On June 6, one of the University of Southern California’s most legendary icons turned 95. Tall, handsome, and imposing, Tommy Trojan, the “Spirit of Troy” proudly protects and salutes his spirited school in the heart of the campus. This monumental artwork survived possible scandal and to rule regally today.

Three members of the University’s Alumni Association selected the preliminary model of renowned sculptor Roger Noble Burnham’s majestic warrior statue design from many submitted works to honor the 50th anniversary of the school’s founding in 1930. Harry Lee Martin, President of the Pacific Mortgage Guarantee company, Kennedy Ellsworth, former chairman of the Alumni Club and the leader of Los Angeles’ Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Frank Hadlock, executive secretary of the Alumni Association, selected the eyecatching figure of the warrior because “the Trojan tradition is emblematic of the University of Southern California, and “because of its embodiment of courage, skill and wisdom,” as the Los Angeles Evening Post-Record reported in mid-September 1929. Campus President Rufus von Kleinsmid believed “it typified the Trojan spirit; intrepid courage, charging forward to meet any opposition.”

The casting of Tommy Trojan, Los Angeles Record, February 4, 1930.

A Los Angeles Times writer published the S. C. creed given to him by a reader after he denigrated the work in his column. The creed heavily reiterated the use of ideals and traditions to inspire others. “I ill never bring disgrace to Southern California, my university, by an unsportsmanlike act or dishonorable conduct. I will fight for the ideals and sacred things of Troy, both alone and with many; I will revere and obey its tradition and endeavor to inspire a like respect and reverence in others. I will ever remember that I am a Trojan and a keeper of the Trojan spirit, which is exemplified in the virtues of fidelity, ambition and courage.”

The association intended the eight foot high bronze figure atop its 10 foot tall granite pedestal to act as a shrine for students and alumni celebrating graduations, reunions, rallies, and special academic events. Bas-relief figures demonstrating student life would decorate the pedestal, which would sit atop a concrete platform to serve as stage for speakers and honorees, providing a romantic and heroic background for campus events.

Just a few days later, Burnham student Germain Trentini enjoined the sculptor from finishing the intended memorial by bringing suit in Los Angeles Superior Court claiming Burnham copied a design by the young artist. The wounded young man sought $5,000 in damages and an injunction forbidding the finishing of the work. Courts ruled for Burnham however, and his work continued.

The renowned sculptor completed his rough clay statue by the end of January 1930, a towering figure representing ideals and heroism, both in academic halls and on the sporting fields. Newspapers reported that such Trojan football stars as 1930 Rose Bowl Player of the game Russ Saunders and Garrett Arbelhide posed for Burnham to ensure a handsome, muscular look for the piece. The sculptor completed more than 100 oil paintings of many players before selecting the two to focus on. Sunday, February 2, Burnham invited special guests and school administration to inspect the pre-cast figure called “The Trojan” at his studio at 3516 1/2 West Third Street. The general public could view the statue the following two days, and later could see the plaster cast of the work at an Arts and Crafts exhibit.

While working to complete his USC commission, Burnham also designed and sculpted “Aspiration,” a romantic Art Deco representation of Deceased silent actor Rudolph Valentino. The city of Los Angeles unveiled the six foot tall bronze work in Hollywood’s DeLongpre Park on May 6, 1930.

A week later, USC broke ground in front of Bovard Administration Building to erect the concrete base on which “The Spirit of Troy” would stand, to be finished in time for the June 6 final unveiling. A replica of the torch of immortality would decorate the back, a bronze replica of the school’s seal would decorate the front, with the words “Faithful, Scholarly, Skillful, Courageous, and Ambitious” inscribed below it, the word “Trojan” inscribed on the base along with the Latin phrase, “Palmam qui meruit ferat” (Let him who deserves it bear away the palm), and the sides would feature carvings representing college life. Alumni President Herbert Freston and New York Alumnus Harold Stoner, educational director of the American Institute of Banking would participate in the June proceedings.

At 3 p.m. on June 6, ceremonies rang out for the unveiling of the campus icon. USC coed Janet McCoy unveiled the powerful statue, which cost $10,000, and required a $1 surcharge on football season tickets for a while to pay alleviate costs. Vice President-elect of the student body, McCoy was also daughter of Dr. James McCoy, a past President of the alumni association and chair of the fiftieth. anniversary event. A procession of students wearing cap and gown for graduation would precede the unveiling. Copies of the statue were given to actor George Arliss and Warner Bros. Vice President Jack Warner in recognition of their accomplishments.

Over the decades, the beloved Tommy shrine has appeared in many schoolwide and personal celebrations, an image of pride and joy. At the same time, arch rival UCLA has found it a perfect object to deface with graffiti, costumes, and the like throughout its history, particularly before the big game between the two.

Whether near or far, students and alumni can still savor Tommy’s proud features 24 hours a day via live webcam. Day or night, sunshine or storm, this regal monument salutes the contagious spirit of discernment, discipline, and never say die fervor embodying that of a moral and courageous warrior.