The philanthropist and Trojan alumna brings her business acumen and passion for community service to the university’s governing board.
USC Annenberg alumna and real estate professional Stephanie Argyros has been elected to the USC Board of Trustees.
As a principal with the Costa Mesa-based real estate firm Arnel, Argyros oversees a portfolio of residential and commercial properties throughout Southern California. She is also a director of the Argyros Family Foundation and an advocate for children’s health, education and well-being initiatives.
“Not only is Stephanie Argyros a highly regarded leader in her profession and a great Trojan, she is a dedicated community volunteer,” USC interim President Wanda M. Austin said. “Her commitment to ensuring children are healthy, happy and empowered to realize their dreams shines through in all her work. Her civic leadership makes her an ideal addition to our board, and we very much look forward to her insight and contributions.”
USC trustee Stephanie Argyros serves the community
A California native, Argyros graduated from USC in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and has remained involved with the university. She serves on the USC President’s Leadership Council and is a member of the Keck School of Medicine of USC’s Board of Overseers.
“My favorite thing about USC is its strong sense of family,” she said. “I’m so proud to be a Trojan and incredibly honored to join the USC Board of Trustees. I’m looking forward to getting involved and giving back to the Trojan Family, especially through its support and mentorship programs for youth.”
Alongside her formal leadership roles with USC, Argyros regularly attends events on campus and is a longtime football season ticket holder. Two of her nephews are current USC students. Through its foundation, her family has supported the renovation of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum led by USC, providing a gift to restore the historic landmark’s iconic peristyle and its surrounding plaza.
Leadership and advisory roles
After earning her bachelor’s degree from USC, Argyros entered the real estate profession and held positions with Coast Newport Properties, Coldwell Banker Previews in Newport Beach and Strada Properties before joining Arnel. The company manages retail properties, office and industrial parks, and 19 apartment developments with more than 5,000 units.
Argyros also holds leadership and advisory roles with many community groups, including service on the boards of Children’s Hospital of Orange County as well as the Orangewood Foundation, which supports current and former foster youth in Orange County. She has participated in medical missions to developing countries with Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization that provides free surgeries to children with dental or facial conditions such as cleft palate.
Several years ago, Argyros became co-chair of WE Day California, an education and empowerment initiative that encourages youth to engage in public service. She also supports anti-bullying programs and produced the award-winning documentary A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story, which chronicles the motivational journey of a girl who overcame online bullying due to a medical condition. Velasquez is now an anti-bullying activist.
Aside from her professional and philanthropic pursuits, Argyros is a dedicated mother to her three children. She lives in Newport Beach.