It all starts here. In Auxiliary Services we pride ourselves in a diverse mix of talented and dedicated people from all walks of life. The Trojan Family lives here in employees who have served USC for 5, 20, even 40 years. When we recruit, we search for the brightest stars in the best industries. From Accounting to Transportation, you’ll find people from Abercrombie and Fitch, The Culinary Institute of America, CPK, Deloitte and Touche, DHL, Hollister, The Hyatt, Ralph Lauren, The Ritz Carlton, Vans, and more. We truly are “World Class, Right at Home.”
Best Service
What do you need? People at USC have high expectations and we are no exception. That is why we provide the very best service every day. We benchmark our Pac 12 university colleagues, the top-ranked universities, and the best practices in all the industries we represent for service ideas and improvements. We are constant contact with our customers through surveys, focus groups, secret shoppers, online feedback forums, student / faculty / staff governments, and day-to-day personal interaction so that we can create the best USC service experience for you.
Best Products
Whether it is food or merchandise, we make sure that it is the best product for the right price. We offer premium brand name merchandise and popular food franchises, and we balance that portfolio with signature restaurant concepts and private label products that bring the best value to USC. From the award-winning Lab Gastropub, the popular Team Trojan clothing label, and the name food brands that are in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, we have the best value, the best quality, and the best products.
After construction concludes, Auxiliary Services will operate several new housing, retail and dining functions in the new USC Village. USC Housing will oversee nearly 2000 beds in 2 residential colleges, the Freshman Honors House and Graduate Student Housing. USC Hospitality will run an expanded residential dining program for the Freshman Honors House, as well as several restaurant and food and beverage venues yet to be determined. Auxiliary Services will also operate new retail outlets in the village, while USC Transportation will absorb the additional parking functions associated with the property.
Just in time for Fall Semester 2016, we opened our newest venue. This self-developed concept of the USC Hospitality Group will feature Asian inspired cuisine and a unique new dining experience for the campus community. Guests will encounter a delectable variety of cuisine from all over the Asian continent. The culinary team, has worked on menu development for the past year and has proudly engineered restaurant quality, authentic foods found internationally and in Los Angeles neighborhoods. With a menu consisting of Pho, Ramen, Bahn Mi, Dim Sum, Shumai and many more favorite Asian dishes, the café caters to guests’ sophisticated and cultured palates. Guests will also have a choice of tasty rolls handcrafted by our skilled sushi chefs.
Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
On Monday, August 22, 2016, USC premiered the very first Cupcake ATM on a university campus. The machine will be located in the center of campus on the façade of the USC Bookstore. The partnership between USC Hospitality and Sprinkles Cupcakes is sure to please sweet-toothed Trojans with 24/7 access to the iconic treats from the world’s first cupcake bakery. Sprinkles Cupcakes have been a long-standing favorite on the USC campus. Procured often by student organizations and university departments for catered events, Sprinkles brings a smile and a rush of eager eaters looking for their favorite flavors. There will be no need to rush, the USC Cupcake ATM can hold up to 800 cupcakes and will feature a wide variety of flavors as well as specialty cupcakes to accommodate those with dietary concerns.
Coliseum Renovation
On January 29th, 2018, USC formally kicked off the $270 million renovation project that will preserve and improve the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the 95-year-old home of the USC Trojans. The stadium — the only venue in the world to have hosted two Olympics, two Super Bowls and a World Series — will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as track and field events during the 2028 Olympics. It has been the Trojans’ home field since it opened in 1923. The Coliseum is jointly owned by the state, the county and the city of Los Angeles, and is managed and operated by USC under a 98-year lease that extends through 2111.
With both the ongoing drought and loss of farmable land, the rapid depletion of natural resources is a relevant concern in today’s times. To fight these issues, USC Hospitality has taken action to assert its responsibility for the earth in developing the USC Teaching Garden, a self-sustaining garden to harvest a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers for its dining venues. The garden’s farming techniques support USC Hospitality’s commitment to the environment and to the health of our dining guests by growing our own food locally without the use of any harmful chemicals.
In March 2015, The Radisson Midtown Hotel at USC completed a five-year renovation project that included the remodel of all 240 guest rooms and bathrooms, 15,000 sq. ft. of banquet and meeting space, the two main lobbies, public spaces, and elevators. Also in 2015, the hotel added upgraded AV in the meeting spaces and placed digital signage throughout the hotel.
In Auxiliary Services we pride ourselves on our diverse mix of talented and dedicated people from all walks of life. The Trojan Family is exemplified by employees who have served USC for five, twenty, even forty years. When we recruit, we search for the brightest stars in the best industries.
Darren joined Auxiliary Services in 2014 as Director of USC Bookstores. His previous work includes 16 years at Disney Store North America where he worked in Store Operations as well as Director of Retail roles...
Joe began his second tour-of-duty at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena in August 2011 (having first worked there from 1986 -1994) and has been with the University...
