 40% have attended USC as freshmen or transfer students.
In addition to the USC McMorrow NAI, Thomas-Barrios manages the USC Family of Schools network, the USC Community Computing Center, the USC Kid Watch program, the USC Kinder2College program, the USC Science Equipment Loan Program, and other USC outreach initiatives to the immediate community.
Thomas-Barrios began her career as a secondary science teacher at middle and high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She earned a BA in psychology from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Known as the “voice for the Asian Pacific Trojans worldwide,” the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association (APAA) has grown from a small group of volunteers raising student scholarship funds into one of the university’s most dynamic and diverse alumni organizations. APAA engages alumni and supporters through programming and events that celebrate the legacy and achievements of the Asian Pacific Trojan Family. These events run the gamut from professional mixers to cultural outings to APAA’s annual gala, which honors outstanding scholars and distinguished alumni. APAA also collaborates with USC schools and academic units to develop programming on topics relevant to Asian Pacific Trojans of all ages and backgrounds.
Increasing student scholarship support is central to the APAA mission. Over the years, APAA has grown its scholarship endowment to provide financial assistance to more USC students.
Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
In the 2020-2021 academic year, APAA awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to 80 USC undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrated a commitment to serving the Asian Pacific community. APAA leaders and volunteers also serve as mentors and trusted advisors to current students, as well as to young alumni.
Outreach is another top priority for APAA, which has established thriving volunteer committees in the Bay Area and Orange County to keep local Trojans connected to one another and engaged with USC. APAA volunteers have also strengthened ties with alumni across the United States and internationally, especially throughout Southeast Asia. In addition, APAA’s Young Alumni Council (YAC) provides opportunities and resources for alumni age 35 and younger to build their personal and professional networks. Next year, APAA will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its founding.
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Recipients
Amy Alderfer JD ’99
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
USC Gould Alumni Association: Executive Committee
Marissa Borjon MA ’10
USC Alumni Regional Leader: Texas
USC Annenberg Alumni Advisory Board
Robert Campos ’91
USC Interfraternity Parents Council Board
USC Latino Alumni Association Board of Directors
USC Trojan Marching Band Alumni Association Board of Directors
Priya Rana Kapoor ’93, MFTH ’06
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
USC Dornsife Gateway Internship Program
Chris Lord ’90
USC Marshall Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) Executive Board
USC Marshall MBA Program Career Coach/Mentor
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Recipients
David Moreno ’16
USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council
USC Latino Alumni Association: Young Leaders Council
USC Young Alumni Council
Ann Chambers Palmer ’75
Town & Gown of USC Trojan Affiliates
Trojan Guild of Los Angeles
Charlene Shimada ’91, EdD ’19
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
USC Rossier School of Education Board of Councilors
Victoria Graveline Waiss ’91
Class of 1991 30th Reunion Committee Co-Chair
USC Marshall Alumni Association Board of Directors: OC Region
USC Marshall Volunteer Leadership Council
Cheri Lall Wechsler ’82, MS ’86
Alumnae Coordinating Council
Intersorority Parents Council
Trojan League of Orange County
Volunteer Recognition Dinner Sponsors
A very special thank you to our 2021 Volunteer Recognition Dinner sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Robert C. and Rachel Clifford
Bill and Leslie McMorrow
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association
USC Latino Alumni Association
Cardinal Sponsors
Robert, Kathleen and Devon Campos
Trojan Sponsors
Carmen Herrera
Eva and John Iino
Town & Gown of USC
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
USC Marshall School of Business
USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
USC Rossier School of Education
USC Gould School of Law
USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative
The USC Alumni Association is proud to acknowledge its Premier Partners
Our heartfelt congratulations to all of this evening's Volunteer Recognition Dinner honorees.
Thank you for your support and dedication to the Trojan Family!
Fight On!
Rachel '84 and Bob Clifford '85
Congratulations
to the
2021 USC Volunteer Recognition Dinner Awardees!
We are especially grateful for Kim Thomas-Barrios ’84, Volunteer Friend of the Year, whose ability to lead with strength and kindness has contributed to the enormous success of the Neighborhood Academic Initiative and impacted the lives of so many deserving students and their families. We are proud to celebrate and honor you today!
Fight On!
Bill & Leslie McMorrow
The USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association is honored to receive the 2021 Volunteer Organization of the Year award. Congratulations to all of our fellow honorees!
Congratulations to all of the Volunteer Recognition Award Honorees!
President's Awards
Tom Henkenius '00, MS '19
Janet Harris Tonkovich '64
V Volunteer Organization of the Year
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
V Volunteer Friend of the Year
Kim Thomas-Barrios '84
W Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awards
Amy Alderfer JD '99
Marissa Borjon MA '10
Robert Campos '91
Priya Rana Kapoor '93, MFTH '06
Chris Lord '90
David Moreno '16
Ann Chambers Palmer '75
Charlene Shimada '91, EdD '19
Victoria Graveline Waiss '91
Cheri Lall Wechsler '82, MS '86
Thank you for your leadership and Fight On!
Carmen Herrera '89
Congratulations to the USC Alumni Association on tonight's success and to all the honorees for their outstanding support of and dedication to the Trojan Family!
EVA AND JOHN IINO JD '87
Town & Gown of USC salutes all of the 2021 honorees
A warm congratulations to Board of Director
Ann Chambers Palmer '75
Town & Gown of USC is a nonprofit philanthropic organization whose purpose is to support USC through scholarships for students, building and campus enhancements, and cultural programs.
