Awardee William L. (Bill) Givens retired from the Gould School of Law in 2012. While at USC, Bill worked in Continuing Education and supervised all classes for the Law School’s adjunct professors. Additionally, he worked with Prof. Lefcoe’s Real Estate Classes editing three textbook editions for him. He is the author of six film-related books and is a licensed pilot
With experience serving two USC Staff Assembly Board terms while working at USC, Bill created a liaison position with Staff Assembly and the SRA upon retirement. Through his efforts, the SRA and the Emeriti Center have established deeper ties with Staff Assembly. This liaison supports the University and keeps retired staff connected to and volunteering at USC.
Bill has been an enthusiastic and dependable supporter of Emeriti Center, Staff Retirement Association and Retired Faculty Association activities. He was an early member of the “Trojans Helping Trojans” volunteer group and is always present and cheerful, willing to help wherever needed and provide wise advice and pithy commentary. Many will recognize him as the volunteer driver of the EC electric cart, taking those needing assistance from parking areas to retiree events on campus.
Bill is a valuable co-chair of special event programs. His wide interests, organization memberships and many friendships are reflected in events ranging from a guided tour of historic downtown theaters, to group self-tour of ‘The Last Bookstore and a guided high-security tour of the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown LA. Recently Bill has recruited speakers from among faculty friends for the RFA/SRA Academic Lecture series, helping to bring our two Associations together in reaching out to USC students while providing interesting programming for faculty, staff and retirees.
Bill is an active volunteer in his church and in the larger Los Angeles community. He has for many years been a stalwart in hosting weekly homeless outreach breakfasts at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills. He is a strong supporter of Los Angeles LGBTQ Center, the largest in the world. And with a group from his church Bill helps provide support for homeless LGBTQ youth — They have twice been named “Volunteers of the Year” for providing clothing, a lavish monthly meal and teachers for GED programs. Bill Givens is a USC Trojan who “talks-the-talk” AND “walks-the-walk” as a volunteer for USC.
2020 J. Tillman Hall Staff Award for Service to USC
The J. Tillman Hall Award honors distinguished volunteer service after retirement. Professor Hall (“Tilly”) led the Emeriti Center (1989-1996) after retirement. He established the Retired Faculty/Staff Benefits Committee, began the USC Living History Project and established the USC Emeriti College. “Tilly’s real vision came from the recognition that retirees best serve themselves by serving others” Betty Redmon, Executive Director, Emerita.
We are proud to award William L. (Bill) Givens the 2020 J. Tillman Hall Staff Award for Service to USC.