Student Commencement Speaker to replace valedictorian speech
A 3.5 grade point average is required to apply, as opposed to 3.98 for last year’s valedictorian.
By SEAN CAMPBELL
USC will implement a Student Commencement Speaker in place of the valedictorian speech this spring, according to a University statement Wednesday. The main stage 2025 commencement will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on May 15.
The cumulative GPA requirement has been lowered to a 3.5 for the Student Commencement Speaker in order to award academic achievement but also be “holistic,” according to an email sent to a qualifying senior obtained by the Daily Trojan. Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.98 or above were eligible to be valedictorian previously, which led to almost 100 applicants last year.
“Our goal is to open the process to outstanding graduating seniors with varied backgrounds, experiences and degree programs,” the University statement read.
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In previous years, the Office of the Provost decided the valedictorian award after the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection Committee — made up of faculty members — gave a recommendation.
The announcement comes after last year’s valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, was barred from speaking at commencement with the University citing safety concerns. The University later canceled the “main stage” commencement ceremony. USC has had a valedictorian since Minnie C. Miltimore in 1884 during its inaugural graduation class.
In its statement, the University wrote the decision was made after a “comprehensive review” of commencement speakers at other universities. The University declined to say when the decision was made.
“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,” the University statement read. “We look forward to the selection of a Student Commencement Speaker who represents the spirit and experience of the graduating class.”
The selection committee for the commencement speaker— made up of faculty, staff and student representatives — will review the applications and interview finalists, the University wrote in its statement. The Office of the Provost will still make the final decision.
