Alumnus’ philanthropy gives pre-health students a place to recharge
Students who dream of becoming doctors, dentists or other health care professionals face unique challenges as they navigate academic requirements, clinical experiences and professional school applications. At the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the Pre-Health Advisement Office has for decades offered these students critical support — and now it has a new resource to extend this help even further, fostering connection, wellness and success.
The Pre-Health Scholars Den is the first initiative to come from the Wesley Tyra Mizutani Endowed Fund, established by USC Dornsife alumnus Wesley Mizutani to provide permanent support for wellness and mental health initiatives at the Pre-Health Advisement Office.
“We’ve always wanted to create a student-centered space where they can find both support and connection, and I believe we’ve achieved that,” says Molly Lancaster, executive director of the Office of Pre-Health Advisement. The den is open daily for peer advising and drop-in wellness programs, offering a welcoming environment where students can study, share experiences and find encouragement from their peers.
The space has already hosted a spring welcome-back gathering and wellness initiatives, with more activities planned throughout the semester.