USC Launches $200 Million AI Initiative Funded by Mark and Mary Stevens

May 5, 2026
The University of Southern California has launched a major artificial intelligence initiative supported by a $200 million donation from venture capitalist Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary. The gift will expand AI research across health sciences, security, business, and the arts, and the USC School of Advanced Computing will be renamed in their honor.

University of Southern California has launched a new artificial intelligence initiative supported by a $200 million donation from venture capitalist Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary, announced in a press release. The program will expand AI research across health sciences, security, business, and the arts.

In recognition of the gift, the USC School of Advanced Computing within the Viterbi School of Engineering will be renamed the USC Mark and Mary Stevens School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The initiative will recruit leading AI researchers and support the development of new therapeutics, security technologies, and creative applications.

USC currently offers more than 30 programs in artificial intelligence and computing, enrolling thousands of students. A new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence will be introduced this fall. Researchers at USC are already applying AI to study neurodegenerative diseases, prevent suicides among students and military personnel, and create interactive virtual environments for entertainment and education.

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