Faculty & Staff Recognition
The Recognition Program was established in 2019 by the University Club Board of Councilors to recognize the contributions made to the life of the University. It is a manifestation of the University Club’s vision, which states, in part, “to cultivate relationships across the diverse university Campus community” as a way to enhance University life.
The Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC is proud to honor the following faculty honorees for our 2026 Faculty & Staff Recognition Program. The program recognizes the contributions made to the life of the University. This year, we honor members of the USC community who exemplify the spirit of “Rising Together.” These honorees build bridges, strengthen the community, and uplift others through their work, leadership, or service.
2026
Faculty Honorees
Margarita Artavia
Professor, Practicum Education & Professor of Clinical Dentistry
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work & Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Dr. Brent Blair
Professor of Theatre Practice in Voice and Movement; Director of Theatre and Social Change
USC School of Dramatic Arts
Dr. Kendra Walther
Director and Associate Professor of Technology Practice
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Elisabeth Arnold Weiss
Associate Professor of Technical Communication Practice
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
2026
Staff Honorees
Dr. Lynette Merriman
Associate Vice Provost, Campus Support & Intervention & Adjunct Professor, Rossier School of Education
Office of the Provost
Eric Perez
Director of Advising & Recruitment, Technology and Applied Computing
USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Emma Rendón
Director of Non-Profit Partnerships
USC Joint Educational Project, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, & Sciences
Erin Russell
Program Administrator
Dornsife College of Letters and Sciences