As a student at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, Daniel J. Epstein ’62 became a world-class problem-solver — before he even knew where his solutions would take him.

Those abilities carried him from working on punch-card computers to construction sites, from helping create the infrastructure of the Saturn V rocket for the Apollo Space Program to developing apartment complexes across California. More than just providing him a degree, USC helped Epstein grow a transferable skill set — systems thinking, efficiency, adaptability — that helped him build his life and career.

As his skills have served him, Epstein has devoted himself to giving back to his alma mater in a big way through impactful initiatives, programs and facilities that have sustained USC’s excellence in research, teaching and athletics. Most recently, the USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute at the Keck School of Medicine of USC was renamed in honor of a transformative gift from Epstein; his wife, Phyllis; and their family.

“We’re in the make-a-difference business, and that’s what we’ve tried to do,” Epstein says. “It’s about finding situations where, if we support them, it will be meaningful and make a difference in people’s lives.”

USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim praises Epstein for his longstanding dedication to the university.

“Dan and his family have propelled USC’s leadership in the myriad fields they support,” Kim says. “Their support of USC is driven by an unwavering commitment to driving innovation in our research efforts, as well as enhancing our students’ education and overall experience.”

An enduring commitment

After growing up in Los Angeles, Epstein applied to only one college: USC. In college, Epstein held multiple jobs, including scooping ice cream at a Baskin-Robbins and working as a teaching assistant on campus.

Epstein graduated with honors from USC Viterbi in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial systems engineering. Since then, his ties to USC have remained steadfast.

He credits his years as a student at USC with giving him the skills that propelled his success. The ConAm Group he founded is one of the nation’s top apartment management/ownership firms, managing more than 60,000 apartments across the United States valued at approximately $20 billion, and has developed and constructed more than 35,000 units.

“We’ve had a successful business, and where I am now is give-back time,” Epstein says. “I’m pleased to help support whatever USC’s future is — and I’m glad to be along for the ride.”

His support for the university has had enormous impact. His 2002 gift established the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in USC Viterbi. His ongoing commitment to the department has led to the creation of new endowed chairs, the Daniel J. Epstein Institute, and, in 2020, the Master of Science in Health Systems Management Engineering. Beginning in December, the Industrial and Systems Engineering department will be housed in a newly renovated building — thanks to Epstein’s support.

“The department’s really been spread all over the landscape, all over the university,” Epstein says. “This is a big opportunity and will really make a difference.”

 Giving as a family project

Epstein’s dedication to the future of USC can also be seen in centers of excellence across the university’s campuses, including the Epstein Family Alumni Center; the USC Epstein Family Center for Sports Medicine; the RAND-USC Epstein Family Foundation Center for Veterans Policy Research at USC; and, most recently, the USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute.

“The Epstein family has been a wonderful partner to our research program since the founding of the institute more than a decade ago,” says Paul Aisen, founding director of the USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute. “Their commitment, collaboration and generosity have played a major part in the enormous strides in Alzheimer’s therapeutics in recent years. We are thrilled and honored to continue this partnership.”

The Epsteins’ support for research to treat and end Alzheimer’s disease is deeply personal. Daniel Epstein’s late brother David, his identical twin, lived with the disease for the last 15 years of his life. David Epstein passed away in 2021; a year after his death, the family provided support for the founding of the Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Research Collaboration between USC and the University of California, San Diego, to more quickly advance research focused on discovering effective treatments.

His family has also given generously to the USC Shoah Foundation, of which Phyllis Epstein is a board member. Daughter Julie Epstein Bronstein and son Michael Epstein are both USC graduates. Through the Epstein Family Foundation, the family recently made a leadership investment in student experiences at the USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. And of course, Epstein’s love for USC football can be seen every time he watches a game from the Epstein Athletics Director’s Suite at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Epstein says one question drives the family’s philanthropic efforts at USC and elsewhere: “What do you want to do with your success?”

“Rather than accumulating more things for ourselves, we’d rather identify how we can make a difference,” he says. “There are so many things out there that need support, and [the giving back] all started at USC.”

Giving back for a half century

Epstein returned to USC’s University Park Campus during Alumni Weekend in November to accept the Half Century Trojans Hall of Fame Award from the USC Alumni Association.

Half Century Trojans are a community of all USC alumni who have reached the 50th anniversary of receiving their degree from the university. During a brunch at Town and Gown, the association honored Epstein for exemplifying the ideals of the Trojan Family and helping to build an enduring legacy on campus — and in the lives of his fellow Trojans.

At the event, Kim lauded Epstein as “the bridge between USC’s past and its future.” In accepting the award, Epstein displayed his wry sense of humor and everlasting gratitude to USC.

“At this point in my career, to be recognized prospectively rather than posthumously — it’s all one can ask for,” he said. “I am particularly glad to be recognized by this group for my involvement. But I’ve never been the Lone Ranger, and whatever I’ve accomplished, it’s because of being a Trojan.”