It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California.

At USC Annenberg we are exploring some of the most powerful forces shaping our world. Technology and globalization have profoundly altered the way humans interact. More than any other moment in history, communication — through various forms of new and traditional media, journalism, entertainment, public relations, public diplomacy and other areas studied at USC Annenberg — is the field drawing students who want to make an impact in the world.

As Ambassador Walter Annenberg observed, "Every human advancement and reversal can be understood through communication."

Building on Ambassador Annenberg's guiding vision and on the legacy of excellence established by our outstanding faculty and students, USC Annenberg today continues to bring together the most brilliant and creative minds at the cutting edge of professional and ethical training, research and scholarship. With focus and imagination, we are defining the future in this time of tremendous change in communication and journalism.

Our location uniquely contributes to our mission. Los Angeles is a global capital for entertainment, trade, education and technology. This metropolitan area, where global trends begin, offers cultural and ethnic diversity found nowhere else in the world. Moreover, the University of Southern California is one of the world's great research universities, with unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with 16 professional schools and a liberal arts college. This is an exciting place to develop academically and personally, to gain professional experience through internships, and to engage with others who will become your Trojan Family forever.

Ambassador Annenberg concluded his mission statement by saying "... to be of service to all people is the enduring mission of this school." Above all other considerations, USC Annenberg employs communication, journalism and public relations to serve and inform the public. With its strong commitment to our region, the nation and the world, I am deeply honored to play a part in the development of this academic community. I invite you to explore the rich array of degree programs, activities and events at USC Annenberg, and I encourage you to join us as we pursue the lofty ideals of our mission.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

With warm regards,

 
Ernest J. Wilson III, Ph.D.
Dean and Walter Annenberg Chair in Communication