Professor Pepe Romero nominated for 2026 Associates Award for Artistic Expression

USC Thornton adjunct professor in Classical Guitar Pepe Romero has been nominated for the 2026 USC Associates Award for Artistic Expression. Granted to only two USC faculty members each year, the award “recognizes the achievements of outstanding faculty members whose artistic works have made a significant and lasting impact.” Romero will be recognized at the Academic Honors Convocation event on April 13, 2026.

Pepe Romero is a part of The Romeros, a.k.a. “The Royal Family of the Guitar.” He was solely taught by his father, the legendary Celedonio Romero. Growing up, Pepe would later help establish The Romeros quartet as a leading classical guitar ensemble worldwide, performing for Pope John Paul II, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and other esteemed individuals.

To learn more about Romero, read here.

***

Photo credit: Paul Carter