2024 JEP Community Service Awards

The Extraordinary Community Service Award was established in 1981 by Grace Ford Salvatori to recognize one graduating senior or progressive Master degree student for their significant service to the communities surrounding both the UPC and HSC campuses.

Phong Doozy, this year’s Extraordinary Community Service Awardee, has made a profound impact across diverse spheres of community service. As USC Chapter President of the Advanced Degree Consulting Club, he launched pro bono consulting initiatives benefiting small businesses and nonprofits in Los Angeles. Inspired by COVID-19 challenges, he founded Healing Smiles, bringing joy to over 150 older adults in senior homes through comedy therapy. As a medical clown and through educational theater projects, Phong has uplifted patients’ spirits and empowered young minds. His internship with Kaiser Permanente led to the development of the KP Suicide Prevention Toolkit, aiding over 1.5 million patients annually. Phong’s commitment to healthcare and wellness extends to his leadership as Committee Chair of Wellness for the Undergraduate Student Government. With empathy and innovation, Phong embodies the transformative power of service and education, enriching the lives of those around him.

The JEP Award for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research was established in 2019 to recognize USC faculty who meaningfully integrate community engagement into their teaching and/or research.

This year’s recipients of the JEP Award for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research are Emily Artiano and Ben Pack, who co-teach in the USC Dornsife Writing Program. Emily and Ben partner with several non-profit organizations – e.g., The Francisco Homes, Miracle Messages, and 826LA – that use writing as a tool for transformation, connection, and liberation. All of their partnerships illuminate the transformative potential of storytelling. Many go beyond that to center marginalized voices and challenge societal perceptions of rehabilitation and justice. Their USC WRIT 150 students become stronger writers through their community engagement experiences, while also learning about the power of the written word in the pursuit of social change. To read more about Ben and Emily’s work, click here and here.

The Dornsife Award for Exceptional Service was established in 2014 to recognize extraordinary volunteers who contribute their “time, talents and treasure” in support of JEP’s programs and initiatives.

This year’s winner is Brandon Ramirez, the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and External Relations for Hyundai Motor America. Thanks to the generous support of Hyundai, JEP has expanded its first and second-grade programming for the Young Scientists Program. Brandon Ramirez and Hyundai also played vital roles in the success of two after-school workshops in 2023. The drones workshop, held in Spring 2023, saw 24 fourth and fifth-grade students from Foshay Learning Center engaged in learning the science and technology of drones. They explored drone parts and maneuvering techniques, sparking excitement among participants.

In Fall 2024, the hydrogen car workshop welcomed fifth-grade students from seven partner schools to USC’s campus. With guidance from real automotive engineers and educators, students built and raced hydrogen-powered toy cars. Hyundai’s Nexo, a street-legal hydrogen car, was showcased, offering students firsthand experience and igniting their passion for science and engineering.

These workshops exemplify the transformative potential of partnerships between educational initiatives like the Young Scientists Program and industry leaders like Hyundai. Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai’s director of Corporate Social Responsibility, played a crucial role in these endeavors, actively engaging with students and advocating for innovation and sustainability. His hands-on approach and dedication to fostering learning and fun left a lasting impact on participants, inspiring future engineers and scientists.

USC has a strong tradition of undergraduate student engagement, with thousands of students devoting time, energy and passion to supporting community organizations while applying emerging knowledge and skills. Named in honor of Richard “Dick” Cone, the Dick Cone Award for Graduate Engaged Scholarship is intended to honor and elevate the efforts of graduate students who can bring advanced awareness and skills to address specific community concerns.

Dick was the beloved director of the USC Joint Educational Project from 1980-2002 and a “pioneer” in the field of service-learning and community engagement. Driven by a deep commitment to social justice and education, Dick effectively pushed universities to reconsider the role they play in their communities and he was instrumental in bringing national recognition to USC’s K12 partnerships.

This year’s winner is Lauren Kelly. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the impact of resource extraction, particularly within the context of one of the most significant water transfers in the U.S. West. Collaborating with the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission (OVIWC) and Friends of the Inyo, she spearheaded a transcription program to digitize historical documents and collect oral histories, preserving the narratives of Owens Valley Paiute tribes and local residents. Award committee members lauded her research for its scope, originality, and tangible impacts on historically marginalized communities. Kelly’s work exhibits a unique blend of interdisciplinary scholarship and community engagement, with a clear emphasis on empowering local voices and advocating for their future. Her innovative approach and commitment to participatory research demonstrate her leadership within the discipline and her dedication to fostering social change through historical inquiry.

The Barbara Seaver Gardner Award was established in 2008 by then Vice President of Civic and Community Relations, Samuel Mark, who wanted to honor JEP’s founder and first director, Barbara Seaver Gardner. Barbara was a visionary. At a time when there was great animosity between the university and its surrounding neighbors, Barbara recognized the power of people coming together to work toward a common goal — in this case, the need to build a strong, vibrant  community and strengthen relationships between “Town and Gown.” Her idea was that most people can come together around what’s good for children. Barbara had a few friends who were principals of local elementary schools and others who were USC faculty members, so she thought why not place university students in the schools as mentors, teaching assistants etc. where they can assist in providing children with a quality education, while learning about the community they would call home for the next four years.

This award recognizes one graduating senior, who through successful participation in JEP (over several semesters) has demonstrated steadfast commitment to community service, with an emphasis on the community surrounding the University Park Campus.

