Story #38: Samuel Mark

For our next story, you’ll hear directly from one of JEP’s first-ever participants. Below is the story of Samuel Mark in his own words:

I am proud to state that I participated in JEP during its first year.  I think it was through a Spanish language course. I was placed at 32 nd Street/USC Magnet, where I tutored individual elementary school students.  It was interesting and fun.

It was also quite a learning experience. When you participate in JEP, the reality of things like social inequality hit you in the face. I remember one day I was getting on the Harbor Freeway and I saw one of the little kids I had just tutored selling newspapers on the on-ramp. This was in 1972.

I am so old that I remember the times when Barbara Gardner had to fight for JEP’s existence, because, in particular, many faculty members just did not believe in it.  She was tough.  No committee of professors would intimidate her. On one occasion she even threatened the university with putting a stop to donations from her very wealthy relative if JEP was made to disappear.

Barbara was also a great believer in the development of minority and women leadership.  Time has proven her right. You only need to look at people like Tammara Seabrook Anderson, one of her mentees (congratulations, Tammy!).

Two questions. Why is USC a bellwether academic institution? Why was USC named Time Magazine College of the Year in 1999? The answer to both is – in great part because of JEP. And so, from the other side of the world, I remember Barbara, Dick, Tammy, Tina, María, Brenda, and so many other USC friends and colleagues who fought for JEP, got things done, and were made better by their involvement in the program. I salute all of you!

Samuel Mark
1973 Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, USC
1976 Master of Arts in Spanish, USC
1980 Doctor of Philosophy in Spanish Literature, USC
Assistant Vice President, USC Civic and Community Relations
1998 Recipient USC Staff Achievement Award