Colleagues often find joy in celebrating the retirement of their peers, commending their hard-earned transition from a lifelong career to a well-deserved period of rest and relaxation. However, there are those individuals within the institution who seem like permanent fixtures—always possessing answers, capable of doing the work of five individuals effortlessly. When these stalwarts retire, it can feel like a personal affront. A certain condition seems to envelop you, one that lingers for at least three days. While you genuinely share in their happiness, a mix of shock and fear accompanies it, along with a sense of foreboding about what might come next. What will the world be like without them sitting behind the same desk, always ready to offer unwavering support? Who could possibly step into their shoes? Does their departure spell the end of the institution itself?!?!

This was precisely the sentiment that swept through at least half of the current and former employees and students of the USC School of Cinematic Arts when Peter Pampusch announced his retirement.

Peter held the distinction of being one of the longest-serving staff members to grace the halls of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His association with USC spanned an impressive 45 years, and his journey was nothing short of remarkable. Following his completion of a B.A. in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Peter ventured to USC as a student in what was then known as the USC Department of Cinema-Television. He achieved his MFA in Cinema during the early 1980s and subsequently joined USC as a full-time staff member in the College of Continuing Education.

His dedication to the institution continued as he assumed the role of a Graduate Advisor in the USC School of Journalism, serving for a total of six years. Eventually, in the fall of 1988, he returned to the Cinema School and began an illustrious 20-year stint as the Assistant Director of the Office of Student Affairs. In 2008, Peter marked another milestone by becoming the School of Cinematic Arts' first-ever Curriculum Coordinator, a position he held until his retirement in 2023.

Throughout his administrative career, Peter found time to venture into the world of freelance script reading–contributing his insights to Arkoff International and Kings Road Productions during the early to mid-1980s. He also took a hands-on approach to sharing his knowledge with students, teaching a non-major screenwriting course known as CTWR 315x Filmwriting for approximately 15 years, spanning from the early 1990s to 2009.

For many of us, Peter became a familiar face during his tenure in Student Affairs. Alongside Deri Leong-Miller, he managed admissions, advisement, and student issues for the majority of students in the school. His deep institutional knowledge, strong work ethic, and composed demeanor made him highly esteemed among students, staff, and faculty. Peter seemed capable of addressing any query or resolving any dilemma with grace, a reputation that made him the go-to person for individuals at every level of the school.

Beyond his professional accolades, Peter held a passion for sports and friendly competition. He not only led but also triumphed in numerous Oscar pool challenges at SCA. Furthermore, he claimed the title of two-time champion in the SCA Fantasy Football League.

Peter lives in Santa Monica with his life-long partner, Marlise Malkames, an SCA alumnus and current TV Editor. As they both embark on this new chapter in his life, we can't help but reflect on the tremendous contributions he made to the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the indelible mark he left on all those who had the privilege of working with him. While the institution will continue to thrive, it will undoubtedly do so with a sense of loss, for it's not every day that a person like Peter Pampusch graces our lives and leaves an enduring legacy.