In 2011, the University of Southern California (USC) received a transformative $200 million gift from philanthropists Dana and David Dornsife, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s history. This unprecedented donation led to the renaming of USC’s College of Letters, Arts and Sciences to the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, a move that underscored the couple’s commitment to advancing education and research in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Visionary Philanthropy
David Dornsife, a USC alumnus with a background in steel fabrication, and his wife, Dana, have long been dedicated supporters of higher education and scientific research. Their philanthropic journey with USC began with significant contributions to neuroscience research, including the endowment of the Neuroscience Imaging Center and the Brain and Creativity Institute. Their $200 million gift in 2011 was the largest single donation in USC’s history at that time and was notable for its unrestricted nature, allowing the university flexibility in its allocation.
Impact on USC Dornsife College
The Dornsifes’ donation had a profound impact on the USC Dornsife College, the university’s largest and oldest academic unit. At the time of the gift, the College enrolled approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, employed 784 faculty members, and housed 33 academic departments and 31 research centers and institutes. The donation provided core support for innovative research, distinguished undergraduate programs, and outstanding Ph.D. programs, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
In addition to the financial support, the gift led to the establishment of the Dornsife Scholars Program, designed to recognize outstanding graduating seniors from the College who pursue scholarly inquiry and progress on pressing social challenges. This initiative aimed to inspire students to engage in research that addresses global issues and contributes to societal advancement.
Long-Term Legacy
The Dornsifes’ philanthropic efforts have continued to shape the trajectory of USC Dornsife College. In the five years following the donation, the College saw significant growth, including an increase in faculty size to 800 and the addition of more than two dozen transformative faculty hires. The faculty now includes four Nobel laureates, 13 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 23 fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. These enhancements have bolstered USC Dornsife’s reputation as a leader in research and education across various disciplines.
Dana Dornsife expressed pride in the College’s progress, emphasizing the importance of education in preparing students to become leaders and innovators. She highlighted the role of USC Dornsife in fostering an environment where students are encouraged to approach problems with creativity and reason, preparing them for diverse careers and challenges.
The $200 million gift from Dana and David Dornsife stands as a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy in higher education. Their support has not only enhanced the academic and research capabilities of USC Dornsife College but has also set a precedent for future investments in the humanities and social sciences. As USC continues to build upon this legacy, the Dornsifes’ vision for a dynamic and impactful academic community remains a guiding force in shaping the future of education and research at the university.
