On April 24, Pardee Lawn transformed into a moonlit retreat for Good Night, Trojan – a wellness-focused event hosted by USC Campus Health in collaboration with the Los Angeles Festival if Books, and Calm. Designed to help students pause and prioritize rest during the hustle of finals season, the evening carried a gentle theme: give yourself permission to rest.
Soundbath practitioner and emcee, Buddy Macuha kicked things off by filming a lighthearted TikTok with students pretending to fall asleep on the grass—setting the tone for a night that balanced playfulness with intentional self-care. The event brought together experts and students in a shared space of wellness and reflection.
The panel featured a range of insightful voices: Buddy Macuha, emcee; Dr. Joyce Asedina, Internal Medicine; Dr. Miriam Barillas, Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Dr. Dylan Moore, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; and Allie Wang, Chair of Wellness Affairs in USC Undergraduate Student Government. The event also welcomed a special guest appearance by actress and activist Sophia Bush.
As the event moved into a speaker panel, experts and community leaders shared insights on everything from the science of sleep to cultural perceptions of rest. One speaker summed it up best: “Sleep is not a luxury—it’s the foundation of our mental, emotional, and physical health.”
Students wandered between cozy seating areas and activity booths, picking up sleep masks, wellness-themed beach towels, and even the chance to win soft, branded blankets in a raffle. Each item served as a tangible reminder that sleep isn’t optional—it’s essential.
The evening included a participatory voting contest and crowning of “Most Relaxing Professor” on campus. It was a sweet nod to the educators who help make academic spaces feel just a little more calm and caring. Associate Dean Oliver Mayer was reigned the winner and will have an opportunity to record a sleep story on Calm.
Capping off the evening a crowd favorite: a soundbath under the stars led by Macuha.
In the end, Good Night, Trojan reminded students that rest isn’t just part of the college experience—it’s a crucial part of surviving and thriving through it.