When USC first opened its doors to 53 students and 10 teachers in 1880, the city still lacked paved streets, electric lights, telephones and a reliable fire alarm system. Today, USC is home to more than 48,000 students and over 4,400 full-time faculty, and is located in the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world.
Built in 1880, Widney Alumni House is the oldest building on the USC campus and in Southern California.
The University of Southern California (USC) was founded in 1880, making it the oldest private research university in California. Established through the land donations of key Los Angeles figures Ozro W. Childs, John G. Downey, and Isaias W. Hellman, it opened its doors with 53 students and 10 faculty members. Originally affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, USC later ended formal ties with the denomination and broadened its academic offerings. Over the years, the institution has grown into a global research powerhouse, known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, innovation, and an extensive network of notable alumni.
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