Commencement: The Ultimate Trojan Celebration
Nothing demonstrates USC’s student-centered focus better than commencement, our annual celebration of student excellence, achievement and personal growth. The Class of 2023 is bursting with inspiring stories, including that of the Shute triplets, who will go their separate ways for the first time after receiving their undergraduate degrees from USC. A group of Latina PhD students, all the first in their families to earn doctoral degrees, share how they built their own community of mutual support and encouragement. Our valedictorian continued to run the after-school STEM education nonprofit she’d founded in high school while co-founding another nonprofit during her undergraduate years that focused on health equity for unhoused people — all while earning her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Please see below for some of these exciting stories.
Moments in time: USC’s 140th Commencement
Kelsea Nanan hugs aunt Susie Riopel before the start of the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Doves are released at the conclusion of the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Students prepare for the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
USC President Carol L. Folt presents Dolores Clara Huerta with a doctor of humane letters during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Graduate and Avengers fan Charles Hughes has his girlfriend Joanna Teeson take a picture of him with his Captain America shield during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Marvel Studio boss Kevin Feige is presented with a doctor of fine arts by USC President Carol L. Folt during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
The procession marks the start of the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
USC President Carol L. Folt presents chemist and bioengineer Frances Hamilton Arnold with a honorary doctor of science degree during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Family and friends yell to the graduates during the opening procession at the start of the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Graduates celebrate during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Valedictorian Isha Sanghvi speaks during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Students celebrate during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Doctoral graduates celebrate during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas) 
Shabear Adina adjusts brother Kabir Adina’s tassel during the 140th commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California, May 12, 2023. (Photo/Gus Ruelas)
For the first time in 21 years, Trojan triplets will go their separate ways
Ireland, Kala and Smith Shute have rarely been apart. That will change after commencement. It’s a bittersweet milestone in the triplets’ journey.
Valedictorian Isha Sanghvi targets health inequity post-commencement
While at USC, the Bay Area native maintained the nonprofit she founded in high school and co-founded an organization that improves health equity for unhoused people.
With operatic flourish, activist Dolores Huerta and younger cousin receive USC doctorates on same day
Hers is an honorary degree; his is a doctorate of musical arts. The conferral is a prelude to an operatic interpretation of Huerta’s remarkable life, which the composer calls “a microcosm of loss and perseverance.”
Salutatorian Carina Robles embraces interdisciplinary opportunities as a transfer student
Graduating with a degree in political science and a minor in dance, Robles will be heading to Taiwan as part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Salutatorian Liam Tsao continues branching out of his comfort zone to take on new challenges
The USC Dornsife senior hopes to use his social policy experience in legislative work or community organizing before going to law school.
Baccalaureate speaker Rick Caruso: ‘I see a resilience in you’
The USC Trustee shares very personal stories of life, faith, and overcoming adversity.