Jerry has worked for the University for over 10 years. He was named Director of Design for Auxiliary Services in 2006. Previously, he served as Director of Operations for the USC Bookstores.
Executive Director, Finance, Accounting, and Compliance
John joined Auxiliary Services as Director, Finance & Accounting in 2015. His prior work includes over 13 years in entertainment, most recently with Sony Pictures Television Networks...
Dirk serves as General Manager of the USC Hotel and oversees the Restaurant Group as well as the Catering & Special Events division of USC Hospitality.
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Business Operations, Human Resources and USC Housing
Barbara is currently the Assistant Vice President of USC Auxiliary Services and oversees Strategic Business Operations, Human Resources, and USC Housing.
In addition to managing Labor and Employee Relations and the Human Resources teams, Sonia leads Compensation/Payroll, Talent Acquisition, and Learning and Organizational Development...
Frank has served as the Director of Central Information Technology since January of 2008. Prior to joining Auxiliary Services, Frank oversaw strategic IT planning, managed enterprise software development...
Tracie joined Auxiliary Services in 2017 as Director of Marketing & Communications where she will oversee all Marketing, Publicity, Social Media and Communications efforts for USC Auxiliary Services.
Matt has been with USC since 2009. In his current role, Matt oversees the university’s trademark licensing program along with the administration and coordination of Auxiliary Services contracts.
Tony has been the Director of Transportation since 2008. Before 2008, Tony served as Transportation’s Senior Associate Director for transit operations at USC.
Vice President, Auxiliary Services and COO of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Dan Stimmler was named vice president for auxiliary services in May of 2016, previously serving as associate senior vice president of auxiliary services since October 2006. In this capacity, he oversees the university’s auxiliary services enterprise, which consists of the following operating units: USC Bookstores, which is the second largest independent college bookstore system in the United States; USC Hospitality, which encompasses residential dining at Everybody’s Kitchen, Parkside and the USC Village, full-service catering operations at Town and Gown and the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, and more than 30 restaurant and retail outlets located on the University Park and Health Sciences campuses; USC Housing, which accommodates more than 9,200 USC students; USC Transportation, which spans campus entrances, parking services, trams, Campus Cruisers, rideshare programs, citations, a gas station, and the USC Hotel. As of 2013, Stimmler also oversees the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, as Chief Operating Officer. Before being named associate senior vice president, Stimmler served as associate vice president of auxiliary services from 2005 to 2006, and as director of the USC Bookstores from 2002 to 2005. He has worked at USC since 1992. Stimmler earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his MBA from the University of Southern California.
Darren James
Director of Retail, USC Bookstores
Darren joined Auxiliary Services in 2014 as Director of USC Bookstores. His previous work includes 16 years at Disney Store North America where he worked in Store Operations as well as Director of Retail roles with both Betsey Johnson and Silver Jeans Co. Darren received his B.S. In Public Communications from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and his M.B.A. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.
Joseph Furin
General Manager, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Joe began his second tour-of-duty at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena in August 2011 (having first worked there from 1986 -1994) and has been with the University since the school assumed management of the historic facilities on July 29, 2013. As General Manager, Joe’s core responsibilities include directing the day-to-day administrative, financial and operational functions, developing new programs and processes to increase revenue and serving as the primary contact for internal and external business relations. Joe earned his B.A. degree in Sports Information from USC in 1989.
Jerry Wingate
Director, Auxiliary Services Design Services
Jerry has worked for the University for over 10 years. He was named Director of Design for Auxiliary Services in 2006. Previously, he served as Director of Operations for the USC Bookstores. Jerry has a B.A. in Architecture from the Southern Polytecnic University in Atlanta Georgia. He is currently a patron of the Colquitt County Arts Center and The Long Beach Museum of Art.
John Digrado
Executive Director, Finance, Accounting, and Compliance
John joined Auxiliary Services as Director, Finance & Accounting in 2015. His prior work includes over 13 years in entertainment, most recently with Sony Pictures Television Networks where he led finance for the studio’s networks in India, Asia, and the US. In addition, John’s previous work includes various finance roles at NBC Universal and Universal Music Group. John holds an MBA in finance from the USC Marshall School of Business, a BA in American Literature from UCLA, and is a California licensed CPA.
Kris Klinger
Assistant Vice President, USC Hospitality and Hotel
Kris oversees multiple business units including USC Hospitality and the USC Hotel and contributes on special university projects. Since joining Auxiliary Services in 2009 as Director of Hospitality, Kris has made significant contributions across retail operations which include 43 venues between the two USC campuses, opening 19 new venues, rebranding 11 venues and strategically implementing 7 new USC brands. His creation of Marketing, Learning & Development and Compliance programs in Hospitality has since developed into cross functional departments in Auxiliary Services.
Kris holds a Bachelor’s degree in German and International Relations from the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the USC Marshall School of Business.
