Wanda M. Austin: ‘You will always be shining stars of the Trojan Family’
In her commencement address, the interim USC president reminds the Class of 2019 that they have the power to change the world.
Eric Garcetti: ‘How, and where, do we belong?’
USC’s baccalaureate speaker — the Los Angeles mayor — discusses the unlikely connection between politics and spirituality, and what’s ahead for the Class of 2019.
Jake Olson recalls his journey from confused freshman to history-making graduate
He lost his eyesight at 12, but made headlines as a USC football player. As he graduates, Olson knows his recent accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without his Trojan Family.
USC commencement 2019: What you need to know if you’re going
Thousands will descend on the University Park Campus for the university’s 136th commencement on May 10 — so you’ll want to plan ahead.
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.
Valedictorian Ivana Giang channels her refugee family story to combat global education inequality
As the proud child of Vietnamese refugees, Giang has spent her time at USC tackling education disparities at a local, national and international level.
Salutatorian Haochen Wang went from struggling in middle school to singing with the Rolling Stones
Growing up in China, Haochen Wang struggled with his studies. But after deciding to learn for fun, this USC 2019 salutatorian found his passions: math, science and even music.
Salutatorian Diviya Gupta wants to make medicine more accessible
Diviya Gupta became interested in medicine when her grandfather was diagnosed with an unfamiliar disease. With graduation right around the corner, she is looking forward to bringing her skills as a physician to underrepresented areas.
The rise of the white dress ritual at USC commencement
White dresses for graduation are part of USC tradition, albeit somewhat nebulous. Where did this come from and what does it say about a modern generation of graduates?
Hit-and-run survivor will make dreams come true by graduating from USC
In March 2018, Kimberly Cuellar was struck by a car and broke her nose; her concussion symptoms lasted for weeks. Now, after recovering and completing her studies without pause, she’s about to make history for her family.
USC senior’s artwork gives a voice to the underrepresented
With commencement a week away, graduate Tola Oseni reflects on her use of graphic design, music and video to share untold stories and open the art world to previously excluded groups.
Business or social good? USC student chooses both after graduation
Mounir Ghabrial turned down a lucrative offer from a major consulting firm to join a startup focused on improving access to healthy food in Los Angeles.
The 21st-century ballerina: Graduating senior hopes to inspire future brown dancers
As a child, Lenai Wilkerson was told she couldn’t be a ballerina because of how she looked. Now, as she prepares to graduate from the USC Kaufman School of Dance, she wants to further the conversation on diversity in dance.
USC Kaufman School of Dance ready to graduate first class of creative ‘game changers’
USC Kaufman went from being an idea to a top-level dance program with incredible speed. As they prepare to depart, its first graduates recall why they took a chance on an “unknown.”
Driven to help immigrants, graduating senior finds her path at USC
As a Trojan, Tingyee Chang discovered her passion for research. It guided the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants toward a double major in neuroscience and public policy.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti announced as 2019 USC baccalaureate speaker
Under Mayor Garcetti’s leadership, the city has reinvested in the people who make it great.
USC to award seven honorary degrees at 2019 commencement
Recipients include a groundbreaking U.S. Congress member, a world-renowned dancer, extraordinary humanitarians and philanthropists, a pioneering statistician and a USC music icon.
Maverick Carter named USC Annenberg 2019 commencement speaker
The entrepreneur — LeBron James’ longtime business partner — has become an influential figure in the media and entertainment landscape.
U.S. Rep. Karen Bass named USC 2019 commencement speaker
Bass, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African-American woman to serve as leader of a state legislative body, returns to her alma mater for the May 10 festivities.
Jimmy Kimmel named Keck School of Medicine commencement speaker
The late-night talk show host and comedian has a long history of work outside of entertainment and advocates for national health care for all.
Mikhail Baryshnikov named as USC Kaufman’s first commencement speaker
The legendary dancer will deliver the commencement address at the school’s first graduation ceremony.