May 13, 2022 proved to be an unforgettable day for the USC Iovine and Young Academy. The Class of 2022 celebrated their graduation in a commencement ceremony that was brimming with a collective sense of joy, triumph, and collegiate camaraderie. 

The first in-person ceremony since 2019, enthusiasm at Bovard Auditorium was at an all-time high. As the graduates processed into the auditorium, cheers erupted and solemn walks transformed into upbeat glides. It was a fitting start to the uplifting festivities. 

Dean Thanassis Rikakis greeted the audience with gusto, welcoming esteemed founders Jimmy Iovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young and keynote speaker Jason Mayden. His opening remarks were not without recognition of the Academy’s potential to make an impact, one unrestrained by the confines of a traditional approach to education. 

“I am confident that you will use your creativity, courage, compassion, and ability for collective intelligence to drive innovation for a better world,” he told the graduating class, noting that disciplines don’t define them as they pave their own impending paths. 

Keynote speaker Jason Mayden’s inspirational spirit illuminated Bovard as he delivered a speech marked by gratitude, reflection, compassion, and creative generosity. 

“You have the power to make this life free and beautiful,” he encouraged. “You have the power to make this a wonderful adventure of curiosity and intention. It is no longer about what you can gain, but what you can give.”

Mayden closed by urging the graduating class to use their individual power to continue the good fight to achieve positive impact.

“Fight for progress, fight for the preservation of humanity, fight for the dreams and the aspirations of the generations to come, fight for your purpose to be seen and accepted as it is, fight for your ability to create the world that you want to live in,” advocated Mayden.

Undergraduate student speaker Sydney Loew acknowledged her “cohort’s unapologetic desire to disrupt,” and her original words mirrored that all-encompassing theme. She took the time to commend every one of her fellow graduates, highlighting the unique ways they have distinguished themselves as disruptors. 

“There’s no doubt that we’re powerful together, but the heart of our cohort lies within each unique and inspiring individual. I’m honored to represent our class today, although I truly believe that we should all be up here,” Loew pointed out. “So, allow me to disrupt the typical graduation speech to shine a bright light on each and everyone of you.” 

By listing the Class of 2022’s remarkable individual accomplishments, qualities, and contributions, Loew honored the collaborative community that blooms within the Academy, demonstrating that innovation abounds in infinite ways. 

“Jimmy Iovine said that ‘fear should be our fuel,’” Loew concluded. “With our tanks full we’ve pitched ideas to industry leaders, hosted school-wide concerts, published our work, delivered standup comedy routines, traveled to new places, started clubs, and founded businesses no matter the obstacles. Cohort 5 has proven that we are fierce, as individuals and in our support of each other.” 

Vincent Perez represented the graduate students, expressing a profound reflection on his time at the Academy. His journey was not without heartbreak. After being accepted, he lost his partner to gun violence. Despite the tragedy Perez moved forward with enrollment and embarked on an experience that was initially met with accompanying fear. 

Looking back he “realized the importance of trusting the process and looking for different perspectives and reframing what’s in front of me as a means to look at problems in a different way.” 

“Thank you to the faculty and colleagues who have taught me every problem is approachable and solvable when you have a community behind you,” he declared. Perez recognized the power of being authentic and open and that “entrepreneurship starts with a conversation, not a product.” 

Perez’s address culminated with this advice: “I empower all of you to be present for the uncomfortable and the beautiful moments. For the times of great sadness and those that are picture-perfect. Live with purpose and move with purpose. Be sure to bring those you love with you along with you on that journey, and those who are here and those who left us too early.”

Following the enlightening speeches, graduates took to the stage and were handed their diplomas directly from none other than the Academy’s illustrious cofounders. The moment everyone was preparing for was well worth the dedication. 

Let the recessional commence! (And onto the Bovard steps for some frame-worthy snapshots.)

Hats off to the extraordinary Class of 2022. Here’s to a bright future ahead and a lifetime of trailblazing disruption. Fight on! 

You can watch the entire Iovine and Young Academy Commencement ceremony here.

The Class of 2022 celebrated their graduation in a commencement ceremony that was brimming with a collective sense of joy, triumph, and camaraderie.

2022 Commencement: Graduates Are Ready to Take On the World