Nov. 12, 2007

USC leadership today mourned the passing of Los Angeles businessman, philanthropist, community leader and University of Southern California trustee Louis J. Galen, who died today (Nov. 12) in Palm Springs. He was 82 and died of heart failure.

Galen and his wife Helene have been staunch supporters of USC, with their generosity most prominently marked by the world-class new 10,258-seat USC sports arena and events center that opened in 2006.

The Galen Center, which was made possible by a gift of $35 million from the Galens, now graces the Figueroa Street Corridor across the street from the USC University Park Campus. With a towering brick facade marked by athletic images, and a skylight view of downtown Los Angeles, the Galen Center has quickly become one of the premier event venues in the city.

"Lou Galen and his wife, Helene, have always been devoted members of the Trojan Family," said USC President Steven B. Sample. "Lou's legacy will live on through the many buildings and programs that bear the Galen name. I speak for many when I say I will miss him deeply."

In addition to providing a landmark gift of $35 million to create the new structure, which opened in 2006, Galen and his wife were tireless in their support of USC, also endowing the Helene and Louis Galen Ceramics Studio in the USC School of Fine Arts.

In 2005, the couple also endowed the Helene V. Galen Intermedia Lab at the school, and Helene Galen was named an honorary alumna of the USC School of Fine Arts. The couple also gave funds toward establishment of a sports-themed dining facility at USC's Heritage Hall; that dining hall opened in 1999.

Trojan athletics have played a major role in the Galen's life, and vice versa. Louis Galen proposed to his London-born wife in front of 3,000 people at a USC/Notre Dame football rally, and presented her with a Trojan Marching Band helmet on their wedding day. Galen was also a member of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame.

USC athletic director Mike Garrett said:

"Lou Galen was the heart and soul of the USC athletic department. But for him, we wouldn't have the Galen Center arena or dining facility. We accomplished things with his support that have never been done in the history of USC athletics, both on and off the field. We'll deeply miss this great man. The thoughts of the entire Trojan Family go out to Lou's family."

USC football coach Pete Carroll said:

"It's an enormous loss for the Trojan Family. Lou was so instrumental in his support and contributions to USC athletics. He was our heart and soul. He was a big factor, just a rock. We'll really miss him."

USC men's basketball coach Tim Floyd said:

"I am really sad to hear about Lou's passing, like the whole USC family is. In all my years of college coaching, Ive never seen anybody who gave more or lived for their school more. He was more interested in the future after he left this earth than when he lived. Selfishly, he made our job easier than it would have been and for the coaches that follow. I think all philanthropists at this university in the future will be measured against Lou. He became a very good friend. Im glad he had a chance to see this building and understand the excitement it has created in this city."

Galen, who graduated from the USC Law School in 1951, made his fortune in the banking industry. In 1960, he became president of Lynwood Savings and Loan, a company he founded, and changed its name to World Savings.

Galen then formed Trans World Financial, a holding company for World Savings, which merged with Golden West Financial and grew into a multi-state institution. He remained a director for World Savings and Golden West Financial.

Services are planned for this Thursday (Nov. 15) at 11 a.m. at Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs, Calif.