Honoring the USC Class of 2020: A Message to our Graduating Students

cap thrown in the air

This year marks USC’s 137th commencement. While our initial celebration must be held virtually, when it is safe to do so, we will hold an in person ceremony. We cannot wait for that time, until then, I would like to take a moment to share an important message with our graduating students.

Despite the uncertainty of these times, one thing remains steadfast—the tremendous accomplishment of graduating from the University of Southern California. A USC education is rigorous, and the strength of a USC degree is recognized globally. While our society and economy have been disrupted and career paths have been affected, know this—your USC education is for life; it is one constant you can count on through this evolving and ever-changing era.

Skills mastered at the University of Southern California provide the foundation for lifelong success. During your time at USC, you have earned academic awards and distinctions; discovered world-changing innovations; traveled around the world to advance global connection and collaboration in business, research, and government; triumphed on athletic fields, tracks, and courts; and forged a comprehensive community of classmates, colleagues, and faculty members.

I am truly inspired by the graduating students from the class of 2020.  In addition to your impressive academic achievements, you are a unique community of students who has shown immense resiliency. I have no doubt you will take this great fortitude with you as they go out into the world and continue to thrive.

On behalf of USC, and the Office of the Provost, it is with great pleasure that we acknowledge your hard-earned academic achievements with the conferring of the following degrees: Accounting, Architecture, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Business, Cinematic Arts, Communication and Journalism, Dance, Dentistry, Dramatic Arts, Education, Engineering, Gerontology, Law, Medicine, Music, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Public Policy, and Social Work. In addition, we celebrate the conferring of degrees from Bovard College, the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Iovine and Young Academy.

Please enjoy this momentous time. Also, I encourage you to stay in touch with the USC family and check in regularly with your alumni network. The Trojan Family is a strong and caring community who are of enormous value and will provide support you far into the future.

The world will be a better place with the USC class of 2020 in it–go forth and do great things!

–Charles F. Zukoski, May 14, 2020