To contribute to any one of our funds at the Unruh Institute, please click here.

 

 

André Pineda

1965-2011

 

André Pineda was a tremendous pollster, political professional, peer and friend.  Last month, André participated in the Unruh Institute’s weekly lunchtime discussion series entitled “Road to the White House 2012”. We were honored to host him once again for a lively dialogue with our students. As with each of his presentations, numerous students and staff remained after the program concluded to speak with him personally. (To view a video of that presentation, please visit the link here)

 

As Principal of Pineda Consulting, André's 20 years of professional expertise reached across numerous private and public sector interests, as well as national and international borders. He was widely regarded in the field as a valued and trusted public opinion researcher. During the 2008 Presidential election, André was the chief Latino pollster for President Obama’s campaign.

 

In addition, André was a regular political media contributor and experienced academic lecturer. He taught a Political Science course here at USC entitled “POSC 422: Political Attitudes and Behavior” during the Spring of 2009.

 

In André’s memory, the Unruh Institute will offer an annual award to continue his legacy of public service and political advocacy.  The André Pineda Political Leadership Award will provide financial support to a student or students whose academic work, political involvement, and civic engagement has prepared him/her for the valuable experience of working work on behalf of a candidate or cause that inspires them.

 

To view the USC Dornsife tribute, please click here.

 

 

Kam Kuwata

1953-2011

 

Kam Kuwata’s passion for politics is legendary. It was a passion he shared with everyone around him, regardless of political party or ideology. Kam’s keen interest in politics developed at a young age. Kam studied political science at University of Southern California and volunteered for several Democratic campaigns and causes. He earned his degree in 1975 and, as a proud member of the Trojan Family, he generously gave back to his Alma Mater over the ensuing years.

 

The Unruh Institute of Politics at USC Dornsife College has benefited immensely from Kam’s generous participation in several programs hosted by the Institute. His most recent appearance was on the evening of November 17, 2010, when Kam took part in our post-midterm election panel discussion about the California campaigns for governor, US Senate, and the state’s ballot propositions. USC students stayed long after the program to talk informally with Kam and his fellow panelists. No one need underscore how valuable these interactions are to the students: encouraging their political voice, extending expertise and a longer view of the electoral politics, and fostering an enthusiasm for lively debate. Kam never forgot the importance of offering support and guidance to these young people and he always set an example of devotion to public service.

 

Beginning 2012, the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC will offer an annual award for a student or students whose academic work, political involvement, and civic engagement has prepared him/her for the valuable experience of working on a political campaign. The Kam Kuwata USC award will be given to a student or students who have demonstrated a strong interest in campaign politics and provide them with financial support to work on behalf of a candidate or cause that inspires them.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kam Kuwata Award may be made to USC’s Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics. This award will honor Kam’s work and inspire young people to continue his legacy of public service and political advocacy. Please make checks payable to The USC Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics and mail to: USC Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, University Park Campus, Von KleinSmid Center (VKC) Room 263, Los Angeles, California 90089-0045. Phone: 213-740-8964, Web: www.usc.edu/unruh

 

For more information about Kam's life and work please, click here.

 

 

Joseph R. Cerrell

1935-2010

 

Every student that participates in our programming here at the Unruh Institute has benefited from Joe's devotion to public service. His legacy will live on in our students as they benefit from his example and work to make the world a better place.

 

In a career that began over half a century ago, Joseph R. Cerrell has been a transformative figure in California and national politics, government, and public service. He served as a key advisor for presidential candidates John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert H. Humphrey, Lloyd Bentsen, John Glenn, and Al Gore, and worked alongside Dianne Feinstein, Willie Brown, Jesse M. Unruh, and both Pat and Jerry Brown. Cerrell Associates, which he founded, is one of the most influential consulting firms in California. Throughout his life, Joe was a loyal and committed Trojan. As an undergraduate in the 1950s, he founded the USC College Democrats. As a dedicated alumnus, he co-founded the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics. Joe Cerrell’s legacy will live on through his commitment to service and love of politics. Thank you, Joe, for all that you have done for the Trojan Family!