The top USC stories of 2021 that you couldn’t help but share
Year in review: From a much-awaited series of commencements for two classes to a special homecoming and more, check out some of this year’s most popular stories.
Engineering a future, USC ROTC grad rises to the challenge of pilot training
Sarah Markosky is an aspiring engineer and a pilot, one who isn’t intimidated by entering male-dominated fields.
USC’s monumental commencement effort unleashes celebrations and makes history
As California emerged from the pandemic, the university staged seven days of ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and 2021 — and President Carol L. Folt was determined to make it happen.
Digital social media skills help graduate bridge her tech and creative interests
At first, influencer Meghan Wainwright didn’t see any connection between her job at the consulting firm Accenture and her lifestyle blog, but that all changed.
Graduating senior Claire Needham learns how to combine body and mind
A lifelong dancer, Needham plans to blend ballet with a career in occupational therapy.
Air Force vet graduates with a mission to advance health care access
Brian Fleenor graduated from the online Master of Science in Project Management program at USC’s Bovard College.
Studying psychedelic mushrooms propels first-gen student to divinity school
Graduating senior Kimberly Melgoza researches how mind-altering substances have been used in rituals across Latin America. She’ll bring her studies to Yale Divinity School this fall.
Global solution for sustainability begins locally for USC Viterbi grad
Harmita Golwala hopes California’s leading research on sustainability can ultimately advance environmental progress in India.
Nature and music come together unexpectedly for this 2021 grad
Cameron Audras has discovered how to mix his passion for conservation and his skill with the viola, interests that will culminate with degrees in environmental sciences and music.
As a teen in Syria, he dreamed of going to USC; now, he’s a new graduate
Eli Bosnoyan recalls the remarkable circumstances that brought him from Aleppo to Los Angeles and shaped him into a grad of USC’s stem cell master’s program.
President Carol L. Folt: ‘Whatever its impact, COVID didn’t derail or defeat you’
USC’s president addresses the classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s commencement ceremonies.
Valedictorian Tianna Shaw-Wakeman: ‘Fight for a world where future generations won’t have to keep making the same kinds of choices that we do’
USC’s 2021 valedictorian addresses the classes of 2020 and 2021 at the university’s commencement ceremonies.
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.
Bina Venkataraman: ‘It takes courage to ask: Is it possible to do what people say is impossible?’
USC’s 2021 commencement speaker addresses this year’s ceremonies.
New grads are just the latest members of this Trojan Family
Growing up in a family full of USC alumni, Parker and Sierra Alban knew they’d wind up graduating as Trojans.
Political expert — and new PhD — examines how to right the wrongs of the past
Kelebogile Zvobgo studies political violence and how trials and truth commissions can help countries understand and address the mistakes they’ve made.
A commencement two years in the making begins: Classes of 2020 and 2021 walk the Coliseum stage
Friday’s commencement events kicked off a week of ceremonies recognizing USC’s graduating students for their achievements and — most importantly — their perseverance.
USC Annenberg doctoral graduate delves into China’s Silicon Valley
A deep exploration of the tech hub of Shenzhen is at the heart of Grace Yuehan Wang’s research.
From homelessness to graduation, this Trojan fights on against all odds
Ethan Ward started his postsecondary education in his mid-30s, and even lived in his car for a year to help make his college dreams come true. Now he’s a member of USC’s Class of 2021.
Frank Rojas tells real L.A. stories in the classroom and the newsroom
Though the South Bay native came late to storytelling, he’s found his voice as he graduates with a master’s in journalism from USC Annenberg.
USC School of Dramatic Arts celebrates the Class of 2021
Virtual celebration uplifts most recent graduating class with words of wisdom from keynote speaker Colman Domingo and fellow students.
Computer science senior creates tech to help students with visual impairments learn to code
Samuel Alex Atcheson’s research explores the connection between touch and learning to improve educational experiences.
Festivities underway as USC’s schools celebrate with the Class of 2021
A day before commencement ceremonies begin, famous faces join faculty and staff in honoring the accomplishments of USC’s newest graduates.
USC Thornton School of Music recognizes outstanding graduates
The five students’ stories touch on diverse opportunities, life-changing faculty and creative collaborations, and look confidently toward a future in music.