USC will replace the traditional valedictorian speech at this spring’s commencement ceremony with a “Student Commencement Speaker” in what the university called an effort to open the process to a more varied group of applicants, rather than basing the choice primarily on academic achievement.
According to a statement from the university, first reported by the Daily Trojan campus newspaper, the new process “recognizes academic achievement along with other abilities.”
“Our goal is to open the process to outstanding graduating seniors with varied backgrounds, experiences and degree programs,” according to the university. “A Selection Committee of faculty, staff and student representatives will review applications and hold interviews. This committee will make recommendations to the Provost who will make the final decision.”
USC came under fire last year when it canceled a commencement speech by valedictorian Asna Tabassum, whose pro-Palestine views led to complaints from some critics who contended that some of her postings on social media were antisemitic — claims she denied.
The university said her planned speech at the main stage commencement ceremony was canceled for safety concerns — at a time when campus tensions were running high over the Israel-Hamas war.
The cancellation of her speech led to criticism from groups such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which called the move an act of cowardice aimed at silencing a pro-Palestinian viewpoint.
The university eventually canceled all outside speakers at the main commencement, then later scrubbed the main stage commencement event in Alumni Park altogether, instead holding a “Trojan Family Graduate Celebration” at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The spring 2025 commencement will be held May 15 at the Coliseum, according to the university’s website.
According to the university’s statement, the move away from a traditional valedictorian speech was made after a “comprehensive review of student commencement speakers at peer universities.”
“Many of those institutions have moved away from traditional valedictorians — based solely on academic grades — to allow for a wider group of students to participate in the application process,” according to the university. “We look forward to the selection of a Student Commencement Speaker who represents the spirit and experience of the graduating class.”
According to the university’s website, applicants for Student Commencement Speaker must meet a series of criteria, including a 3.5 or higher grade-point average. According to the Daily Trojan, the previous valedictorian selection process required a minimum 3.98 GPA.
Students interested in being the commencement speaker under the new process will be required to submit an online application, a resume, a short biography and a copy of the proposed commencement speech.
The university’s website states that proposed speeches should celebrate the graduating class overall and focus on “the unique experiences and memories of your shared time at USC,” and not on the speaker’s individual accomplishments. It should also “inspire those in attendance to strive towards future success.”
The deadline to apply is March 2. Information and an application link are available online at commencement.usc.edu/graduates/apply-to-be-the-student-commencement-speaker/.
According to the Daily Trojan, USC has had a valedictorian at graduation exercises since 1884, when Minnie Miltimore filled the role during the inaugural graduation class.