This year’s winner, Alexander Zambidis, has been a dedicated member of the Young Scientist Program since Fall 2022. He has been instrumental in providing supplemental science education to elementary students in the USC Family of Schools. He tailors engaging presentations based on Next Generation Science Standards, fostering a love for science among diverse student populations. Alexander’s involvement spans various JEP initiatives, including serving as a Teaching Assistant and Coordinator for the Young Scientists Program, impacting over 250 students across nine classrooms.

In Spring 2024, Alexander beta-tested an innovative NSF-funded series of lessons on stem cells in 4th-grade classrooms. He also supported English Language Learner students by providing materials in both English and Spanish. Beyond JEP, Alexander volunteers at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, serves as President of the USC Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Club, and works as a research assistant at the USC School of Pharmacy.

His dedication has earned him acclaim from educators, with commendations for his adaptability and commitment to inclusive teaching practices. Alexander’s dedication to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and his passion for science education have had a profound impact within the USC community.

The Desiree Benson Award is a very special award that was established through the generosity of our USC Financial Aid Office in the year 2000.  The award honors the life, work and spirit of a dedicated and inspired work-study student, Desiree Benson. Desiree was a business major; grew up in LA (Compton and Inglewood) — and was a beloved member of the USC ReadersPlus program who passed away unexpectedly in the middle of her senior year. The Desiree Benson Work-Study Grant was created that spring of 2000 to pay tribute to the contributions to our community and dedication to service demonstrated by this promising young woman, and to recognize students similar to her: work-study students committed to making a difference and eager to use their skills and talents to inspire others. Desiree, as our award recipient tonight was dedicated to service and spoke to this when applying to ReadersPLUS: “I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience of the inner city community to the program, and I will be able to relate to these children, as they are now where I once stood.”

This year’s winner, Mia Moore, is a dedicated advocate for community service, exemplifying a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Since fall 2023, Mia has served as a STEM TA for the JEP Young Scientists Program (YSP), teaching multiple classrooms of 5th graders. Prior to her role with YSP, Mia volunteered with USC SCout, engaging 2nd graders in science and critical thinking activities.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Mia is actively involved in various community service initiatives. She serves on the Governing Board of the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund, contributing to student relations and scholarship selection. Mia is a member of Global Medical Brigades, collaborating with local organizations to provide groceries to low-income families in South LA. She has volunteered at homeless shelters, nursing homes, and organizations supporting individuals with autism.

Mia’s dedication to community service is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and foster collective well-being. Her experiences have instilled in her a profound sense of gratitude and purpose, motivating her to continue serving others selflessly. Mia’s remarkable leadership qualities and compassionate nature have earned admiration from peers and educators alike, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility and positive change.

Philanthropists Henry and Grace Salvatori were life-long friends and trustees of the university. They gave generously to USC and have two buildings on our campus named after them. Henry used to say, “Freedom is not free and we all must take responsibility for our society.”  So, in 1992, in memory of Grace, Henry established the Grace Ford Salvatori Community Service Scholarships. These were created to encourage students in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences to continue their dedication to service. Each year, the recipients of these scholarships are recognized for their community service as well as their academic excellence and demonstrated student leadership. In 1997, Henry followed Grace in death, but the two of them leave a lasting legacy through the many contributions of our annual scholarship recipients.

Anish Kushalapa

Anish Kushalapa, our first winner of the Grace Ford Salvatori Scholarship, serves as Director for the Philanthropy Fund in the Undergraduate Student Government, overseeing the allocation of $44,000 towards impactful community initiatives across LA County. Engaged in USC’s Joint Educational Project (JEP) for two years, he teaches various subjects from computer science to economics. An internship at Nokia led to the development of an AI-powered cellular network health classification algorithm, addressing communication blackouts in Africa and set for deployment in over 30 countries. Before USC, Anish initiated SMILES, upcycling stationery to provide educational materials for low-income communities, distributing $25,000 worth of supplies to over 5,500 children worldwide. Anish’s commitment to community service, leadership, and innovation embodies JEP’s spirit of conscientious change and inclusivity.

Zimeng (Fifi) Wan

Zimeng Wan, also known as Fifi, is our second winner of the Grace Ford Salvatori Scholarship. She is a dedicated leader in both academic and community spheres. As a TA for JEP’s Young Scientists Program, she ignites curiosity through hands-on labs, particularly sparking interest in dentistry. In her role as secretary for USC’s Delta Delta Sigma Pre-Dental Honors Society, Fifi manages club operations and fosters educational outreach programs. Since 2023, she has been a vital volunteer in the Tender Loving Care program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, providing comprehensive support to elderly patients. Fifi’s commitment to service extends to high school, where she engaged in numerous volunteer opportunities locally and internationally. Her passion for giving back and nurturing communities underscores her dedication to making a positive impact in the world.

Avinash Chauhan

Avinash Chauhan, our final winner of the Grace Ford Salvatori Scholarship, is an advocate for youth empowerment and healthcare. Through his volunteer work at “Living Advantage” initiated via JEP, Avinash led workshops on AI literacy and resume building, benefiting hundreds of foster youth. At Los Angeles General Hospital, he provides emotional support to pediatric patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Avinash also contributes to clinical research and psychological scoring at CHLA’s Boone Fetter Autism Clinic, focusing on children with special health care needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum. His commitment to service has shaped his perspective on resilience and the fragility of life, reinforcing his dedication to addressing health disparities. Avinash’s passion for public service and innovation has made a lasting impact on the organizations and communities he serves.