General Meeting & Luncheons

For questions or additional information, please contact Angel Grigorian and Kara Salmonson at programsvp@townandgownofusc.org.

2026-2027 Programs and Events

Tuesday,
October 6, 2026

Casey Moon, October 6, 2026 luncheon speaker, Town and Gown of USC

CASEY MOON
Head Coach of Women’s Water Polo

From Trojan Tradition to Championship Glory
Casey Moon is entering his fourth season as USC’s full-time women’s water polo head coach and his 19th year on the USC staff. In 2026, Moon led the Women of Troy to a 25-3 record and his first NCAA championship as head coach, defeating Loyola Marymount, UCLA, and Cal to capture the program’s eighth national title. Moon has been part of seven NCAA championship teams with the USC women, and six with the USC men, since joining the Trojan staff in 2007. He previously served as an associate head coach for both programs and as interim head coach of the USC women in 2019.

Lords and Ladies Day

Tuesday,
November 3, 2026

Marty Sargeant, November 3, 2026 luncheon speaker, Town and Gown of USC

MARTY SARGEANT
Chief Executive Officer of Keck Hospital of USC & USC Norris Cancer Hospital

Leading with Purpose: Excellence in Patient Care
Marty Sargeant serves as CEO of Keck Medical Center of USC, which includes Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital. With more than 20 years of health care leadership experience, Sargeant provides executive leadership across both hospitals, with a focus on patient care, clinical excellence, and supporting physicians and frontline caregivers. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as chief operating officer of Keck Medical Center and previously held the same role at City of Hope, where he oversaw operations across the medical center and 22 community practice sites. Sargeant spent 17 years in leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic. Before entering health care, he served 10 years as an F-15 combat pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

Holiday Boutique in the Town and Gown Courtyard 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Tuesday,
December 1, 2026

Annual Holiday Party, December 1, 2026, Town and Gown of USC

ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Celebrate the season with friends and the USC community at this cherished Town and Gown of USC tradition: a festive afternoon filled with holiday spirit and good company.
This much-anticipated event is the perfect way to usher in the season. Enjoy holiday-themed songs performed by the USC Chamber Singers conducted by Dr. Cristian Grases, as the beautifully decorated Ballroom sets the stage for an afternoon of festive pageantry, creativity, and community. Gather with friends, celebrate the season, and enjoy this not-to-miss USC tradition!

Tuesday,
January 12, 2027

Beong-Soo Kim, January 12, 2027 luncheon speaker, Town and Gown of USC

BEONG-SOO KIM
President of the University of Southern California

Leading USC Into the Future
Since becoming USC’s 13th president last February, Kim has focused on advancing the university’s academic preeminence, preparing students for a future transformed by AI, and strengthening Trojan values such as academic freedom, mutual respect, and community. President Kim will discuss what inspired him to take on this role and how USC can seize the opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

Honoring Past ACC Chairs & Current Chair, and Current ACC Presidents
Photo credit: ©Henry Kofman/Daily Trojan

Tuesday,
February 2, 2027

Kim Thomas-Barrios, February 2, 2027 luncheon speaker, Town and Gown of USC

KIM THOMAS-BARRIOS
Associate Senior Vice President of USC Educational Partnerships, K-12

Transforming Lives Through Education
Kim Thomas-Barrios is the Associate Senior Vice President of USC Educational Partnerships, K-12. With more than 43 years in education, she has dedicated her career to expanding educational access and opportunity for students and families across Los Angeles. After beginning her career as a secondary science educator with LAUSD, Kim joined USC, where she has spent 24 years leading educational partnerships, college access, and community impact initiatives. More than 1,700 local students have graduated from USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative, with 99% enrolling in college and 44% attending USC. Today, Kim oversees programs supporting K-12 students and families throughout Los Angeles, continuing her commitment to strengthening communities and transforming lives through education.

Honoring Town and Gown of USC Scholars and Donors

Tuesday,
March 2, 2027

Dean Julia M. Ritter, March 2, 2027 luncheon speaker, Town and Gown of USC

DEAN JULIA M. RITTER, Ph.D, MFA
Dean, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

Where the Art of Dance Meets Innovation
Julia M. Ritter is an award-winning dance artist, scholar and educator and Dean of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. With more than 20 years in higher education, Dr. Ritter is dedicated to fostering innovative partnerships across the arts, humanities, and sciences, while preparing the next generation of dance leaders. Before joining USC Kaufman, she served as a Professor of Dance and department chair at Rutgers University, where she was recognized for her scholarship, artistry, and arts leadership. A three-time Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Ritter is the author of Tandem Dances: Choreographing Immersive Performance and has presented her research internationally. Her work explores choreography, immersive performance, arts-integrated education, and creative placemaking.

Honoring Town and Gown of USC Past Presidents

Tuesday,
April 13, 2027

Annual Benefit, April 2027, Town and Gown of USC

ANNUAL BENEFIT & LUNCHEON
Suzanne Nora Johnson, Honoree

To take place at the iconic Biltmore Los Angeles Hotel
We are proud this year to honor Suzanne Nora Johnson, the Chairman of the USC Board of Trustees, at Town and Gown of USC’s major annual fundraising event. She is a USC alumna, accomplished businesswoman, and a strong leader who is passionate about her alma mater!

FIGHT ON!

Tuesday,
May 4, 2027

Gary Patterson, May 4, 2027 luncheon speaker, Town and Gown of USC

GARY PATTERSON
Defensive Coordinator of the USC Football Team

A Defensive Legend Comes to Troy
Gary Patterson enters his first season as USC’s defensive coordinator in 2026 and was recently named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class. He brings more than two decades of championship experience and a reputation as one of college football’s premier defensive innovators. Patterson spent 21 seasons as head coach at TCU, becoming the program’s winningest coach, with 181 victories, while leading the Horned Frogs to six conference championships and 17 bowl appearances. His defenses led the nation in total defense five times, and his innovative 4-2-5 system helped establish TCU as a national powerhouse. Patterson now brings his defensive expertise, leadership, and championship pedigree to USC, beginning a new chapter with the Trojans.

Installation of Town and Gown of USC Board of Directors and Honoring Life Members