Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.
In this issue, learn about the career-boosting power of a liberal arts education, hear about a colleague who won the inaugural Barry Prize and delve into why you might be remembering iconic poet Robert Frost all wrong.
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1 Big Thing: The Liberal Arts Advantage
For long-term career success, research suggests students should take a cue from ancient Athenians: Study the liberal arts.
According to a study from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, degrees from the most selective liberal arts colleges yield a long-term return on investment that’s comparable to degrees from comprehensive, top-tier research universities.
Why it matters: Graduates with liberal arts degrees are in demand by a growing number of companies, particularly in the technology sector, where their unique blend of skills is highly valued.
In the game: Video game companies like Sucker Punch Productions, known for its character-driven action games like the hugely popular “Ghost of Tsushima,” value employees with backgrounds in history, creative writing and art to create rich, immersive game worlds.
Co-founder Brian Fleming, a physics major, says about three-quarters of his employees have a background in the liberal arts.
AI and leadership: The value of a liberal arts education extends into the realm of artificial intelligence and beyond. In AI, graduates with a background in humanities and social sciences are essential for developing technologies that are ethically sound and culturally sensitive.
Furthermore, the broad perspective and critical thinking skills honed through a liberal arts education are key to leadership roles across industries. Graduates are equipped to navigate complex challenges, lead diverse teams and drive innovation.
High earnings potential: Liberal arts disciplines, such as economics, physics and psychology, rank particularly high in earnings potential. These fields combine the depth of specialized knowledge with the broad skill set that is characteristic of a liberal arts education, making their graduates highly sought after in the job market.
Beyond gaming: The appeal of liberal arts graduates extends beyond the tech and gaming sectors. Their ability to think critically, solve complex problems and communicate effectively is sought after in fields ranging from finance to creative industries.
What they’re saying: “The CEOs of Goldman historically majored in political science, English, history or economics,” says Matt Weir, managing director at Goldman Sachs and a USC Dornsife economics alumnus. This reflects a broader trend where liberal arts graduates are excelling in diverse career paths, including high-level roles in various industries.
The bigger picture: In an era dominated by AI and interactive media, the human-centric skills developed through a liberal arts education are becoming increasingly crucial. Graduates are equipped to navigate the ethical, cultural and communicative challenges of these advanced technologies.
Anna Krylovof chemistry has been awarded the inaugural Barry Prize by the newly formed American Academy of Sciences and Letters for her contributions to quantum chemistry and promoting the role science plays to benefit humanity.
Why it matters: Krylov’s groundbreaking work to understand the electronic properties of molecules impacted fields including spectroscopy, bioimaging, solar energy and quantum information science.
The AASL’s mission is to foster learning and intellectual exchange in academia and society.
Krylov was one of 10 scholars to receive the annual prize and entrance into the academy.
In their words: “Her eminent technical achievements are matched by her spirited professional investments in mentoring and collaboration, dissemination of scientific knowledge to wider audiences, and advocacy for those seeking opportunity in the natural sciences,” said the academy in its official citation.
Many people remember Robert Frost’s poetry for being simple and relatable, but according to USC Dornsife scholars, this perception may be misleading, as his work possesses an unexpected complexity.
Why it matters: Robert Frost’s poetry has left an indelible mark on American culture. While many of his contemporaries are fading into obscurity, his verses still appear on merchandise a century after publication.
Frost’s popularity is often attributed to his unique blend of accessible language and pastoral themes that resonate across eras and audiences.
“His poems engage with the reader directly, without any sense of hierarchy, reflecting American egalitarian ideals,” says Enrique Martínez Celaya, Provost Professor of Humanities and Arts.
Many readers initially overlook the depth of Frost’s poetry, hidden beneath its apparent simplicity.
The famed lines from his “The Road Not Taken” — “I took the one less traveled by / And that has made all the difference” — are often recited as a cheerful celebration of individuality, but a deeper look reveals the poem to be a cautionary look at the ramifications of choice-making.
“Frost’s poems appear simple and immediate at the outset but become larger, more haunting and more enigmatic as we spend time with them,” says Martínez Celaya.
Frost’s poems reference the natural world and country life, but his bucolic reputation can obscure his true background.
Frost was born in San Francisco and spent his formative years in the city.
He attended Harvard and Dartmouth, although he did not graduate from either institution.
Frost’s initial success did not come from New England, but from Europe.
Frost experienced several personal tragedies throughout his life, infusing his work with themes of loss, sorrow and contemplation of life’s transient nature.
“Frost had one of the most tragic lives of any American poet, and all of this is running through his poetry,” says Mark Irwin, professor of English.
Frost lost his father as a boy, two of his children died in childhood, his son Carol committed suicide and he outlived his wife, who succumbed to heart disease.
The poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” is commonly seen as a reflection on the transience of youth but could also be interpreted as depicting how the joys of life are inevitably followed by crushing loss.
Studies show that feeling gratitude can have physical and mental health benefits, like lower inflammation and a lower heart rate. USC Dornsife scholars offer insights on how to cultivate gratitude for a healthier and happier life.
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Manuel Pastor of the USC Dornsife Equity Research Institute and Bill Gallegos of the Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy share how to write an effective op-ed.
The USC Staff Assembly meets to advocate for staff welfare and provide input on benefits and work environment. Meetings are open to all current, benefits-eligible staff. Advance registration is required.
The USC WorkWell Center has partnered with USC Hospitality to offer specially curated, dietician-designed meals to make it easy to eat healthy on campus. Several on-campus dining locations will feature the meals designated by the EatWell logo. You can EatWell at home, too, by watching a collection of videos that demonstrate easy and nutritious recipes.
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