Pasadena Star-News featured the USC Thornton School’s 23rd annual Charles Dickens Dinner
Pasadena Star-News featured the USC Thornton School’s 23rd annual Charles Dickens Dinner, which honored the upcoming retirement of USC President Steven B. Sample and marked the conclusion of the Thornton School’s 125th anniversary celebration. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger presented Sample and his wife, Kathryn, with the John C. Argue Dickens Medals of Honor for their leadership role in transforming USC into one of the nation’s top academic institutions, the story stated. Opera star and USC alumna Marilyn Horne was honored with the Thornton Legacy Award in recognition of her 60-year career and commitment to fostering young musical artists. “These three towering USC figures are the embodiment of this institution,” said Thornton School Dean Robert Cutietta. “In both their personal and professional lives, Steve, Kathryn and Marilyn have consistently held themselves to the highest standards of excellence and dedication. They are true visionaries, and we are deeply grateful to them for all they have done for the Trojan family and beyond.” Chairman of the USC Board of Trustees Ed Roski and his wife, Gayle, co-chaired the event, which attracted 375 guests and raised $500,000 for Thornton, the story reported. The article stated that the event was also attended by Flora Thornton, the benefactor for whom the USC Thornton School is named; Elizabeth Argue, widow of late Chair of the USC Board of Trustees John Argue; USC Trustee Jane Popovich and spouse Kris; USC Trustee Lorna Reed and spouse Charles; and numerous faculty members from the Thornton School and the Keck School of USC. USC graduate students Jake Reed and Kyung-Teak Lim were received scholar awards at the event.