Widney Society
Making profound contributions to an enduring future
On the eve of the founding of the University of Southern California, Judge Robert Maclay Widney assembled a small council of leaders and shared his vision for the great university they would establish on the American frontier. They pledged to nurture the fledgling university and worked together to set a bold course for its future. Their vision, leadership and steadfast support have inspired Trojans for generations.
The Widney Society honors and celebrates the commitment of the USC benefactors who have given or pledged $1 million or more. The university is proud to recognize these leadership donors by inducting them into this prestigious society.
At this extraordinary time in the life of the university, we are grateful for the support of our Widney Society members, and for their essential role in creating an enduring legacy for the future.
For more information, please contact the Office of Stewardship and Donor Relations at usc.stewardship@usc.edu or 213-764-3443.
Widney Society Gala
Widney Society members are invited to a special celebration highlighting the profound, wide-ranging impact their philanthropic support has on USC and the entire Trojan Family. The 2025 dinner celebrated the arts, showcasing how creative expression enrich every corner of the university, from cinematic storytelling to music, theater and visual design.
All my life, I have been telling people about the incredible future of Los Angeles. But in my wildest dreams, I never conceived anything as wonderful as this university.
—Judge Robert Maclay Widney,
USC Founder and Benefactor