“Don’t just talk about it. Be about it.” 

Those encouraging words from keynote speaker Alexis Ohanian captivated the audience at the USC Iovine and Young Academy’s commencement ceremony on May 10, 2024. The  Founder of Seven Seven Six and Co-Founder and Former Executive Chairman of Reddit addressed the crowd of graduates and their supporters, galvanizing them to lead and create, drawing on not only passion, but compassion. 

Ohanian’s words reflect the purpose-driven and innovative spirit of IYA, which was prominently present at the vibrant event. Dean Thanassis Rikakis kicked off the ceremony with his own remarks, underscoring the significance of navigating complexity in an increasingly complex world. 

“You, wonderful graduates of IYA, are now experts in the complexity that arises from difference,” he noted. 

And as each graduate crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, they beamed with pride and excitement as faculty, friends, and family cheered them on in Bovard Auditorium. The expansive room, bustling with close to 1000 attendees, erupted in cheers, yet the close-knit bond between the students and the school made the atmosphere feel personal and inextricably interconnected. 

“Where else can you find such a diverse set of people, passions, and projects?” undergraduate speaker Kai Vincent asked during his time on the podium, after individually championing each member of his graduating cohort, citing their unique accomplishments and talents. 

“Rather than being cutthroat competitors, we quickly turned out to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” he asserted, honoring his collaborative peers. 

Darcell Edwards represented the graduate students, likening commencement to a victory lap after the illuminative relay of obtaining a Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology. 

“You have to keep going, and you can't let your dreams die inside of you,” he proclaimed. “Despite the exhaustion, we see the finish line ahead, and we push harder, fueled by the knowledge of our hard work and the successes we've already achieved.”

Wells Douraghy is an example of the achievements Edwards celebrates. A graduate of IYA’s Class of 2021, he is the founder and CEO of July, a venture backed by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six that has raised over $2.3 million. Douraghy introduced Ohanian – a full circle moment, coming back to school as an alumnus. 

Intentional change and creativity was at the heart of Alexis Ohanian’s moving message. He encouraged the Class of 2024 to build with intentionality and to make positive and impactful change, reminding it’s time to evolve – never digress. 

“Don’t be a destroyer, be a builder,” he urged, highlighting mission-fueled innovation, no matter the objective (or the naysayers standing in your way). Yes, even Ohanian’s haters got a shout-out during his remarks, as did the power of thoughtful ingenuity. 

Ohanian stated, "We are inextricably moving forward as a species, always trying to improve. If you can do that through a lens of empathy, if you can do that whether you’re solving some huge problem on a website or whether you’re trying to save the planet …  If you’re doing it with the understanding of who you’re serving, that is how you’re ultimately successful.” 

Words to live by, indeed. Check out a few more standout moments from 2024 commencement below:

IYA Commencement 2024 Inspires Graduates to Lead with Passion and Empathy