University of Southern California

Several months ago, we were invited to participate in the prestigious and highly competitive Vision & Voices Humanities Initiative at the University of Southern California. Before being approved, the renowned program required us to compete with other innovative thinkers and visionaries for acceptance. After having the opportunity to witness the documentary and hear Vertus’ incredible story, the screening committee selected our program for approval.

In a packed campus theater, Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed was screened on February 7, 2013. After viewing the documentary, we received meaningful feedback from the audience, and the program was deemed an enormous success by all participating parties.

The discussion following the film is captured in the survey that is provided below. This information was made available by Dr. Karen D. Lincoln, Associate Professor of Social Work for the University of Southern California.

USC Vision and Voices Student Reaction Survey

Here is one student’s post to Facebook following the documentary screening:

“Just left the screening for the film. I watched it @ USC campus in SO-CAl in their cinematography building, “the George Lucas” wing, and the director and producer/writer of this compelling story were both there. They stayed and answered our questions after the film. It was sobering. I initially came to receive extra credit towards my psychology class, only to come away with a deep admiration and respect for this man as he struggled to cope with a painful, horrific wound.”

  – Brian Calhoun: USC Student, 2012