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The institution’s inaugural structure is presently referred to as the Widney Alumni House. (Photo/USC Digital Libraries)
University
145 years old, and still persevering
NARRATIVE AND VIDEO: From humble beginnings, the institution on Oct. 6 commemorates its 145th anniversary as one of the country’s foremost research establishments.
USC — officially established on Oct. 6, 1880, at a time when Los Angeles was scarcely more than a frontier settlement — initially welcomed 53 students and 10 educators.
At that time, the “city” was still devoid of paved avenues, electric lighting, telephones, and a dependable fire alert mechanism.
Today, USC is a community for over 49,000 scholars and more than 4,600 full-time faculty, situated in the core of one of the largest cities in the world. The institution’s inaugural building continues to exist as Widney Alumni House.
Discover more about the history of what is now regarded as one of America’s premier research universities.
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