Stephanie Adams McGraw first met Dean Joan Schaefer on her second day as a USC undergraduate. Although neither realized it at the time, the meeting began a friendship that would profoundly influence the young student’s life.
Schaefer — the former dean of women affectionately called “Dean Joan” by many alumni — was first McGraw’s mentor, then her friend in a remarkable bond that has spanned 42 years and is still going strong.
Partly in honor of Schaefer, McGraw has announced the creation of the Stephanie M. Adams charitable remainder trust to benefit the Dean Joan M. Schaefer Scholarship Fund, established in 1994. The gift is also for the benefit of students.
“I feel such gratitude,” says McGraw, who received a B.S. in 1960, an M.S. in 1968 and an Ed.D. in 1975, all at USC. “There is no monetary equivalent that could approximate what I have been given over the years from Joan.”
For a while, McGraw served under Dean Joan as assistant dean of women while working toward her master’s degree in education. As she began her doctoral studies, she took a position as dean of students at Scripps College. After completing her Ed.D., she joined the chancellor’s office of the California State Universities, from which system she recently retired as statewide dean, academic affairs, after 17 years of service.

Dean Joan with Dr. John Russell, Professor of Astronomy.  Faculty Academic Procession – Commencement.	"A time of memories past into present and into our and our graduates' future; a time of glorious review of the year and of recognition to University goals; a time to honor intellectual life and achievements."