The speaker at this year’s USC Rossier Master’s Commencement Ceremony is Melanie Lundquist, one of the most generous philanthropists in the United States. Lundquist and her husband Richard have appeared on Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list of the top 50 philanthropists in America half a dozen times for their significant charitable giving that focuses on public education in Los Angeles and improving access to healthcare. In this interview, Lundquist discusses her decision to sign the Giving Pledge, what gives her hope and the true meaning of philanthropy.
In 2018, you joined Warren Buffett, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates in signing the Giving Pledge. Can you tell us a little bit about your decision?
I felt that the Giving Pledge would be a productive group to join in terms of learning what others have done and are doing with their philanthropy, as well as networking to maximize the impact of our philanthropy. It has proven to be more valuable than I could ever have imagined.
In your pledge letter, you shared that your primary focus for your philanthropic giving is K–12 public education and health care. Why have you chosen to focus on these two areas?
When I was growing up and going through LAUSD [Los Angeles Unified School District], I received an excellent education. I want all children to have access to the same excellent education I had because education is the foundation for everything in life. If you don’t build a strong foundation, the walls will collapse. Two of the barometers of being a developing nation are the education and healthcare its people receive. Sadly, our healthcare and education systems here are deteriorating, and I can’t stand by and see it get worse.
You're a double Trojan, and you were recently recognized with an honorary doctorate from McPherson College. Before making your way to USC, your educational journey began at Los Angeles Valley College. Most Californians, in fact, begin their journey in higher education at community colleges. Can you tell us more about your experience at Los Angeles Valley and how it impacted you?
California is extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful entity in the California Community College system. My attending LA Valley College was primarily a financial decision. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, and I had to conserve the dollars in my first two years of college. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience. The professors were very supportive, and the classes were small. And to this day, I love, champion and financially support the California Community College system.
Looking back, is there a particular educator who inspired you or changed the course of your life?
Yes. One of those teachers is Mr. John Zoeger. Mr. Zoeger was my science teacher in the 10th through 12th grades. He loved what he taught. He cared deeply—not only about science, but about his students. When he taught, the lessons were so interesting and captivating. And, most importantly, we all understood that Mr. Zoeger truly believed in us. Teachers often see something in a student before that student can see it in themselves. I could name 50 other teachers who have positively impacted the course of my life.
You pledged $50 million to found the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools in 2007, and committed an additional $35 million in 2018. Looking back at the organization’s work over these past two decades, is there a particular project or program that you are especially proud of?
Our most meaningful impact has been in addressing equity, specifically our Student Equity Need Index. If we can get school districts to use that and use it well, it will be a game-changer. The Index uses 17 indicators to support high-need schools rather than just enrollment numbers. This has translated into hundreds of millions of dollars in new annual funding for schools to hire additional staff, nurses and counselors to improve student outcomes. A close runner-up that also promotes equity is our math programs—math changes everything. I helped catalyze a collaboration between the Partnership and The Gates Foundation, which has resulted in a special annual convening called The Factors Forum: Accelerating California Math Achievement. At the Factors Forum, we share the Partnership’s research and implementation for teaching K–12 math with school districts that need help. The Partnership’s math curriculum has been adopted throughout LAUSD. By offering this knowledge statewide, we hope to help improve math outcomes for students across California.
While today’s headlines can make those committed to pursuing causes like educational equity feel discouraged, what is giving you hope right now?
Our student scholars deserve nothing less than the best. Every time I am in our schools and meeting our scholars, they give me both hope and joy.
You’ve often referenced a metaphor about the redwoods when thinking about what it takes to impact change. Can you share more about this metaphor and its importance to you?
It goes back to my formative years when we were all there for each other. We held each other up and collaborated on everything. It’s the best humanity has to offer. The redwoods stand majestically tall for thousands of years with shallow roots—they intertwine and support each other. We should all be redwoods.
USC Rossier graduates are stepping into careers as teachers, therapists, leaders in education, and other sectors with a desire to make a difference and have a positive impact. Still, they may not know where to begin. How have you navigated similar moments when the path wasn’t clear?
I really didn’t know where to begin with impact philanthropy and driving systemic change. Making a positive impact is not as easy as it sounds. Looking back to my own experiences to figure out what to do, I focus on those who made the biggest differences in my life—and they were my teachers. I thought about the notion of supporting the most vulnerable populations in our society. As my teachers taught me—start out with a big idea and framework, then narrow in on what’s most important. Look at where things are systemically broken and fix it. That is my North Star.
You’ve built a life centered on giving back. What are some ways that you encourage others, no matter their financial resources, to practice generosity?
I first point out that philanthropy is not about treasure alone. It’s about time and talent, too. Being a kind human being costs nothing. And it is what the world needs now. I also tell folks that the number of zeros in a donation doesn’t matter. Any amount is good; we just need more people to be giving, more often. Small donations, done consistently, can have great impact. Webster’s defines philanthropy as “the love of humanity.” They don’t define it by dollars.
If you could offer one piece of advice for the Class of 2026, what would it be?
Simply put, go out, find and then grow your redwood groves.
