The USC debate experience has been part of the lives of Trojans for more than 130 years. At the core of this remarkable program are the tremendous students who have proudly called themselves Trojan debaters. Debate helps these fantastic individuals reach their potential. 

Each new Trojan debater is part of a long tradition of individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their fields of study, professions, and communities. Trojan debaters may be recognized for their intellect, work ethic, compassion, or ethics. Their names may be familiar because they were colleagues or because of their legacy. Every Trojan is joined by the common spirit of Troy, which is passed on from class to class. Tom Hozduk exemplified this spirit and generations of Trojans learned about what it meant to be part of this community from his presence at Homecoming each fall. 

We cannot list all of our accomplished alumni, but even a small sampling reveals a very distinguished Trojan community. 

Warren Christopher, US Secretary of State and Deputy US Attorney General.

David Cooney, Navy rear admiral and chief of Navy information, President and chief executive officer of Goodwill Industries.

Burt Pines, Los Angeles City Attorney and a judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Arthur Groman, Prominent trial attorney who represented Howard Hughes, Judy Garland, Armand Hammer and Fred Goldman. As a student he was debated against Wiley College in the 'Great Debaters' debate.

J. Sterling Livingston, Harvard Business School Professor and founder of The Sterling Institute which continues his legacy of developing managers and leaders in both the public and private sectors.

Murray Bring, Vice chairman and general counsel for Philip Morris, Clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren.

Lillian M. Stevens, Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court. 

Lawrence Solum, Professor of Law & John Carroll Research Professor, Georgetown University Law Center

Tomson Ong, Judge of the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles and judge advocate in the JAG Corps with the U.S. Army Reserve program.

Lindsay Harrison, Attorney who at age 30 won a case in front of the US Supreme Court. That decision helped a Cameroonian immigrant and set an important precedent in immigration law. She talked about the case as the keynote speaker to the 2011 National Debate Tournament.

Geoff Goodman, Judge of Sacramento Superior Court.

Doug Bailey, Council Member and Mayor, City of Cypress.

David Damus, Chief Executive Officer at System Property Development Company. The only former squad captain who would also go onto to direct the Squad. Our high school tournament has been renamed in honor of his tremendous service.

Tomorrow's Leaders

The list of successful Trojan debate alums grows ever year. Each class finds their own way in law schools, medical schools, engineering firms, public policy foundations and classrooms. They continue as part of a proud tradition of Trojan debaters. 

Stay in Touch

If you are an alumni and would like to connect with other alumni please use our LinkedIn group page (linkedin registration required) or contact us to stay in touch. 

Fight On!