We Are USC Dornsife: An Introduction to the New Dornsife Life from Dean Howard Gillman

My favorite American philosopher, John Dewey, once wrote, “Education is not preparation for life. Education is life itself.” Precisely.

Questions about human values, the nature of social organization, and the mysteries of the universe are not just matters of fleeting distraction; they are central to living a life of purpose and meaning. Within our community of letters, arts and sciences lies the full range of the human experience. We are the starting point for understanding the most important challenges to be faced now and in the years and decades to come.

It is with this spirit that we launch Dornsife Life.

We have renamed and redesigned our magazine to provide even more glimpses into “life” within the USC Dornsife community: the innovative courses our students are experiencing in Los Angeles and in sites around the world, the groundbreaking research of our faculty, and the far-reaching endeavors of our alumni and supporters. We have introduced new sections such as Archive, Curriculum and The Bench to represent, through words and imagery, the vibrant mosaic that is USC Dornsife’s past, present and future.

Together the renowned international design firm Pentagram and our communications team, led by the wonderful Emily Cavalcanti, have worked very hard to craft a publication that embodies our new inspirational name.

On March 23, 2011, our community became forever known as the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. All who are associated with this community — faculty, students, staff, alumni, and supporters — are now part of USC Dornsife. We are still the oldest, largest and most diverse academic unit on the University Park campus; we are still the heart of USC. But now, the heart of USC has a new (proper) name.

And a new look. In addition to the magazine, over the last six months we have been working to translate the new name into a new “graphic identity,” to replace the previous “USC College” logo. Please keep an eye out for the new USC Dornsife gear that will help you display your pride in this amazing community!

We are USC Dornsife and this is Dornsife Life.

Howard Gillman
Dean of USC Dornsife
Anna H. Bing Dean’s Chair

Read more articles from Dornsife Life magazine's Fall 2011/Winter 2012 issue