2024 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 Liaison of the Year Award is given to USC faculty or staff members in recognition of their 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.
Welcome Scott Rabenold
Senior Vice President for University Advancement
Erika Jordan ML ’18
Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations
Daniel Prince ’00, MA ’02
President, USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
Presentation of the Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awards
Presentation of the Volunteer Liaison of the Year Award
Dinner
Presentation of the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
Presentation of the President’s Awards
Musical Performance
“ The Spirit of Troy” Trojan Marching Band
President’s Award
Saul Alvarado ’00
Saul Alvarado is a dynamic volunteer leader with an unwavering dedication to the Trojan Family.
The immediate past chair of the USC Latino Alumni Association (LAA) Board of Directors, Alvarado has demonstrated his strategic leadership skills by revitalizing the board committees to better align with LAA’s strategic plan. He also established a new fundraising committee to boost LAA’s endowment. In 2024, LAA celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of events, including a record-breaking Scholarship Gala, which raised an unprecedented $1.3 million in one night.
Prior to his appointment as LAA’s board chair in 2022, Alvarado guided the group’s Scholarship Gala Committee through the challenges of the COVID crisis, ensuring continued support for deserving students. He also frequently serves as a mentor, as well as a speaker or panelist at events, to inspire the next generation of alumni leaders.
His commitment to the university is further demonstrated through his service on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors, the 2024 USC Alumni Association Transition Task Force and the 2024 Alumni Leadership Conference Planning Committee. Alvarado also co-chaired the 90th Annual USC Alumni Awards.
Professionally, Alvarado is the vice president of business partnerships at E&I Cooperative Services, where he drives strategic alliances to create financial success in education sectors across the country.
Outside of USC, Alvarado serves on the board of the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, and previously served on the board of the California Masonic Foundation.
Alvarado is a USC Sol Price School of Public Policy graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration.
President’s Award
Alex Blecksmith MBA ’12
Alex Blecksmith is beginning his fifth year as a member of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors, where he currently sits on the Executive Committee and co-chairs the Community Committee. Blecksmith finds supporting USC’s veterans and acting as a mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students to be the most rewarding part of his volunteer service.
Blecksmith joined Marshall Partners in 2008 and held numerous leadership posts, ultimately serving as the group’s vice chair until 2020. He was one of only three alumni representatives asked to serve on the Marshall Centennial Committee. Most recently, he chaired the Marshall Volunteer Leadership Council (MVLC) and was an ex-officio member of the Dean’s Board of Councilors. He has supported the Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program as an executive partner and mentor since the program’s 2013 inception.
Beyond USC, Blecksmith is founder and president of the J.P. Blecksmith Leadership Foundation, named after his brother, a Marine killed in Iraq in 2004. Blecksmith is a 14-year member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, where he’s now vice chair of the Music Committee. He also serves on the Advancement Committee at Flintridge Preparatory School.
Professionally, Blecksmith is an associate vice president at Colliers International, a firm he joined in 2005, where he focuses on the sale and leasing of industrial properties throughout the L.A. area.
Blecksmith graduated from Bucknell University and received his MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business. A SoCal native, he lives in Pasadena with his wife, Meredith, and their two children, Henry (7) and Charlotte (4).
President’s Award
Marilyn Tevriz Kezirian ’60, MS ’62
Marilyn Tevriz Kezirian has a distinguished record of volunteer leadership across USC alumnae groups. She was president of the Trojan Guild of Los Angeles and the Trojan League of Los Angeles, and held leadership positions in the Trojan Junior Auxiliary, Town & Gown of USC, the Alumnae Coordinating Council and the Association of Trojan Leagues. Kezirian also served on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors.
Kezirian, a SCion, was in Amazons (Helenes) and served as president of her Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. A USC Marshall School of Business undergraduate, she was selected “Outstanding Marketing Graduate of USC” by the American Marketing Association and inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma. After receiving her master’s from the USC Rossier School of Education, she briefly taught at her alma mater, L.A.’s John Marshall High School.
Outside USC, Kezirian has an exceptional record of community service. She was president of the Harvard School Parents Association and the first president of the Harvard-Westlake School Parents Association. She is a past president of the Los Angeles Panhellenic Alumnae Association and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee; a longtime member of the Nine O’Clock Players of the Assistance League of Los Angeles; and a former board member of The Beach Club. She served eight years on the American Medical Association Alliance’s national board, producing an anti-bullying PSA with USC Olympic Gold Medalist Lindsay Benko.
