ESPN 30 For 30 Hosts Screening of Trojan War, Q&A Session to Follow

The ESPN 30 For 30 series, a collection of documentary films that highlight notable sports personalities and important sports events, will be screening one of its 2015 documentary films at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The film, known as “Trojan War,” is directed by Aaron Thomas and produced by Malik Aziz, and tells the story of the University of Southern California's football team, the Trojans, under the leadership of Pete Carroll, who coached the team from 2000 to 2009.

Thomas and Aziz will not only be screening their documentary for students, they will also be hosting a question and answer session with the audience after the film ends. Both have been TRIO participants in the University of Kansas McNair Scholars Program, earning master's degrees from the University of Southern California Film School and are now working in the television industry in Los Angeles. TRIO is a federal outreach program that provides services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including low-income individuals and first-generation college students.

The screening will be hosted by Dr. Robert Rodriguez, an associate professor of Political Science, and will take place on Monday, Feb. 27, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Ferguson Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

“As educators, we are filled with pride when our students fulfill their dreams,” Rodriguez said. “About 18 years ago, Aaron Thomas and Malik Aziz were my students in the University of Kansas McNair Scholars Program, and now I can tune to ESPN and watch their film broadcast. Their stories are extraordinary examples of how students can succeed through education and hard work.”