Lifelong Learning

Social Sciences Building (SOS), 250, University Park Campus

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

Please join the Department of Art History and the Visual Studies Research Institute for a lecture by Magdalena Grüner Postdoctoral Fellow, USC Society of Fellows in the Humanities. This talk examines how scientists and artists alike grappled with the basic premises of knowledge production. By tracing the group’s prolific image practices, it follows their efforts to picture elusive submerged realms amid a negotiation of mediacy, uncertainty, and the limits of empirical seeing.

Bing Theatre, University Park Campus

Friday, January 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Join the USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies and TEDxYerevan for TEDxLittle Armenia, an extraordinary event dedicated to sharing big ideas born from diverse experiences and unexpected intersections.

The program’s theme of “Hybrid Identities” aims to capture the multi-dimensionality of the Armenian story across time and place, as embodied by powerful voices from different perspectives.

Exemplary speakers spanning various backgrounds and professions—united by their Armenian heritage—will come together at USC to deliver insights at the crossroads of industry and the academy.

Huntington Library 

Friday & Saturday, January 23 and 24, 2026

Embracing an interdisciplinary approach to the medical humanities, panels interrogate the supposedly objective autonomy of science by investigating myriad early modern conceptions of the human body. Presenters will share new research demonstrating how discourses around the body were shaped not only by medical treatment and dissection, but by portrayals in art and poetry.

Co-sponsored by the USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute.

Virtual Event

Friday, February 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

A discussion of Jessica X. Zu’s new book, Just Awakening: Yogācāra Social Philosophy in Modern China (Columbia University Press, 2025). The author will be joined in conversation by Joy Brennan (Kenyon College) and Brook A. Ziporyn (University of Chicago), moderated by David Albertson (USC).

Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience (MCB) 101, University Park Campus

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Come and explore groundbreaking discoveries and innovative ideas connected with environmental and sustainability research!

This event will include lightning talks and posters presented by Wrigley Institute-affiliated faculty and graduate students.

Social Sciences Building (SOS), 250, University Park Campus

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

In February 1986, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County inaugurated the travelling exhibition “Dinosaurs Past and Present.” Curated by paleoartist Sylvia Czerkas, this exhibition was the first to ever bring together artistic restorations of dinosaurs from the 1800s to the present day. This talk analyses the meeting of motivations that made such an exhibition possible and discusses its role in renegotiating the boundary between scientific and artistic work in dinosaur restoration.

Virtual Event

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Join USC Dornsife Dean James Bullock for a live conversation with USC researchers and alumni exploring how Earth’s most extreme environments are shaping the search for life beyond our planet — and what it reveals about our own origins and future.

USC Hotel, 3540 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Network in person at the 2026 Los Angeles Geospatial Summit with fellow students, young professionals from throughout the Southland, eminent industry leaders and recruiters.

Gain insights on GIS industry trends and opportunities. Share your research in an ArcGIS StoryMap or Lightning talk.

Ahn House (AHN), 101, University Park Campus

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

This annual program is designed to visit and discuss notable spaces related to Korean heritage at USC campus and surrounding areas. The walking tour will start with the USC Korean Heritage Library which showcases unique collections on Korean American history, media studies and other Korean language sources. Other sites include the University Club, Ahn House, USC Dive Tower, Korean National Association Memorial Foundation, Hung Sa Dahn and Florence Sherman’s Church.

Virtual Event 

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

A discussion of Sarah Mesle’s new book, Reasons and Feelings: Writing for the Humanities Now (University of Chicago Press, 2025). The author will be joined in conversation by Emily Ogden (University of Virginia) and Tina Post (University of Chicago), moderated by Karen Tongson (USC). Organized in partnership with the USC Writing Program and the Department of English.

Taper Hall, University Park Campus

Friday, February 27, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

Join the USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for It Takes a Diaspora to Raise a Language: Future Directions for Armenian, an interdisciplinary academic conference exploring best practices in language education in diasporic contexts. This conference intentionally shifts the focus away from narratives of loss and toward examples of innovation, creativity, and success. The program will feature academic panels and practitioner showcases to encourage dialogue between research and on-the-ground experience.

Audrey Irmas Pavilion, Los Angeles, California

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a special gala as we honor and celebrate Robert Shrum’s remarkable career and contributions, while supporting the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.

Union Station, Washington D.C.

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Over the course of this special evening, we will recognize Robert Shrum for his exceptional achievements and contributions. Proceeds from the evening support the USC Center for the Political Future. Your generous contributions will be acknowledged throughout the event.

Locations all over the United States/Remote

Saturday, March 21, 2026

During this annual day of impact, thousands of Trojans come together to make a difference in their local communities by participating in various alumni-led community service projects around the world.

Bing Theatre (BIT), University Park Campus

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

In conjunction with the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ production of Legally Blonde, join us for an exploration of how costume design reflects and amplifies the beloved figure and feminist icon of cinema and musical theatre, Elle Woods. Costume designer and USC professor Ann Closs-Farley will lead a conversation with designers, scholars, and artists breaking down how fashion is used as a narrative device in Elle’s journey.

Town and Gown, University Park Campus

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

A signature USC Earth Month event, the annual
conference hosts experts from politics, government, media and academia to discuss climate change issues with a focus on finding practical policy and business solutions as well identifying ways to remove political obstacles in the implementation. Panelists will discuss the effects of the presidential election on climate policy.