Introduction to USC Commencement
As thousands of families poured into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the University of Southern California’s main-stage commencement on Thursday night, the scene had the feel of the usual collegiate event held there: a football game.
“Churros! Water!” vendors called out as they picked their way past seated guests, some of them clutching pom-poms. Then the USC fight song began to play as night fell — and the Olympic Torch towering over the Coliseum ignited to cheers.
Background of the Event
The spectacle offered a rah-rah turning-of-the-page on last year’s graduation controversy at USC. In May 2024, USC was widely criticized for its handling of commencement. Amid the turbulence of campus protests over Israel’s war in Gaza, President Carol Folt canceled the main ceremony over safety concerns, along with the speech of valedictorian Asna Tabassum, who had expressed pro-Palestinian views.
USC graduates walk onto the field during the 2025 commencement ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
Changes to the Commencement Tradition
As the four-day graduation ceremonies ramped up Thursday night for the Class of 2025, USC unveiled major changes to a long-held tradition. Arguably the biggest adjustment: abandoning longtime on-campus commencement venue Alumni Park — and its stately red-brick buildings and mature greenery — for the cavernous Coliseum.
USC also did away with a long-held practice, announcing in February that there would be no valedictorian — and no accompanying speech. Instead of selecting a graduating senior based mainly on academic grades, the student speaker, Meghan Anand, was chosen from among applicants with grade-point averages of 3.5 and above who submitted celebratory essays about their class.
Student Reactions to the Changes
Ahead of Thursday’s event — the centerpiece of a days-long graduation celebration that began Wednesday, concludes Saturday and includes more than 20 celebrations on and near campus — The Times interviewed five graduating seniors about commencement.
USC graduates watch a drone show at the conclusion of the 2025 commencement ceremony at the Coliseum.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
Some said they would have preferred to have the ceremony on campus, but the prospect of a nighttime celebration that would include another elaborate drone show and massive fireworks display still appealed.
Senior Michael Young, 21, said he was “excited for that drone show” and knew from football games the Coliseum would provide a “celebratory atmosphere,” but he added he would miss the vibes of Alumni Memorial Park.
The Pageantry and the Tradition
The main-stage campus commencement gatherings at Alumni Park, which began about 75 years ago, weren’t short on pageantry and old-world tradition going back decades.
The event would typically begin with a processional that saw students stream out of Bovard Administration Building carrying heraldic flags for the university’s various academic units, followed by deans and other senior university leaders in academic gowns and colorful hoods as “Pomp and Circumstance” played.
At the Coliseum on Thursday, some of that tradition was on display. There were, for example, students bearing flags. And there was a processional of dignitaries.
But there were elements not typically seen at commencement — though they might have been familiar to any fan of the USC football team, which plays at the Coliseum. Like those food vendors.
We’re Super Excited
Lavanya Sharma, 21, who was selected to be a flag bearer, was among those in the processional that kicked off the Coliseum celebration.
Her parents are immigrants from India, and Sharma is the first in her family to graduate from a U.S. university. The Coliseum, she said, seems suitably cool for a commencement venue.
Concepcion, who is Filipino American, can relate. She also is the first person in her family to graduate from a U.S. university. She made plans to attend several ceremonies, including a gathering for students of Filipino descent that she said is known as “P-Grad.”
Conclusion
The USC commencement ceremony at the Coliseum marked a significant departure from tradition, with the university opting for a larger venue and a more celebratory atmosphere. While some students and alumni expressed nostalgia for the old commencement venue, others were excited about the changes and the opportunity to graduate in a unique and memorable setting.
FAQs
Q: Why was the USC commencement ceremony moved to the Coliseum?
A: The university cited the need for a larger venue and the desire to provide a more celebratory atmosphere for graduates and their families.
Q: What changes were made to the commencement tradition?
A: The university eliminated the tradition of having a valedictorian and instead chose a student speaker through a competitive process. The ceremony also featured a drone show and fireworks display.
Q: How did students react to the changes?
A: Some students were excited about the changes and the opportunity to graduate in a unique and memorable setting, while others expressed nostalgia for the old commencement venue and tradition.
Q: What is the significance of the Coliseum as a commencement venue?
A: The Coliseum is a historic and iconic venue that offers a larger and more celebratory atmosphere for graduates and their families. It is also a symbol of USC’s athletic traditions and a familiar setting for many students and alumni.
Filmmaker Jon Chu throws up the “fight on” sign after being presented with an honorary doctorate during the USC commencement ceremony.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
USC graduates cheer as they are recognized during the 2025 commencement ceremony at the Coliseum.
(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
