USC commencement: Through the years in photos

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 - Students line up in front of the Liberal Arts College. (USC Digital Libraries)

1915: Graduates line up in front of the USC College of Liberal Arts. (USC Digital Libraries)

1925: The procession of students begin in front of Bovard along Trousdale Parkway. (Photo/USC Digital Collections)

1925: The procession begins in front of Bovard along Trousdale Parkway. (Photo/USC Digital Collections)

1926 The Academic Serpentine, the President, deans and faculties advance through the rows of the 1354 graduates who receive their diplomas in the Coliseum stadium.

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 gathered for USC commencement and groundbreaking ceremony for Doheny Memorial Library. (USC Libraries)

1931: A crowd gathers for commencement and a groundbreaking ceremony for Doheny Memorial Library. (USC Libraries)

1953, USC 60,000th graduate, Barbara Roberts, received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. The graduating class of 3245 men and women SC's 70th annual commencement exercises.

1953: Barbara Roberts, USC’s 60,000th graduate, receives a Bachelor of Science in education. (USC Libraries)

1968, USC-President-NormanH. Topping adjusting John-Wayne’s academic robe. (Photo/Duke University)

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, received a dog-torate." (USC Digital Collections)

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, The balloon release at Commencement. (USC Digital Collections)

1980: The traditional student commencement balloon release. (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 commencement procession.

1994: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg participate in the procession. (Photo/USC Libraries)

2012, Capturing the memories of the USC Commencement (Photo/Dietmar Quistorf)

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)

More stories about: Commencement, Commencement 2017