USC Dornsife alumnus and third-generation Trojan Ronald Sherwin, right, and Leslie Sherwin establish an eponymous environmental initiative with their transformative gift. (Photo: Michael Blum.)
USC Dornsife alumnus and third-generation Trojan Ronald Sherwin, right, and Leslie Sherwin establish an eponymous environmental initiative with their transformative gift. (Photo: Michael Blum.)

$50 million gift commitment establishes The Ronald and Leslie Sherwin Initiative for environmental protection at USC Dornsife

Pioneering initiative aims to unite diverse academic disciplines for ecosystem conservation.
ByJim Key

The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences today announced a landmark $50 million gift commitment by Ronald and Leslie Sherwin. When funded, the gift will establish the Ronald and Leslie Sherwin Initiative, which will focus on protecting the environment through research, education, and practice. It’s the largest single commitment to date to support USC’s environmental initiatives, a top priority for USC President Carol L. Folt.

“We’re grateful to Ron and Leslie Sherwin for their commitment to environmental sustainability efforts at USC,” Folt said. “Our Assignment Earth initiatives are having tangible results, including eliminating single-use plastic bottles and moving 25% of our electricity to renewable energy sources. This transformative gift ensures USC Dornsife will attract innovative leaders dedicated to creating a sustainable future.”

Ron and Leslie Sherwin, native Angelenos, are nature lovers who believe in the promise of research across academic disciplines to help protect the planet. Their previous gifts to USC Dornsife include a $1 million student research support fund.

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