USC CIR – higher education

Veteran finds purpose in military social work

by Miranda Mazariegos

Joshua Pena’s dream had always been to pursue higher education.

Although it was briefly put on hold when he joined the military, he is now close to achieving his goal of earning a master’s degree at the USC School of Social Work, focusing on children, youth and families, and military social work.

The Gary Sinise Scholarship recipient wants to translate his passion for serving others into a career closing the gap between veterans and civilians—especially among military families.

But the road here was not always smooth for Pena.

After high school, Pena enrolled at Fullerton College in California. Mounting family issues a […]

Family tradition of helping veterans continues

by Claudia Bustamante

Pamela and Mark Mischel have been involved with the USC School of Social Work for over a decade—first as proud parents and now as one of the school’s first supporters of the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Fund.

“Even though we don’t have any direct experience with the military, these issues are very near and dear to our hearts,” said Pamela, who also sits on the school’s Board of Councilors.

“These young men and women have given so much, and we want to do our small part to be able to help,” Mark said.

Already early donors to the school’s military social work […]

Veteran finds purpose in military social work

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Family tradition of helping veterans continues

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