Statement on new additions to Big Ten Conference

Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro and Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Derrick Gragg issued the following statement Friday, July 1, following the announcement that UCLA and USC would become the newest members of the Big Ten Conference:

Northwestern is delighted to welcome the newest members of the Big Ten Conference, UCLA and USC. We note that USC becomes only the second private institution within the conference in more than 75 years. 

The addition of these two premier research universities and icons of college athletics signal the conference’s intention to lead nationally in an era of tremendous ongoing change.

The guiding principle will be the pursuit of the highest levels of excellence in both academics and athletics, focusing on the welfare of our student-athletes and their ability to thrive in the classroom and on the playing field.