She is a member of Skull and Dagger, USC’s secret honor society.
Kezirian and her late husband, Aram Peter Kezirian, MD, raised five sons: the late A. Peter Jr. JD ’89, Michael (a USC Viterbi School of Engineering adjunct professor), Eric (a former Keck School of Medicine of USC professor), Stephen and Doug. She has six grandchildren.
President’s Award
Darlene Larson ’92
Darlene Larson is a proud USC Marshall School of Business graduate and dedicated volunteer leader in the San Diego area.
A longtime member of the Trojan League Associates of San Diego County (TLASDC), she has held various board and committee positions in the women’s group, including co-chair of its annual scholarship fundraiser. In recognition of Larson’s outstanding alumni leadership and scholarship support, TLASDC named a scholarship in her honor in 2014.
Over the years, Larson has also been on the board of the USC Alumni Club of the East Bay; organized two USC Alumni Day of SCervice projects; and served on the USC Class of 1992 25th and 30th Reunion Committees. More recently, Larson was a member of the USC Alumni Association Transition Task Force, which helped select the alumni association’s new director.
Currently, Larson serves on both the USC Alumnae Coordinating Council and the USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association (APAA) Board of Directors. As the chair of the APAA Bay Area Committee, she leads a group of passionate volunteers hosting alumni events in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and the East Bay, and hopes to recreate this degree of engagement in San Diego.
As well as volunteering for USC, Larson has given freely of her time and expertise to various community organizations. She has served as president of several school foundations and chaired education fundraisers.
In her professional life, Larson is a principal product manager for Cloud Enterprise Performance Management at Oracle Corporation.
Larson met her husband and fellow USC Marshall alum, Ross Larson ’93, as members of the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity. They have two children, Evan ’24 and Ashlyn.
President’s Award
Harjot Takkar ’93
Harjot Takkar is a founding member and longtime president of the USC Alumni Club of Delhi/ North India. For more than a decade, he has worked to build an active alumni community in the region and boost support for various USC initiatives.
In 2014, Takkar hosted an admitted student reception at his residence. This event, which also drew many local alumni, led to the formation of the USC Alumni Club of Delhi/North India. Since that time, the club’s membership has grown dramatically, thanks in large part to Takkar’s leadership, enthusiasm and networking skills. In addition to inviting parents of USC students to participate in club activities and events, Takkar oversaw the creation of the club’s Young Alumni Committee. He has helped many young alums, as well as current students, take advantage of externship and internship opportunities offered by alumni and parents.
A passionate champion of USC, Takkar has organized and hosted many events for visiting USC leaders and academic deans. Earlier this year, when USC President Carol Folt led a delegation of deans, researchers and senior administrators on a three-city tour of India, Takkar went to incredible lengths to ensure the success of their visit to Delhi.
A magna cum laude graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business, Takkar is the director of Sahib Textiles Pvt Ltd, a women’s wear company having four unique fashion brands and manufacturing setups that handle fabric processing, printing and embroidery. His son, Sahib ’18, is also a Marshall alum.
2024 Volunteer Recognition Dinner Sponsors
A very special thank you to this year’s sponsors!
• TROJAN
• Northrop Grumman
• Alex Blecksmith MBA ’12
• The Carol & Jim Sever Family
• USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
• USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
• USC Marshall School of Business and USC Leventhal School of Accounting
• USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
• USC Latino Alumni Association
• Keck School of Medicine of USC
• USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
• The Larson Family
• USC Black Alumni Association
• USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Association
• USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
PREMIER PARTNERS
• Bank of America
• Liberty Mutual
• AMBA
• USC Credit Union
Volunteer Liaison of the Year Award
Altagracia Alvarez
Altagracia “Grace” Alvarez is the associate director of alumni relations for the USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Leventhal School of Accounting Alumni Association. She joined the USC Marshall School in the summer of 2013 as a data analyst. Five years later, she was named the assistant director of alumni relations and was promoted to her current position in 2024.
