The Blue Board

Maybe I should quality that...she is in better financial state than more than half of the country, while never getting in serious debt.

I'm going to share with you a post that Blem took to our MB...from a Cane fan/alum who attended USC for his graduate studies. I think he is pretty much spot on...save for USC once being "Sun Tan U"....USC was never considered a "party school", and it was very conservative in your parents and my time.

This post was in response to Cane fans who had no idea USC was so highly ranked academically:

"Interesting discussion, let me chime in here. I recently graduated with a dual degree from USC's law school (ranked 18th nationwide) and public policy school (7th nationally I believe). I also graduated from UM's undergraduate business program, but with the political science major (not offered anymore through the B-school...a shame). Not trying to hijack the thread, so I'll try to put my thoughts in one post.

Interestingly, Miami's recent rise is quite reminiscent of USC's. Ironically, USC was thought of somewhat derisively as a "sun tan U" equivalent decades ago, with little academic prestige and national recognition. They are also both smallish and expensive private schools. Many of the things Miami has done - bring in top professors, attract top tier students, emphasize research - USC did as well in the 80s and 90s.

But there's also something very unique about USC that, in my mind, helped it rise the ranks quite a bit. Keep in mind, as a 'Cane attending USC in 2006, I HATED the Trojans for taking our spot as CFB superpower, so it would take a LOT to sway me the other direction. But they did. What USC does exceptionally well is encourage outside-of-the-box thinking, entrepreneurial ambition, and unconventional career paths among its students. (Example: California Pizza Kitchen was founded by two USC Law alums who hated being lawyers, and examples like these are trumpeted by the school in literature, etc. to encourage kids to pursue unconventional paths. Seeing that made me look twice at USC originally.) You have Japan studies majors starting native Hawaiian care package businesses (one random example of a 'SC alum friend I know), which may not translate into department prestige, but does translate into one strong institution. These entrepreneurial alumni, in turn, were very generous to the school and built what the university community calls the "Trojan Family." Now I think the U is a great family too, but I've never seen anything like the Trojan family when it comes to landing jobs and opportunities outside of school. It's something else, and is a large reason why USC can hire the all-star profs.

USC has focused extensively on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of alumni (both as donors and community leaders), and it worked. From hosting TED talks to holding innovation competitions on campus, you can't go to USC and not be pushed to do something different with your life. The degree to which the school goes out of its way to cultivate, incubate and encourage student entrepreneurs (I was one) is a testament to its competitive appeal. I can honestly cite USC as a major reason I was able to do what I did (Hint: I'm not a lawyer).

I personally didn't get the same feeling from Miami while I was there, but I hope things have changed. (Before I get flamed, that's NOT to say I don't love what Shalala has done. I do.) It may have been just the undergraduate program at the time.

Now, I have no evidence that USC's approach DIRECTLY translates into rankings, but it made me love USC ('Canes still #1 of course), which I never thought possible. In sum, I believe USC deserves the accolades it gets, and it has much less to do with Annenberg and the cinema school than outsiders think.

When I saw Miami hit #50 last year, I excitedly told friends that UM was on the same path to greatness that USC was a few decades earlier. Looks like that thought has been confirmed, and I'm proud to see it. I predict within another 15-20 years, if current trends continue, UM will join USC in the top 25.

Sorry for the long post, and go 'Canes!

Many of his point tell exactly why alums are so ready to give back, in their communities, and the university that nurtured the ideal of philanthropy.

Excellent! So good to hear....I think it just strikes a cord when I read anything that touches on the "University of Spoiled Children" mantra many use...along with it's polar opposite dig..."University of South Central". I think people in general, throughout the country are ignorant to the fact that USC is a university focused on community service...50% of the student volunteer in the community - football players included. There is a reason the university and student housing was virtually untouched during the L.A. Riots, that was happening all around her....

I really like Alabama, and Georgia as well...those two universities just have a certain "established" and genteel air about them that goes beyond regional schools.

* Oops, goes without saying, including my SIL's Vanderbilt University!

What's really funny is...we have a larger "white" student population than Stanford, Cal or UCLA.

And this proves what? Auburn had the highest paid group of assistant coaches in the nation last year. If you throw in the head coach, Auburn and Alabama probably have the two highest paid coaching staffs in the entire country. When it comes to football facilities, I would also put the SEC up against anyone, especially the PAC 12

Just to add....the great players still came, chose USC in spite of the poor facilities and the run down stadium. You can't build history and tradition with shiny new buildings.

We needed to put our academic house in order before anything else - and I'm glad that was always the number one goal. USC is In the same state and conference with academic powerhouses like Stanford and Cal, we were not about to be left behind there..the conference is much too competitive for that.

As for how much we pay our coaches..USC is private, they do not have to disclose everything. Our coaches live in Manhattan Beach and other upscale parts of L.A. area...and we have a lot of boosters who have made their fortunes in real estate......lots of added perks go with the job!