Valedictorian Isabella Hauptman: ‘The notion of going backwards, to what was, seems a bit misguided’
USC’s 2020 valedictorian addresses the classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s commencement ceremonies.
USC to hold in-person commencement celebrations in May for classes of 2020 and 2021
A series of ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students is being planned at the Coliseum from May 14-25.
2020 grad found her calling — and romance — at USC
Having found both her life’s passion and her partner at USC Dornsife, poet and playwright Catherine Theis recently graduated with a PhD in creative writing.
Passionate entrepreneur spent his final months at USC giving back
Before he graduated from USC Marshall, Gavin Doyle rallied several student organizations to help those suffering during the pandemic.
Doctoral graduate from USC Rossier learns to succeed her own way
Though she initially struggled as a first-gen student, Cynthia Diana Villarreal has found — and built — a community of her own.
Multitalented grad sketches out a future in law, along with politics or maybe journalism
Along with achieving a challenging double major, political junkie, Latin scholar and sketch comedy performer Austin Peay was the first-ever politics editor for USC Annenberg Media.
USC master’s grad and National Guardsman serves those in need during COVID-19
A commissioned Army officer and recently graduated USC student, Lt. Justin Lee is on the front lines of California’s pandemic response.
Newly graduated engineer blends her love of research and the sea
Hannah Walker, a winner of the USC Discovery Scholar Prize, spent a chunk of her undergraduate career creating a device to inexpensively map the ocean’s underwater topography.
USC Annenberg grad wants to change how universities approach student mental health
After suffering from anxiety and depression during the early days of her Trojan tenure, Joelle Ferguson devoted herself to improving mental health services.
New master’s grad immerses herself in the science of cells
Kalya Stanten, who recently graduated with a master’s degree in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, wants to further her lab research into gene editing and cell therapy.
Two Trojans share how they’ve changed, grown and flourished in four years
We first met Sam Hardy and Hunter Harper in August 2016, the day before they moved to USC as freshmen. Now, the two new graduates talk about their journeys as they meet each other for the first time.
PhD graduate to study health disparities, including impact of COVID-19 on Puerto Rican older adults
Catherine Pérez Garcia, a first-generation college student, will continue her research on health disparities in minority populations.
Determination and grit helped this 59-year-old finally earn her master’s
Inspired by her children, Ana González never gave up. Now, she’s got her degree and years of college memories, including a memorable meeting with President Carol L. Folt.
As a ‘farm boy’ turned master’s graduate, Xavier Hernandez III sets an example for others
Even with a bachelor’s degree from USC Viterbi and now a master’s from the USC Iovine and Young Academy, this proud Trojan still puts in his hours on the family farm.
From Buss and Ferrell to Leinart and Ling, words of wisdom for USC’s newest graduates
Check out some of the very special messages that athletes, entertainers and other members of the Trojan Family put together for the Class of 2020.
More than 19,000 graduates recognized at USC’s virtual conferring of degrees
Amid unprecedented circumstances, university leaders, students, the band and even a familiar comedic face gathered virtually to send off the Class of 2020.
Graduating senior wants to bring about social change through marketing
International relations major India Sposato has been helping others since she was a child. Now, she wants to do so professionally.
Three graduating ROTC cadets fondly recall their time as Trojans
As they commission during a pandemic, three Air Force ROTC cadets remember what brought them to USC and look positively toward the future.
What Rainn Wilson, Eric Garcetti and Tina Knowles Lawson (Beyoncé’s mom) had to say to graduating Trojans
Best of baccalaureates: The annual nondenominational service is one of many USC traditions on hold for now, so here’s a look back at some of the unforgettable speeches from recent years.
Valedictorian Isabella Hauptman focuses on health in ways big and small
Since she was 11 years old, Isabella Hauptman wanted to be an epidemiologist. Now, as she prepares to graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic, USC’s 2020 valedictorian sees that field becoming more important than ever.
USC to celebrate the Class of 2020 with day of special online events Friday
Programming includes a virtual conferring of degrees, entertainment — and perhaps a few surprises. The live event starts at 9 a.m.
USC Dornsife PhD graduate feels a responsibility to others
Deeply affected as a child by the Rwandan genocide, Robert Nshimiyimana volunteers to help the underserved, works to make compounds that may reduce harmful inflammation — and hopes one day to help his home nation reach its full, unified potential.
Devotion to service — in the Navy and as a teacher — empowers this graduating senior
For environmental science and health major and military veteran Abigail Menendez, serving others is its own reward.
Salutatorian Gavin Kress’ path to USC was fueled by his passion for medical research
Gavin Kress’ road to Los Angeles consisted of thousands of miles and a stop at another school but ended with him being named salutatorian for the Class of 2020.