Altagracia’s expertise in event planning and execution has been instrumental in the success of numerous high-profile USC Marshall events, such as the Dean’s Receptions, Graduate Program Reunion Weekend, and the Leadership Summit. Earlier this year, she created email marketing strategies for more than 90 volunteer-led events.
In addition, Altagracia leads student engagement with clubs and organizations; connects students with alumni; and focuses on increasing alumni engagement, both domestically and internationally.
Prior to joining USC, Altagracia worked for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, where she oversaw the annual fund and helped create a donor acknowledgment process.
A native Angeleno, Altagracia grew up near USC and is a longtime Trojan football fan.
Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council
The USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council is comprised of alumni leaders who dedicate their efforts to strengthening the connection between USC’s largest academic division—the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences—and its worldwide alumni network. Council members also serve on the USC Dornsife Board of Councilors and the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors.
Representing a wide range of USC Dornsife disciplines, council members provide nuanced perspectives on alumni engagement strategies; guide the development of programs that resonate with alumni of all ages and backgrounds; and serve as passionate advocates for both the College and the achievements of its faculty and students. Additionally, they drive philanthropic support for USC Dornsife academic programs, research initiatives and scholarships.
Since its founding in 2019, the council has played an integral role in many USC Dornsife programs, including the first-ever Dornsife Mentoring Program, as well as the Dean’s Receptions, held across the country in Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and other cities over the last two years.
Through its service and advocacy, the USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council exemplifies the College’s commitment to lifelong learning and service—leveraging the expertise of its distinguished alumni to benefit current and future generations of Trojans.
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award
Recipients
Patricia Brent-Sanco EdD ’16
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
USC Rossier Alumni Council
USC Rossier Board of Councilors
Elizabeth Donatelli ’04
USC Annenberg Alumni Advisory Board
Lawrence Goodkind ’84
USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council
USC Reunions Class of 1984 Committee
Cindy Le ’15
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors
USC Marshall Volunteer Leadership Council
USC Marshall Young Alumni Council
Jessica Lin ’09, PharmD ’13
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
USC Mann Alumni Engagement Board
Larry Steven Londre ’71, MBA ’74
Half Century Trojans Board of Directors
USC Retired Faculty Association
Linda Mirdamadi MD ’94
Salerni Collegium Alumni Association
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood
Academic Initiative (NAI) Board of Councilors
Martin M. Q. Nguyen MRED ’18
USC Alumni Real Estate Network
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Carol Sever ’84
Alumnae Coordinating Council
Trojan League of Orange County
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Recipients
Jerry Yang MBA ’09
USC Alumni Club of South China
USC Alumni Entrepreneurs Network
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors
Lauren Young ’20
USC Marshall Alumni Association Advisory Board
Congratulations
to Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awardee
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Board of Directors
USC Marshall Volunteer Leadership Council
USC Marshall Young Alumni Council
Northrop Grumman USC Alumni Chapter Advisor Cindy Le ’15
Congratulations to the Volunteer Recognition Dinner Honorees.
We are grateful to share this special evening with you all. Thank you for your selfless and impactful service to the Trojan Family!
Fight On!
Meredith and Alex Blecksmith MBA '12
Proudly Celebrating Four Generations of Being Trojans
The Carol & Jim Sever Family
Carol ’84, Ellery, Rory ’22, Olivia '19 & Jim ’79
Congratulations to the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Dinner Honorees
Lawrence Goodkind ’84
Carol Sever ’84
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award
USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council
Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
We salute your dedication to the Trojan Family!
The USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association congratulates our very own
President’s Award Honorees
Darlene Larson ’92
Harjot Takkar ’93
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Honorees
Cindy Le ’15
Martin M. Q. Nguyen MRED ’18
Jerry Yang MBA ’09 and all of tonight’s Volunteer Recognition Award recipients!
Sky Kogachi ’95
President, APAA BoardofDirectors
Grace Shiba ’77
Executive Director, APAA
alumni.usc.edu/apaa
Congratulations to the 20 24 USC Vo lunteer Recognition Award H onorees !
