Summary
To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program. Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s main ceremony. We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.
Dear members of USC’s class of 2024,
When USC’s class of 2024 gathers one final time for its main-stage commencement, we will pay tribute to some of the most talented and resilient students our university has ever seen. Determination and excellence can be seen in the individual stories of the 19,000-plus graduates who will gather on our campus next month with classmates, families, and friends. They will be celebrated as 65,000 people gather for this special recognition. This year, more than ever, it is important to keep the focus on celebrating our graduates and their accomplishments, and our belief in their capacity to change the world that awaits them.
To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program. Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony. We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.
It is important that our full attention be on our remarkable graduates. We will be celebrating their accomplishments in a way that reflects the unity we love so much about our Trojan Family. In addition to a memorable main-stage ceremony, we also will be hosting the 38 satellite ceremonies, five celebrations, and 65 receptions, featuring dozens of students, other internal and external speakers, and performers.
Next week, we will provide additional updates on commencement. For those updates and more information, please check USC’s commencement website regularly and follow USC on X and Facebook).