C. L. Max Nikias is the 11th President of USC. (Photo by Jennifer Schultz)

C. L. Max Nikias is officially USC’s 11th University President.

In speech Friday morning, Nikias highlighted his commitment to USC and his desire to catapult the university to the ranks of an elite global universities.  

Students, faculty, parents, community members, alumni, local politicians and distinguished delegates from around the world, packed USC's Alumni Park from Doheny Memorial Library to Bovard Auditorium, with more observing the inauguration from the steps of the Von Kleinsmid Center.

In his speech, Nikias discussed his goals for the university under his presidency. He noted the shift in intellectual power from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and called for USC to become the “intellectual melting pot of the Pacific Rim.”

“This is our moment,” he said, “and I believe that should be our vision.”

At the inauguration, it was also announced that $100 million has been donated to the university — $50 million donated by Ming Hsieh and $50 million donated by Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation.

“Today is the beginning, the first step in a great new journey,” said Edward P. Roski, Jr., chair of the Board of Trustees.

Reach reporter Jennifer Schultz here.

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