USC commencement: Through the years in photos
Catch the famous faces that have been part of past ceremonies — and much more — in a pictorial walk down memory lane
Take a look at the university’s memorable moments from past ceremonies, including a wardrobe adjustment for John Wayne and an alumna’s canine who walked away with a “dog-torate.” (Do you have any memorable pictures you’d like to share with us? Send those favorites to USC News at newsinfo@usc.edu.)
1914: Graduation was conducted on the grass in front of the College of Liberal Arts (or “Old College”) building, along with live music performed on a piano. (Photo/USC Digital Collections)
1915: Graduates line up in front of the USC College of Liberal Arts. (USC Digital Libraries)
1925: The procession begins in front of Bovard along University Avenue (now Trousdale Parkway). (Photo/USC Digital Collections)
1926: The students create the Academic Serpentine, as the president, deans and faculty advance through the rows of graduates who received their diplomas in the Coliseum. (USC Libraries)
1931: A crowd gathers for commencement and a groundbreaking ceremony for Doheny Memorial Library. (USC Libraries)
1953: Barbara Roberts, USC’s 60,000th graduate, receives a Bachelor of Science in education. (USC Libraries)
1968: USC President Norman H. Topping adjusts John Wayne’s academic robe while the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh looks on. (Photo/University of Norte Dame Archives)
1975: Christina McCluggage received a bachelor’s degree with honors in political science. Joker, who attended every class with his owner, earned a “dog-torate.” (USC Digital Collections)
1980: A balloon release highlights USC’s centennial-year commencement. (USC Digital Collections)
1986: USC President James Zumberge takes a photo of the graduates. (USC Digital Collection)
1994: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg participate in the procession. (Photo/USC Libraries)
2012: A student captures memories that will last a lifetime. (Photo/Dietmar Quistorf)
2015: Trojans care for Trojans, even on a rainy commencement day. (USC Photo/David Sprague)
2016: Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger pose for a photo with their son, Patrick, after the main commencement ceremony. (USC Photo/David Sprague)
2017: Commencement speaker Will Ferrell ’90 sings “I Will Always Love You” to the graduates. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)
2018: Oprah Winfrey shares a light moment during the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism commencement, at which she was the featured speaker. (Photo/Karen Ballard)
More stories about: Commencement, Commencement 2019
