USC Staff Assembly Scholarship Program

First established in 2016, the USC Staff Assembly Scholarship Program recognizes dedicated staff members for their professional and academic excellence and contributions to the USC community. The Lincoln Riley Staff Scholarship began in Fall 2023 in partnership between USC Staff Assembly and USC’s C. & J. Elerding Head Football Coach Lincoln Riley to honor staff whose achievements set standards of excellence. The Scholarship Program has grown to seven (7) awardees per academic year:

• Lincoln Riley Staff Scholarship: $5000 for one (1) awardee
• USC Staff Assembly Scholarship: $1000 for six (6) awardees

The Scholarship and Awards Committee coordinates and administers the Scholarship Program. All staff who submit a complete application will be considered for both scholarships.  

• • Must be Tuition Assistance Benefit (TAB)-eligible staff employee (i.e. full-time, active, benefits-eligible staff employee, employed by the University)
  • Currently enrolled in any degree-granting program at USC
  • A student in good academic standing or a newly accepted admission
  • Enrolled for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester
  • Able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the University and its Unifying Values through service and staff excellence while also demonstrating service to the broader community

Ineligibility

• • Previous recipient of a USC Staff Assembly Scholarship or Lincoln Riley Scholarship
  • Current Staff Assembly Member

Application Materials and Criteria
The USC Staff Assembly Scholarship Selection Committee reviews applications holistically. Scholarships are merit-based and not financial need-based.

All staff who submit a complete application will be considered for both scholarships. Prepare all documents for submission prior to starting the application. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Submit the following:

1. 1.  Online application form
   2.  An original 200-500 word essay describing your staff experience at USC including:
      • Communicated long-term objectives and career goals (Displays intention to make an impact)
      • Impact and service to USC and commitment to the university’s Unifying Values  (Used talents/initiative to lead and improve work environment) 
      • Impact and service to the broader community (i.e. local community, a community you identify with) 
      • Commitment to professional advancement (Examples of significant achievement in job roles, thorough synopsis of employment history) 
      • Note: Financial need is not considered a review criterion.
   3. Current resume that includes a thorough synopsis of employment history, highlighted strengths, and examples of significant achievements in job roles.
   4. Letter(s) of recommendation from supervisor and/or colleague should address the following:
      • Minimum of one (1) letter required; no more than two (2) letters accepted
      • Commitment to professional advancement
      • Examples of significant achievement in job role(s)Examples of significant achievement in job role(s)
      • Employee’s commitment to the university’s Unifying Values, along with examples of how employees have exemplified those values within their role. 
      • Impact and service to the broader community (if known)
   5. A photo (to be used for promotion, if awarded a scholarship)

Selection Timeline

Award Notification 
The USC Staff Assembly notifies scholarship awardees for the academic year by email at the beginning of the fall semester in August, after verification and confirmation of enrollment.  Awardees attend the August Staff Assembly Meeting for award presentation. 

2023
Amy Nguyen Barnes
Ani Gemalmazyan
Katherine Chan Guevarra
Adriana Serrano Gutierrez
Nora Sandoval – Lincoln Riley Staff Scholarship Recipient
Cherisse Theriault
Karen Yang

2022
Serina Bravo
Kohyun Choi
Andrea Escalante
Andrea Leal
Trenton Mendenhall
Katherine Rocha
Meng Susan Zhang

2021
Sabrina Espinoza
Julie Loppacher
Reyna Macias
Steve Pham
Lucy Rinard
Mallika Samtani

2020
Sonia De Mesa
Jane Gollayan
Maria Mempin
Holly Nielsen
Jose Perez-Guerrero
Grace Shin

2019
Melvin Brown
Mina Ghabriall
Timothy Khuu
Apryl Lundsten
Alejandra Meza
Ella Salazar

2018
Meseret Alamu
Ginny DeFrank
David Donovan
Emi Embler
Victoria Esquer
Juan Sepulveda

2017
Sally Behpoornia
Queena Hoang
Michelle Juarez
Melissa Miller
Carmela Montero
Amelia Spinrad

2016
Julienne Jose-Chen
Jennifer Gerson
Chelsea Jones
Paul Lee
Leslie Ann Picazo
Jacqueline Villatoro