Dennis Fernow '63 never imagined that a chance encounter with a homeless man in Los Angeles would forever change his life. While Fernow says the young Austrian (whom we'll call Martin to protect his privacy) was crippled by mental illness and addiction, underneath was a kind and intelligent soul.
Touched by the young man's struggles, Fernow spent a year helping Martin find a job, clothing, food, medical care and a place to stay. The two men formed a warm and loving friendship that continues today. During a visit with Martin in Germany several years ago, Fernow says he "looked like a normal young man. Perfectly dressed. My heart leapt with joy."
Fernow's determination to continue helping the homeless led him to the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. It was there that he and the former owner of an electric contracting firm, Thomas McMaster, established the Dennis Fernow and Thomas McMaster Endowed Fund in Psychiatry. The fund supports USC researchers as they search for stronger indicators of bipolarism and schizophrenia in the brain, and more effective treatments for those suffering from these disorders.
"There are so many people on the street that don't want to be on the street," says Fernow, "but the demons in their minds keep them there. How many other homeless people are waiting to be rescued?"
It was during conversations about funding Keck researchers that Fernow and McMaster also learned about plans to build USC Village. Fernow, who was a Sigma Chi fraternity member while studying business and advertising at USC, immediately felt a connection to the Village's mission: the creation of a living and learning environment that would ensure students thrive both academically and socially. The longtime business partners decided to support the Village as well.
"I love the whole concept here," said Fernow during a recent visit to the Village, where, in recognition of the two men's support, Fernow and McMaster Way, a tree-lined paseo, leads to the shaded benches of Fernow and McMaster Plaza. "Students from different countries will come here and create lifelong relationships that will generate a deep understanding of one another."
Fernow worked with USC gift planning experts to facilitate his planned gift, which included a bequest and the option to establish a charitable remainder unitrust (CRT) funded with highly appreciated real estate. A CRT provides donors with an immediate tax deduction and a stream of income for either a term of years or for the rest of the trust beneficiary's life.
This generous gift brings Fernow's USC story full circle. A few years after graduation, he joined USC as a fundraiser, and spent nearly two decades securing gifts from alumni—Trojans who were just as passionate and dedicated to their alma mater as Fernow is today.
"I have a great love for this institution—that's what it's all about," says Fernow. "It's been a powerful influence on me. I think there's magic here at USC."