We salute our USC Dornsife alumni and friends on their Volunteer Recognition Awards!
PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
TOM HENKENIUS ’00, MS ’19
JANET TONKOVICH ’64
WIDNEY ALUMNI HOUSE VOLUNTEER AWARDS
ROBERT CAMPOS ’91
PRIYA RANA KAPOOR ’93, MFTH ’06
DAVID MORENO ’16
VOLUNTEER FRIEND OF THE YEAR AWARD
KIM THOMAS-BARRIOS ’84
Congratulations to all of the honorees!
Giving Meaning to Giving Back
USC Marshall congratulates our outstanding volunteers and friends across the Trojan Family.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Carmen Herrera ’89
WIDNEY ALUMNI HOUSE VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Robert Campos ’91
Victoria Graveline Waiss ’91
ank you to our Marshall Trojans and all the honorees. We are grateful for your support!
Dean AndrewT. Guzman and USC Gould School of Law
Congratulate
Amy Alderfer JD '99
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Honoree
School of Law
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative Board of Councilors congratulates
Kim Thomas-Barrios '84
2021 Volunteer Friend of the Year
We honor your passionate committment to education and community support. Your remarkable accomplishments inspire us all.
FIGHT ON!
My heartfelt congratulations to my dear friends and colleagues on receiving their distinguished awards.
Thank you for your dedicated service and love for USC!
President's Awards
Tom Henkenius '00, MS '19
Carmen Herrera '89
Janet Harris Tonkovich '64
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awards
Robert Campos '91
Priya Rana Kapoor '93, MFTH '06
Ann Chambers Palmer '75
Cheri Lall Wechsler '82, MS '86
Volunteer Friend of the Year
Kim Thomas-Barrios '84
Volunteer Organization of the Year
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Cheers to all of the other honorees for your enthusiastic service as well. You are an inspiration to all of us!
Fight On!
Christine Marie Ofiesh '74
Every day, devoted volunteers in our town give amazing gifts of resources and time to help our neighbors grow stronger. We offer our appreciation to the 2021 USC Volunteer Award Honorees for their unlimited spirit and contribution to USC. It’s this heartfelt connection that can make a difference in our community and beyond. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/LA.
Mercer wishes a warm congratulations to all the 2021 Volunteer Recognition Award honorees
Congratulations, Captain Carmen!
Your loving crew, Annie, Chuck, Lawrence and Rich
Congratulations to all Volunteer Recognition Award Honorees!
Your accomplishments continue to inspire us.
Fight On!
Elsie ’82 and Rod Nakamoto ’83, MBA ’94
USC Trojan Guild of Los Angeles proudly salutes and congratulates our dear member and friend Ann Chambers Palmer '75.
Your dedication and commitment to the Trojan Family is truly inspiring.
Cheers and Congratulations to all the other amazing 2021 Volunteer Recogntion Dinner honorees.
Your passion and energy are an inspiration to us all!
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”
USC Credit Union congratulates the volunteers today for your dedicated service to our family—the Trojan Family.
Martin Luther King Jr.
USC Half Century Trojans congratulate JanetHarrisTonkovich'64 for your leadership and dedication to our university Fight On!
USC Trojan Affiliates warmly congratulates our President
Ann Chambers Palmer '75
Fight On!
Congratulations to all the 2021 USC Volunteer Recognition Dinner honorees and especially to:
President’s Award honoree Janet Tonkovich '64
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award honorees
Robert Campos '91, Ann Chambers Palmer '75, and Cheri Lall Wechsler '82, MS '86
Lots of Trojan Love from the families of: Jane Bensussen, Lois Booth, Jerry Ensom, Edie Etmekjian, Kate Farlow, Chris Gregg, Sandi Hampar, Sandy Johnston, Sue McKeever, Marcia Montez, Cheryl Schwartz, and Ayuko Siegel
Build Alumni Connections
Visit FightOnline.usc.edu
• Reconnect with classmates using our enhanced directory
• Register for virtual or in-person alumni events
• Personalize your profile and find common ground with fellow Trojans by sharing your student activities and affiliations
• Request your lifelong alumni email address
• Find alumni who live in your area or share your interests—in one of our FightOnline Communities
It’s easier than ever to make a connection with another member of the Trojan Family—lifelong and worldwide.
THANK ALUMNI
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for USC, our Trojan Family and your communities. You make USC.
Save the Date!
October 2, 2021 @Colorado Weekender
October 7-10, 2021 Trojan Family Weekend
October 22-23, 2021 @Notre Dame Weekender
October 29-31, 2021 Reunion Weekend
October 30, 2021 Homecoming
October 31, 2021 Fight On! Virtual 5k
November 6, 2021 @Arizona State Weekender
November 12-13, 2021 @Cal Weekender
February 17, 2022
March 8, 2022
March 12, 2022
Half Century Trojans Going Back to College Day
USC Women’s Conference
USC Latino Alumni Association Scholarship Gala
March 12, 2022 USC Alumni Day of SCervice
April 1, 2022
April 9, 2022
April 14, 2022
April 23, 2022
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship & Awards Gala
USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association Scholarship Benefit
USC Black Alumni Association Scholarship Gala
88th Annual USC Alumni Awards