We prou d ly celebrate our USC Marshal l alumni and staff
USC Alumni Association President’s Award
Alex Blecksmith MBA ’12
Marilyn Tevriz Kezirian ’60, MS ’62
Darlene Larson ’92 Harjot Takkar ’93
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award
Cindy Le ’15
Larry Steven Londre ’71, MBA ’74
Jerry Yang MBA ’09
Lauren Young ’20
Volunteer Liaison of the Year Award
Altagracia Alvarez
CONGRATULATIONS
Dr. Linda Mirdamadi ’94
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor
Salerni Collegium Alumni Association President-Elect
USC Alumni Association Board of Governors Member
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Recipient
You are a true example of dedication and service, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
Your unwavering commitment and countless volunteer hours have helped build a strong sense of community that will be felt lifelong and worldwide!
From your friends at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Keck Medicine of USC
Congratulations to e USC Price School supports the 2024 USC Volunteer Recognition Awards
President’s Award Honoree
Saul Alvarado ’00
Bachelor of Science in Public Policy & Administration
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Honoree
Martin M. Q. Nguyen MRED ’18
Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development
Congratulations, Darlene Fong Larson '92 President's Award Honoree
You symbolize the spirit of loyalty, dedication and love for USC.
We are so proud of you!
The Larson Family
Congratulations to the amazing 2024 Volunteer Recognition Award honorees!
USC Alumni Association President’s Awards
Saul Alvarado ’00
Alex Blecksmith MBA ’12
Marilyn Tevriz Kezirian ’60, MS ’62
Darlene Larson ’92
Harjot Takkar ’93
Widney Alumni House Volunteer Awards
Patricia Brent-Sanco EdD ’16
Elizabeth Donatelli ’04
Lawrence Goodkind ’84
Cindy Le ’15
Jessica Lin ’09, PharmD ’13
Larry Steven Londre ’71, MBA ’74
Linda Mirdamadi MD ’94
Martin M. Q. Nguyen MRED ’18
Carol Sever ’84
Jerry Yang MBA ’09
Lauren Young ’20
Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council
Volunteer Liaison of the Year Award
Altagracia Alvarez
Associate Director, Alumni Relations
USC Marshall School of Business
We are proud of your accomplishments! You exemplify the Trojan Spirit!
Fight On!
Kathleen ’83, Bob ’91 & Devon ’22, MA ’22 Campos
USC Trojan Guild of Los Angeles
Congratulates Tonight’s Honorees
Beloved Former ACC Chair Carol Sever
Our Dear Advisor, Friend and Cherished Member Marilyn Kezirian and the
USC Dornsife Advisory Council
USC TGLA Sends Much Trojan Love Jane
Celebrating 65 Years of TGLA Support!
Trojan League of Los Angeles Congratulates
Marilyn Tevriz Kezirian ’60, MS ’62
President’s Award Recipient
TLLA Past President and Active Member for 41 Years
Congratulations from your family
USC Viterbi celebrates 2024 Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award Honoree and Viterbi Alumna
Jessica Lin ’09, PharmD ’13
Thank you for your leadership and dedication to the Trojan Family!
The Trojan League Associates of San Diego County is pleased to congratulate Darlene Larson USC Alumni Association President's Award Honoree
We salute your unwavering commitment, dedication and service to the Alumni Association.
Congratulations Darlene!
are very proud to celebrate
A Truly Deserving of the Widney Alumni House Volunteer Award! Larry – Always Keep Fighting On!
The USC Alumni Association is proud to acknowledge its Premier Partners
2024
USC at Michigan Trojan Huddle
Saturday, September 21
Trojan Family Weekend
Thursday-Sunday, September 26-29
USC at Minnesota Trojan Huddle
Saturday, October 5
USC Capital Campus Alumni Reception
Friday, October 18
USC at Maryland Trojan Huddle
Saturday, October 19
Alumni Weekend
Thursday-Saturday, November 14-16
Half Century Trojan Hall Of Fame Awards & Welcome Brunch
Friday, November 15
Homecoming
Saturday, November 16
2025
USC Women’s Conference
Friday, March 7
USC Latino Alumni Association Scholarship Gala
Saturday, March 8
USC Alumni Day of Scervice
Saturday, March 22
USC Black Alumni Association Scholarship Gala
Saturday March 29
USC LAMBDA LGBTQ+ Alumni Association 32nd Annual Scholarship Benefit
Saturday, April 5
USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship & Awards Gala
Saturday, April 12
91ST Annual USC Alumni Awards
Saturday, April 26
Lifelong and Worldwide
