Harman Family Endows New Polymathic Center
In a $10 million naming gift, the Harman Family Foundation will establish the Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study.
The donation will rename the center late USC Professor Sidney Harman created in the hopes of growing interdiscplinary learning, a trademark of his education philosophy.
"Sidney Harman was a gifted polymath in his own right," said University President C.L. Max Nikias in a statement Tuesday. "Through this inspiring gift from USC trustee Jane Harman and the Harman Family Foundation, this remarkable academy is a testament to this hope that students employing a polymathic approach to education will also derive greater personal wisdom and sound judgement."
The Academy will play host to various events and learning seminars, working to encourage critical thinking on the interconnectedness of different disciplines in the University.
USC trustee Jane Harman added her support in a memo to the community. "This Academy, which he imagined and founded, will instill curiosity across the many disciplines at USC, and just might revolutionize the way students learn," the memo read.
Jane was the wife of Sidney, who taught at USC's Marshall, Davis, Architecture, and Annenberg schools during his esteemed career. The newly renamed academy will induct its latest class of fellows during the 2012 commencement week festivities.
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