The membership of this organization shall consist of persons who identify as female, who are in accord with the purposes of Town and Gown of USC, and who have been accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Organized in 1904 as The Women’s Club of the University of Southern California, Town and Gown of USC was given its present title in 1922, under the presidency of Mrs. Rufus B. von KleinSmid.
In 1982, Town and Gown of USC became incorporated in the state of California. Town and Gown of USC is the oldest women’s philanthropic organization supported by friends of the university, for the benefit of student scholarships and the improvement of the Town and Gown facility and grounds. ‘Town’ members are friends of the university, including alumnae, who are not connected with USC in a professional or contractual capacity. ‘Gown’ members are those themselves, or whose spouses, are part of the university’s teaching, research, clinical, administrative, athletic, or professional staffs.
The primary mission of Town and Gown of USC is to support USC through scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students at USC. The first endowed scholarship was established in 1958.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, Town and Gown of USC has awarded $2.2 million to 190 students.
Regular monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month, from October through May, with our annual fundraising benefit taking place in April.
Types of Membership
(T) Town – Members are friends of the university, including alumnae, who are not connected with USC in a professional or contractual capacity.
(G) Gown – Members who themselves, or whose spouses, are part of the university’s teaching, research, administrative, clinical, athletic, or professional staffs.
(A) Annual – Members who pay annual dues (currently $125.00).
(L) Life – Town members and Gown members in good standing who pay the one-time life membership fee (currently $1,500.00).
(H) Honorary – Members who are recognized for special gifts or distinguished service to Town and Gown of USC and the university.
Admission
A prospective member must be sponsored by at least one member in good standing. The applicant shall submit an online application with payment of dues for approval by the Board of Directors.
Acceptance
The Membership VPs shall notify the applicant of her acceptance of membership by email after her approval by the Board of Directors. Any prospective member who submits an application for membership that is approved by the Board of Directors during the months of April and May will become an active member in July.