Past Commencement Speakers
Visit our new website at commencement.usc.edu
Although USC did not bestow honorary degrees until 1912, the brother of USC President Marion Bovard offered a commencement address at the university's very first ceremony in 1884. The identities of many of our earliest speakers have been lost to the ages, and from 1931 to 1942 the university had no commencement speaker. Outside of those years, even a cursory glance at the identities of past speakers will reveal a rich tradition of leadership and excellence in USC's commencement speakers. Found on the list are governors, university presidents, humanitarians, captains of industry, and even the first man on the moon (himself a USC alumnus).
For a complete list of commencement speakers, please click here.
Past Commencement Addresses
Available to download for the years below:
- May 11, 2012 - Christiane Amanpour
- May 13, 2011 - Steven A. Ballmer
- May 14, 2010 - Steven B. Sample
- May 15, 2009 - Arnold Schwarzenegger
- May 16, 2008 - Robert Iger
- May 11, 2007 - Ted Koppel
- May 13, 2005 - Neil Armstrong
- May 16, 2003 - Ruth Simmons
- May 12, 2000 - Michael Eisner
- May 14, 1999 - Warren Christopher
- May 8, 1998 - Bill Cosby
- May 7, 1993 - Art Buchwald
- June 4, 1970 - John Volpe
