The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum played host to USC’s 143rd commencement ceremony, where approximately 46,000 friends and family gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026. The event blended high-production spectacle with personal milestones, providing a final send-off for graduates entering the next stage of their lives.
For many, the day represented a historic family achievement. Mia Cornejo highlighted the significance of seeing her brother, Marcos Cornejo, graduate with a business administration degree, noting that as a first-generation graduate, it was a “particularly special moment” for their family.
A New Era of Leadership
The ceremony marked the first commencement address for USC President Beong-Soo Kim. Despite a brief interruption when the Olympic torch behind him took a few seconds to light, Kim delivered a warm and optimistic speech centered on the distinction between “coming in first” and “going first.”
Kim illustrated this theme by citing Allyson Felix’s goal to become the first mother in her 40s to win an Olympic track and field medal, as well as the achievements of 2026 graduate Lucy Westlake. Westlake was recognized as the youngest woman to summit all 50 U.S. Peaks and the youngest American woman to summit Mount Everest.
Kim encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves and carve their own paths through uncertainty, urging them to win on their own terms rather than those of others.
Historic Student Representation
In a historic first, Kash Amos became the first Black man to deliver USC’s student commencement speech. Amos, a communication graduate and former defensive tackle for the USC football team, combined humor and faith in his address.
Amos spoke on the concept of “collective becoming,” telling his peers that “rejection doesn’t exist,” but rather “only redirection.” He encouraged the cohort—including veterans, transfers, and international students—to share their success with others once they find it.
Harmony Amidst Noise
The event also featured the awarding of three honorary degrees: a Doctor of Humane Letters to author Joyce Carol Oates, a Doctor of Science to geophysicist Maria McNutt, and a Doctor of Music to keynote speaker Gustavo Dudamel.
Dudamel, the music director and conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, spoke about the necessity of listening to one another to create harmony in a world he described as “full of noise” and “full of confusion.” The Venezuelan-born conductor and “Angeleno” emphasized that true harmony requires pausing to listen so that others do not disappear.
A High-Tech Finale
The evening concluded with a coordinated drone show and fireworks display over the Coliseum. Drones formed images including Tommy Trojan driving his sword into the ground and messages of congratulations to the Class of 2026.
Computer science graduate Divya Rajput described the experience as “surreal” and “motivational,” suggesting that the day’s messages could help the graduates move forward into their professional lives.
Future Implications
As the Class of 2026 enters the workforce, the themes of “going first” and “redirection” may serve as psychological frameworks for navigating early career challenges. The emphasis on listening and harmony could potentially influence how these new alumni approach leadership and collaboration in diverse professional settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the student commencement speaker for the Class of 2026?
Kash Amos, a communication graduate and former USC football defensive tackle, served as the student speaker and was the first Black man to do so.
What honorary degrees were awarded during the ceremony?
Honorary degrees were awarded to author Joyce Carol Oates (Doctor of Humane Letters), geophysicist Maria McNutt (Doctor of Science), and conductor Gustavo Dudamel (Doctor of Music).
What was the central theme of President Beong-Soo Kim’s speech?
President Kim focused on the difference between “coming in first” and “going first,” encouraging students to carve their own paths through doubt and uncertainty.
How do you think the concept of “going first” rather than “coming in first” changes the way we define success?
