This year’s Student Recognition Awards honored an exceptional group of USC’s graduating students — ranging from a scholar of Tanzanian faith healing to a top 20 finalist in NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Presented by the Division of Student Affairs, the annual awards highlight leadership, engagement, service and academic excellence.

“You have pursued your studies with passion and diligence, you have given generously of your time in service to others, and you have made a lasting impact on our campuses and in our community by upholding the qualities of the ideal Trojan,” said USC President C. L. Max Nikias during the May 17 ceremony in Bovard Auditorium.

The 2013 award winners included founding members of student organizations, captains of Trojan athletics teams and students who maintained 4.0 grade point averages during their entire course of undergraduate studies.

The Emma Josephine Bradley Bovard Award was given to Shelby Bachman, Katherine Fu, Olivia Lassoff, Julia Mangione, Sara Meghji and Aadrita Mukerji. The University Trustees Award went to Alexander Fullman, Walker Hollrah and Jeffrey Sakamoto. The USC Provost’s Award, given to students who have attained the highest scholarship average of all undergraduate transfer students, was awarded to Andrew Alonzo and Paris Jami-Tehrani.

Marshall Scholar Alexander Fullman, Luce Scholar Tamara Shogaolu, Truman and Fulbright Scholar Travis Glynn, and Fulbright scholars Jasneet Aulakh, Juan Espinoza, Andrew Ju, Ana Lee, Molly Levine, Megan Rilkoff, Joshua Rivkin and Jonathan Truong received nationally competitive fellowships to study internationally after graduation.

The Order of the Laurel and the Palm, the highest honor bestowed on graduating seniors for exemplary leadership and excellent scholarship, was awarded to 22 seniors: Alana Barden, Eric Burse, Juan Espinoza, Alexander Fullman, Travis Glynn, David Hernandez, Dana Horowitz, Lauren Jung, Megan Lambert, Janet Lee, Julia Mangione, Erica Patel, Rikiesha Pierce, Georg Ristock, Angela Ross, Gabrielle Sharaga, Abby Stork, Zach Timm, Jayme Tsutsuse, Tyler Tyburski, Monica Valencia and Steven Wolfshohn.

One hundred and seventy-nine seniors received the Order of the Troy award for their extraordinary service and commitment to the campus community, and 72 graduate students received the Order of Areté, the highest honor for demonstrating significant depth and scope of responsibility in a campus or community leadership role.

In addition, 316 seniors were honored as USC Renaissance Scholars, students graduating in two or more widely separate fields of study with both a major and a minor or a double major or two baccalaureate degrees. Of these, the following 10 won $10,000 each for post-baccalaureate study: Christie Amrein, Marguerite Bowen, Karen Fang, Arielle Gillman, Janice Kitchen, William McGarey, Sara Meghji, Aadrita Mukerji, Robert Rosencrans and Brandon Wolfe.

Of the 57 Global Scholars, students who spent at least 10 weeks outside the United States as part of their undergraduate experience, the following 10 were selected to receive $10,000 each to pursue graduate studies: Sarah Choi, William (Scott) Fairbanks, Jenny Ham, Janet Lee, Myles Lock, Julia Mangione, Meaghan Pohl, Anu Ramachandran, Jayme Tsutsuse and Eve White.

Eighty-two students were named Discovery Scholars for producing original scholarship or creative work while compiling a distinguished overall academic record, and 10 won $10,000 prizes for post-baccalaureate studies: Troy Armstrong, Jasneet Aulakh, Alexander Fullman, Christopher Hanke, Devon Mott, Julian (Jules) Pegram, Roza Petrosyan, Abhinav Prem, Russell Stewart and Ka Ming Margaret To.

“This is one stop in your destination of accomplishment and achievement,” said Michael L. Jackson, vice president for Student Affairs, at the conclusion of the program. “There are so many complex problems in the world: eliminating poverty, promoting peace, engendering respect for all no matter their backgrounds or socioeconomic statuses, helping others who are less fortunate lead lives of purpose, and spreading love and hope in those corners of the world where freedom is a dream.

“Students, you are our present and our future, and the faculty, staff, the alumni and the trustees of the University of Southern California wish you all the best in your future endeavors,” he continued. “Thank you for choosing USC, and thank you for leaving lasting legacies that will carry on for decades to come.”

More stories about: Awards, Commencement 2013