This summer, USC’s 2025 Student Orientation events were powered by more than just schedules and campus tours—they were elevated by the energy, dedication, and expertise of USC Information Technology Services (ITS) and its passionate Innovation Ambassadors.
Spearheaded by Joshua Mallard, Customer Service Analyst and Orientation Booth Coordinator, this year’s orientation booth program was a standout success. Joshua not only partnered closely with the university’s Orientation Office but also guided every detail of ITS’s involvement—from shaping the booth’s marketing strategy and directing volunteers to ensuring that students left with both knowledge and confidence. His vision and coordination made the ITS Booth a trusted, welcoming presence throughout the summer.
Showcasing Tech and Building Connections
The ITS Booth was live at every student orientation throughout June and July, open from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Doheny Memorial Courtyard (DMC). There, new students and their families were greeted with hands-on tech demos, insider tips, and giveaways, introducing them to the digital tools that fuel their USC experience.
Innovation Ambassadors were on hand at every session to help students navigate critical tech services such as Wi-Fi, security, student email, Brightspace, Zoom, and other technology tips. Each interaction helped demystify the technology landscape while reinforcing ITS’s role as a reliable, student-focused support system.
“It’s not just about the technology—it’s about making students feel empowered and welcomed,” said Joshua, who personally attended every session, ensuring that each event ran smoothly and that every volunteer felt prepared and appreciated.
A Team-Wide Effort Powered by Volunteers
This summer’s success was built on the enthusiasm and hard work of ITS volunteers from across the organization, with many stepping up again and again. Among the standouts:
Learning Environments (LE) Team
- Lorenzo Bernardi attended every single orientation, often arriving before anyone else to set up the booth. His consistency and support were instrumental to the booth’s success.
- Tiffany Jones was present for nearly half of the events and also helped with setup before each session.
- Will Dewitt, Learning Environments Manager, ensured the team was well-equipped and present, even joining the later events himself.
Design Experience Team
- Director Samantha Chilton was key in producing the booth’s swag bags and showed up in person to support several events.
- Rhonda Nelson and Alejandra Ponce de Leon created a mailing list for design research outreach, with Alejandra volunteering at three events.
- Wensu Ng not only attended an in-person session but also served as the sole volunteer at the virtual booth, providing excellent support with minimal guidance.
ITS Champions
- Kimmie Lu, Director of Business Enablement, returned for her second year, bringing unmatched energy and connecting effortlessly with students and guests.
- Adam LaFountain, newly appointed Director of Los Nettos, jumped in with enthusiasm despite being new to ITS—and proudly represented the LGBTQ+ community in full pride gear, filling a swag gap with style.
- ITS Administrative Team:
- Jannine Brewster, Manager, coordinated key logistical support and purchasing of promotional items, ensuring the booth was well-stocked and organized.
- Roselynd Lopez, Administrative Assistant II, supported booth operations by helping procure materials and manage logistics.
- ITS Communications, Marketing & Learning and Development:
- Anne Silva, Director, volunteered and captured photos at the booth,
- Quinn Olson, Communications Manager, supported communication efforts behind the scenes,
- Tiffani Mendinueto, Marketing and Communications Manager, ensured the booth and its materials were on-brand and engaging.
Creating a Lasting First Impression
Each interaction at the booth gave students more than just tech support—it gave them confidence. Whether through 5-minute conversations or full 90-minute sessions, the ITS team helped shape a smooth, welcoming first impression of USC’s digital campus. Tools like the ITS Knowledge Base and the 24/7 Support Center were introduced as go-to resources, while upcoming innovations were highlighted to inspire excitement about what’s ahead.
Thanks to Joshua Mallard’s leadership and the dedication of over a dozen volunteers, USC’s newest Trojans are entering the fall semester informed, connected, and supported.