USC Outreach Efforts

“Course in Caring” (Oct. 19) was important for several reasons. Kudos to USC, of course, for reaching out so extensively and effectively in its community, serving as an important model for others.

But for any large institutions to help create change--especially in such a large and diverse community as Los Angeles--takes a long time, involving lots of people, organizations and the vitally important process of building trust.

In the case of USC, while the current outreach efforts are outstanding examples of important programs, the school’s efforts go back to two prior presidencies, spanning many years of hard work by many university officials, hard-working staff and hundreds--if not thousands--of community folks throughout that area. Perhaps [this was mentioned] to the writer and it may have been edited out, but your readers should know that it all did not start in 1994, though what has happened in these past five years has certainly enriched our city.

LLOYD B. DENNIS

Redondo Beach