THE GARY COOPER ENDOWED FUND FOR STUDENT SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Hosted by The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
Maria Cooper Janis continues to embrace her father’s legacy with The Gary Cooper Endowed Fund for Student Support for Indigenous Cultures at The University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts.
After gifting a portion of Gary Cooper Collection to 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 for Indigenous Cultures 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 for Indigenous Cultures 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.
Over the past two years, personal items including: Personal correspondence, telegrams, studio communications, original stills, notes on movies, (in Coop’s own handwriting), set props he saved and a treasure trove of archival family & Hollywood photos and film footage as well as other personal furniture and home décor items including artwork from the Cooper home in Brentwood & Holmby Hills, California & Southampton, New York were sent to USC. Some things were sent to auction, the proceeds of which provided a gift to the fund from his daughter Maria in the spring of 2021. In April of 2022, an installation of an exclusive exhibition and film screening is planned at USC, School of Cinematic Arts. The Gary Cooper Exhibition for all to visit and enjoy will remain in place until the Fall of 2022.
Whether a direct donation through the link below or the purchase of Maria’s incredible book, a rare and touching tribute to her father, all the proceeds will go directly to the fund for student support for Indigenous Cultures.
Learn about some of the past and current recipients who have received support from this legacy fund.
DR. CHERA KEE
CINEMA & MEDIA STUDIES MA ‘06 VISUAL STUDIES PHD ‘10
SONYA OBERLY
FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCTION MFA ’09
MIRANDA DUE
INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BA ’16
CARLEE KAUFFMAN MALEMUTE WRITING FOR SCREEN & TELEVISION MFA ’16
ABEL CONTRERAS III
FILM & TV PRODUCTION
MFA ’22
MARACEA CHASE
CINEMA & MEDIA STUDIES
BA ‘25
SEQUOYAH MADISON
ANIMATION & DIGITAL ARTS
MFA ’18
MATO STANDING SOLDIER
CINEMA & MEDIA STUDIES
BA ’20
by Maria Janis
Introduction by Tom Hanks
Gary Cooper (1901-1961) is an American icon-an actor whose handsome features and unstudied poise made him one of the great stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Now, his only child gives us an extraordinary memoir-a book that reveals the Gary Cooper only she knew. Illustrated throughout with 175 photographs, including many never-before-published family pictures, Maria Cooper Janis’ heartfelt book offers an unprecedented look at her father’s private side, from his Montana boyhood and his Hollywood home life to his friendships with Ernest Heming way, Pablo Picasso, and Jimmy Stewart, among others. Filled with anecdotes that capture the off-screen humor and warmth of this avid outdoorsman and great humanitarian, Gary Cooper Off Camera is an unforgettable portrait of a great star and a beloved father.
Purchase a copy of the book & 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the The Gary Cooper Endowed Fund for Student Support at The University Of Southern California, School of CInematic Arts.
To donate please visit cinema.usc.edu/garycooper, and you will receive a tax deductible receipt for your generosity.
You may also purchase Gary Cooper Off Camera, A Daughter Remembers, written by Maria Cooper Janis with intimate & fun family photos, 100% of the Book Sales will be donated to The Gary Cooper Endowed Fund for Student Support for Indigenous Cultures.