Hundreds of Trojan alumni from all over the world came together Friday night to celebrate the 40th anniversary of USC Annenberg’s International Communication Studies (ICS) program at USC’s Town and Gown ballroom.
The event honored alumni from each decade of the program’s existence and paid special tribute to the program’s pioneer and visionary Dr. William Robert Faith, who led ICS from 1974 until 2005. The event also marked the official launch of the “Bill Faith Endowed Scholarship Fund.”
“I had just about the most wonderful experience of my entire life,” Faith said. “Seeing all those students I’ve taught in the past brought back so many beautiful memories.”
The affair commenced with cocktails in the courtyard where Faith reunited with former students and long-time friends. That reception was followed by a gala dinner featuring picture montages, faculty interviews, and speeches commemorating Faith’s ability to utilize his professional contacts and determination to mold ICS into one of the most valuable study abroad programs USC has to offer.
USC Annenberg Dean Ernest J. Wilson III formally recognized Faith’s contributions to ICS and Annenberg. Faith then addressed the crowd himself and finished his speech by reciting a famous saying from Bob Hope: “Thanks for the memories.” Faith was Hope’s press director and organized his USO tours.
The event concluded with an “around-the-world-dessert buffet” and the opportunity to take a commemorative photo with Faith and other ICS alumni from the same decade.
“It’s amazing to see how Dr. Faith can be so professional and command so much respect, but at the same he’ll turn to you with a twinkle in his eye and act so funny and personable,” said USC Annenberg alumna Audrey Seybert, who helped direct ICS in 2000, 2001 and 2004.
Since 1971, the ICS program has given USC students of all majors the chance to visit prominent media agencies such as the BBC, Vatican Radio, Czech News Agency and Radio Free Europe. Faith’s personal corporate connections added universal hedge fund administrator GlobeOp, international public relations agency Pielle Consulting Group, and many other global companies to the trip’s itinerary.
“It is vital that students see the possibility of going beyond Wilshire and Hollywood Boulevard because there is a lot you really can’t do in LA (Los Angeles)” Faith said. “When we first began many years ago the LA Times refused to have open tours for students. The editor of the (Daily) Mirror began the tour at his desk and it was just mind-popping for those kids.”
Faith said the ICS program could be an important stepping-stone for students with global aspirations. “It was amazing just talking to my former students and hearing what they’ve accomplished,” he said. “One of them (Kirk Stewart) became the public relations director for Nike and had offices all over the world.”
In addition to the professional aspects of the program, trips to London, Paris, Rome and Prague offer students a diverse, social and exhilarating European adventure.
“This program offers an unparalleled experience that takes you to four of Europe’s most amazing cities,” said Emily Barth, a member of the 2011 ICS cohort and a senior majoring in communication. “Not only do you have the opportunity to explore, try new foods, meet locals and bond with fellow students, but you also learn a lot about yourself.”
Hye Young Shim, also a member of the 2011 ICS cohort and a senior majoring in communication, said the program allowed her to connect with fellow Trojans.
“As a transfer student, it was difficult meeting people, but ICS helped me not only form new acquaintances but also create long-term friendships,” Shim said.
The mission of the new scholarship fund is to make the ICS experience accessible to all qualified USC students, not just those able to afford the high cost of month-long European travel.
“It was always frustrating when we had to say no to a great student just because he or she couldn’t afford the program costs,” Seybert said. “It is a very pricey program.”
Last summer’s cohort faced program costs of more than $12,000 and that did not include the cost of food, entertainment, souvenirs, phone calls and other personal expenses.
Faith said he supports the idea of increasing the program’s affordability for future students but stresses the importance of distributing scholarships to the most qualified students.
“I always made sure to personally interview each and every student for at least 30 minutes before accepting them into the program,” Faith said. “You must be motivated and have a vision of what you want to get out of the experience. It’s not just about traveling around Europe; it’s about realizing you are a global citizen.”
For more information or to make a gift to the Bill Faith Endowed Scholarship fund, please contact USC Annenberg development and alumni relations at 213.821.1660.
