University of Southern California - El Rodeo Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Putting A Year In Perspective Surveying the University of Southern California over any period of time, a detached observer discovers great diver- sity — a kaleidoscope of construction and destruction, bustle and long sil- ences, success and disaster. Like a child watching an anthill, such an on- looker possibly questions the purpose of all the activity. How can he recon- cile the academic hush in the basement libraries with the noisy construction of pools and parking structures? What should he think of mass migration down University Avenue on Saturday afternoons in the fall? What, he asks, is the end result of the efforts? Stretching his view further, the be- mused bystander might wonder about the outlying community — poor neigh- borhoods and old monuments sur- rounding a 150 acre campus that is largely rich and new. On viewing the rest of Los Angeles, he tries to asso- ciate the multi-cultural city with its eclectic university. He may see that each is sometimes frustrating and con- fusing, yet both are endlessly entertain- ing. Those of us inside this place know that the efforts of all observers trying to understand USC from outside are impossible. Only after working and playing here, studying for classes, standing in lines, and cheering the teams, can anyone gain an appreciation of what is truly ' Trojan ' . The insistent gaze of outsiders, whether it be admiring or critical, is a recognizable force at USC. More impor- tant, however, is our perception of this campus in all its facets and activities. We will determine its future. During 1983 as always, it is the staff, faculty and students past and present within this university who define its character and fulfill its destiny. 2 Opening

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ir ik j. , ' - -r-jj : tmLiJJLiil— M li 1983 El Rodeo ' Here are provided seats of meditative joy, where shall arise again the destined reign of Troy. . . ' Virgil, The Aenied UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA VOLUME LXXVIII

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Opening 3