December 1, 2004

LOS ANGELES, CA: Following the quarterly meeting of USC’s Trustees, the Trojan Navy Christened a new racing shell, Harlyne Norris, in honor of one of USC’s greatest supporters by the same name.

Harlyne Norris, USC President Steven Sample, and Ann Hill stand before the newly-christened Harlyne Norris racing shell.

The Trojan Marching Band opened the ceremony playing the National Anthem and then USC Trustee Ann Hill made introductory remarks, noting the team’s undefeated Fall season and win at the 2004 National Collegiate Club Championships and pointing out the rich history of the relationship between the Men’s Crew and the Norris Family.


“Harlyne Norris is constantly praised for her dedication to the University of Southern California. Ever since her husband Kenneth T. Norris Jr. died in 1996, Harlyne Norris has contributed significantly to the university,” said Mrs. Hill.

Mrs. Norris serves on the Norris Cancer Hospital Board, is a dedicated member of the USC Board of Trustees and annually supports the USC Men’s Crew.


Through its foundation, the Norris family has given more than $40 million to USC, naming the Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital, the Eileen L. Norris Cinema Theater, the Norris Dental Center, the Norris Medical Library and the Norris Auditorium. Like many departments of USC, the Men’s Crew is financed through gifts from alumni, parents and friends of the University. The Norris Family has supported Men’s Rowing at USC for over half a century, providing almost $1 million in funds during this time. Today’s Trojans row in state-of-the-art equipment fit for any Olympic team.

“The Crew would like to express its sincerest thanks to Harlyne for her philanthropy and we are proud to honor her by dedicating this new shell in her name today,” added Mrs. Hill.

Mrs. Norris shared her appreciation of the occasion noting her late husband’s joy of rowing. She then formalized the proceedings by emptying a bottle of champagne across the bow of the shell.



“In the name of the University of Southern California, I christen this shell Harlyne Norris. May God bless her and all who row in her.”