Dirk De Jong
Executive Director of Hospitality and Hotel
Dirk serves as General Manager of the USC Hotel and oversees the Restaurant Group as well as the Catering & Special Events division of USC Hospitality. Since joining USC Hospitality in 2004, Dirk has held many instrumental positions. During his tenure at USC, Dirk has been in charge of opening 16 new venues and rebranding 3 locations, in addition to implementing new front of house and back of house systems and various special projects.
Dirk received his Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Stenden University in the Netherlands and an Executive Master of Business Administration from USC.
Barbara Sladeck
Assistant Vice President, Strategic Business Operations, Human Resources and USC Housing
Barbara is currently the Assistant Vice President of USC Auxiliary Services and oversees Strategic Business Operations, Human Resources, and USC Housing. She has been with the university since 2007. Previously, Barbara held leadership positions in Human Resources at The Wet Seal and Vans/VF Corporation. Prior to her transition to the retail industry, Barbara led the training team as the Tax Training Director at Arthur Andersen. Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her MBA from the University of Southern California. Barbara holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation from The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Additionally, she completed Coaching certification training from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in 2014.
Chris Ponsiglione
Director, USC Housing
Chris now serves as Director of USC Housing after 13 years as Senior Associate Director for Operations and Maintenance. Since joining USC in 2006, Chris has overseen numerous projects that have improved USC Housing facilities, as well as impacted each of the Auxiliary Services Business Units.
Prior to joining USC, Chris managed a variety of logistics, freight and warehouse operations on both the East and West coasts and has a B.A. in Managerial Economics from Union College in Schenectady, NY.
Sonia Miranda
Director of Human Resources
In addition to managing Labor and Employee Relations and the Human Resources teams, Sonia leads Compensation/Payroll, Talent Acquisition, and Learning and Organizational Development. Sonia has been with USC since 2009 and has more than 18 years of experience in Human Resources. She received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Cal State Long Beach and her Executive Master's in Leadership from USC.
Frank Juarez
Executive Director, Chief Technology Officer
Frank has served as the Director of Central Information Technology since January of 2008. Prior to joining Auxiliary Services, Frank oversaw strategic IT planning, managed enterprise software development, and managed data center and help desk operations for multiple Fortune 200 companies. Frank has a B.A. in Computer Science from UCI and a M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
Tracie Jones
Director Marketing, Communications & Design
Tracie joined Auxiliary Services in 2017 as Director of Marketing & Communications where she will oversee all Marketing, Publicity, Social Media and Communications efforts for USC Auxiliary Services. Her previous work includes extensive experience as a marketing executive, including expertise in directing and managing business development, brand management, advertising, ticket sales marketing, public relations and operations in the entertainment and sports sector. In her previous position at The Forum in Inglewood she was responsible for managing all concert and touring sponsorship activations and onsite engagement. Prior to that she oversaw marketing, promotions, branding and special event initiatives for Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club & Honda Center. Tracie received her B.A. in Communications and a Minor in Sociology and M.A. in Journalism from USC.
Matt Curran
Director, Trademarks and Contract Compliance
Matt has been with USC since 2009. In his current role, Matt oversees the university’s trademark licensing program along with the administration and coordination of Auxiliary Services contracts. Prior to joining the university Matt spent seven years with Equity Management Inc., where he developed and managed licensing strategies for clients such as Cadillac, Chevrolet, and ACDelco. Matt has a B.S. in Finance from Linfield College and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Oregon.
Tony Mazza
Director, USC Transportation
Tony has been the Director of Transportation since 2008. Before 2008, Tony served as Transportation’s Senior Associate Director for transit operations at USC. Prior to joining USC in 2006, Tony was employed by DHL as the Regional Service Director responsible for Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. Tony has a B.A in Business Administration from Monmouth University, West Long Branch, N.J.
The Auxiliary Services Shared Services units provide essential support and strategic consultation to the Auxiliary Services operations units. Each Shared Services unit is staffed with a combination of unit-dedicated personnel and function-dedicated subject matter experts.
Finance & Accounting
The Finance & Accounting team supports Auxiliary Services by maintaining the fiscal integrity of all financial reports and works closely with the business units to insure proper controls, policies and procedures are in place to protect the assets of the University.
Information Technology
The Central Information Technology team provides Auxiliary Services with information technology technical support, server and operations management, IT governance and project management services, and business unit and enterprise web development services.
Design Studio
The USC Design Studio is a full-service creative group that has been serving the Trojan community since 2001. The USC Design Studio creates brand identities, print and marketing collateral, advertising campaigns, digital media content, website designs, motion graphics, environmental designs, t-shirt graphics, and photography for all Auxiliary Service units as well as a wide range of other University departments and clients. www.uscdesignstudio.com
Human Resources
The Human Resources and Payroll team supports Auxiliary Services business units in recruiting, hiring, employee and labor relations, learning and development, compensation, and payroll services. It is our goal to ensure that our team members are satisfied, supported, and engaged throughout their career at USC.
