09/24/2026
We are excited to continue highlighting US Bank for their support!
✨ Welcome to the 2026-2027 Academic Year!
This fall semester, we welcomed USC LAA scholars to a day’s retreat through the support of U.S. Bank!
The retreat offered a strong peer-to-peer network opportunity while connecting with U.S. Bank representatives; Joaquina Quiñones & Cheng Xiong. Both Joaquina and Cheng shared valuable financial literacy tools to build a strong understanding of finances and the opportunity to learn about goals coaching and smart financial habits.
Throughout the retreat:
• First Gen Plus Success Center introduced resources available to students and families navigating the college experience, including students from immigrant families.
• Dr. Alma Burke inspired scholars to take ownership of their stories and lead with authenticity and purpose.
• Dr. Rudy Roman’s Latinx Affinity Group from the USC Rossier School of Education- Marriage and Family Therapy Program helped scholars recognize and begin to untether themselves from impostor syndrome.
Our scholars also participated in a lively acting game, reflected on meaningful moments of impact, connected with students from across the room, and enjoyed a Trojan bingo competition!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to David Mora and Jill McCullough for their partnership, their belief in our mission, and their continued support of the USC LAA.
Thank you also to U.S. Bank, our LAA Board members—including Luis Campa, Linda M. Mirdamadi, MD, Robert Campos, Charlene Riofrio, M.A., Melanie Franceschini, MPA and David Moreno—and everyone who joined us in creating such an empowering retreat!
This retreat reminded our scholars that they are not only pursuing their educational dreams but a lifelong connection to the Trojan family!
