The Trojan

The Trojan, popularly known as Tommy Trojan, was sculpted by Roger Noble Burnham in 1930. He wields the Sword of Knowledge in one hand, and holds the Shield of Courage in the other. The statue was unveiled as “The Trojan Shrine” during the University’s 50th Jubilee in 1930. Burnham’s primary models for the figure were All-American USC football players Erny Pinckert and 1930 Rose Bowl Player of the Game Russ Saunders. A $1 surcharge was added to season football tickets in order to help offset its $10,000 cost. Many people identify The Trojan as the symbol of the university. Tommy Trojan is not, however, USC’s official mascot; that title belongs to Traveler, a white Andalusian horse.

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Image by Andrew Schmidt