Maria Cooper Janis continues to embrace her father’s legacy with the Gary Cooper Endowed Fund for Student Support at The University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts
After gifting the Gary Cooper Collection at the University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts, Television’s Library and archives where students, scholars and researchers are able to study Gary Cooper’s contributions to cinema, his daughter, Maria Cooper Janis established the Gary Cooper Endowed Fund for Student Support in 2005. Gary Cooper had a passionate respect Native Americans from his youth in Montana and sparked a lifelong interest in Indigenous Cultures. Traveling to their native homes and learning about their specific traditions, culture and lifestyles.
This fund provides financial assistance for those students from Indigenous cultures who want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. The Gary Cooper Endowed Fund for Student Support is an integral part of SCA’s efforts to recruit and educate storytellers from all walks of life to contribute to diversity of storytelling in our classrooms and on our sets.
To donate please visit cinema.usc.edu/garycooper, and you will receive a tax deductible receipt for your generosity.
Learn about some of the past and current recipients who have received Student Support from The Gary Cooper Endowed Fund here.