Trojan Knights
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Trojan Knights are the "Guardians of Tradition" for the University of Southern California. The Knights were founded in 1921 by Harry Pryor, Harry Kennedy, and Lindley Bothwell, who felt the need for an organization that espoused the traditions of USC and embodied the five attributes of a Trojan: faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous, and ambitious. The organization they established set out to serve the university and the surrounding community in any way possible.
For 85 years, the Trojan Knights have played an important role in the lives of students at USC and members of the surrounding community. Famous alumni of the Trojan Knights have included actors Tom Selleck and John Wayne. Recent Knight activities include planning philanthropies such as Pumpkin Carving, which benefits the children of a local elementary school, and volunteering for university events and fundraisers such as Parent's Weekend, Undergraduate Symposium, and Swim with Mike. However, the Knights are probably best known around campus for their role in maintaining an all-night vigil around Tommy Trojan the week preceding the annual football showdown between USC and UCLA.
Today, with front row, 40-yard-line seats at football games and a large sister organization, the USC Helenes, to socialize with, the Trojan Knights present an attractive alternative to the active Greek system at USC. Stressing the importance of brotherhood, philanthropy, and spirit, the Trojan Knights continue to attract dedicated members to a fraternity of Trojans, for Trojans.
