Every May, USC Rossier doctoral and master’s graduates walk across a stage to the sound of cheers and music, celebrating years of academic effort. Behind the polished ceremony is a months-long production led by someone who knows every detail of what it takes to make commencement unforgettable. For the past 20 years, Kenae Danley, USC Rossier executive director of events, has turned frenetic energy into celebration, seamlessly orchestrating countless moving parts behind one of the most meaningful days in a student’s life.
In those early years, it was just Danley and a student worker. But the team has since grown and now includes Australia Minassian, event coordinator, and Tiare Rush, event assistant. “I don’t even know how I did it before,” Danley said.
Planning starts before the year ends
Danley’s team secures most vendors by December. By February, that is when the magic (and madness) begins. “We start ramping up in February, getting down the logistics with the hope that all the details are finalized by April,” Danley added. From audio systems and stage setup to regalia and crowd control, nothing is left to chance.
Reinforcing deadlines with a smile
By March, things get serious. It is registration for commencement season, and Danley uses both real and “secret” deadlines to stay ahead of inevitable procrastinators. “You have to pad deadlines,” she laughed. “If you don’t, they’ll miss the deadline, and then there’s nothing you can do.” March is also when her team oversees a commencement student speaker contest, sorting through submissions and managing a committee review—all while prepping for the “six-week rush.”
The six-week sprint
April is a blur of logistics and final touches. “We finally know who our dissertation award winners are, who our flag bearers are, who our student speakers are,” Danley said. “All those details come together in April.” That includes production schedules, awards, volunteer assignments and seating charts for graduates and faculty.
It is all hands on deck for USC Rossier volunteers, who are essential to the event—and incentivized. “We encourage our staff into helping us,” she said. Staffers earn raffle tickets for each role they take on and enjoy an annual appreciation breakfast the week following commencement.
Managing May’s micro-details
By late April, Danley’s team is recording voiceovers, reviewing scripts, managing faculty regalia deliveries and solving hyper-specific problems—on one occasion, rerouting a catering truck around construction. “We send out satellite images and get sign-offs from multiple internal USC departments outside of USC Rossier. No one thinks about these things, but us.”
Then the big ceremony happens in May. Commencement, of course, always goes off without a hitch, but it does not stop there for Danley’s team. Even after the last diploma is handed out, the work continues.
After the applause: Post-ceremony wrap-up
“After commencement, the pressure is over. But it probably takes another month to close out commencement,” Danley said. Her team collects leftover regalia, updates the website, inventories equipment and runs a “plus/delta” session to document what did and did not work. Everything from incidents such as wind knocking over signage to stage timing is reviewed.
Fun fact: Walking across the stage is down to a science. Danley’s team has determined that it takes each graduate 11 to 17 seconds to walk, be hooded, shake hands with their advisor or dean and receive their diploma cover. Comparing the commencement planning process to having a baby, she added the preparation is challenging and has its obstacles, but “once the baby is here, you forget the pain.”
Analog to digital: Paper programs to online efficiency
Technology has changed the game. Early in her tenure, everything was tracked in Excel. Now, the team uses tools like SmartSheet and MarchingOrder (now known as Tassel) to automate registration and communication.
One thing she misses is the glossy, printed commencement brochure. “Students loved it. It showed all the happiness of the day you don’t get to see otherwise.” Now digital programs are available via a QR code posted on signage that links to the commencement site where the programs are listed on the day of the ceremony.
A turning point in Danley’s process came with a simple question: What do students ask me the most? The answer: How to get their regalia. From that, she created a comprehensive FAQ page that significantly reduced her inbox volume and helped students help themselves. “And I’ve honed how to communicate with students to stop the chaos in their brains.”
Commencement always happens
Danley has steered USC Rossier through events big and small—even during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Commencement always happens,” she said. “I’ve done it while sick, while injured, through extreme weather. It’s always going to happen.” She is guided by one simple principle: It is all about the students.
“They only remember walking across that stage and seeing their family cheer,” Danley said. Whether she is adding cameras to capture graduate reactions or trimming event timing to stay under two hours, her attention to detail centers around enhancing that singular, joyful moment.
A well-earned, but brief break
Once the budget is closed out and vendors are paid by the end of June, Danley takes a breath. “After June, don’t say the ‘c-word’ to me,” she said, laughing. “Save it for an email in September.” Sure enough, once fall semester begins, she is discreetly orchestrating another memorable commencement event for spring, keeping the spotlight where it belongs: on the graduates.
Giving back with joy: USC Rossier staff members volunteer and celebrate commencement each year
USC Rossier commencement volunteers return year after year because they find joy and pride in supporting a milestone moment for graduates and their families. A meaningful way to give back, many staff volunteers celebrate our graduates’ achievements, hopes and new beginnings along with them. A few shared their commencement experiences below.
“I truly enjoy this time of year—the energy and tradition of commencement never get old. I volunteer because I find real joy in being a small part of the larger operation that Kenae so expertly leads, beginning nearly nine months before the ceremony itself. Her approach to commencement is both methodical and precise, but what truly sets her apart is her creativity and relentless drive to enhance the experience year after year. Watching her deliver something fresh and elevated each time is nothing short of inspiring.”
Rochelle Hardison
Executive Administrative Manager
“This is my 19th year volunteering for commencement! What brings me back year after year is the excitement and joy on the faces of our graduates and their families. It’s the culmination of all their hard work, and I’m grateful to play even a small role, whether it’s answering questions or guiding them to their proper place. The location has changed, and my role has changed, but what hasn’t changed is our fearless commencement leader, Kenae, and the energy and excitement from our graduates. I would not miss it!”
Andree Caldera
Human Resources Director
“What keeps me coming back to volunteer year after year is the incredible energy and sense of accomplishment that commencement embodies. It's gratifying to be part of such a meaningful milestone in students' lives and to watch their dedication, perseverance, and growth come together in one unforgettable moment. Over the years, Kenae has done an outstanding job ensuring the day is memorable and meaningful for our graduates. Thanks to her careful planning and leadership, the ceremony runs seamlessly, down to the smallest detail.”
Rachel Beal
Associate Dean for Advancement
“While working commencement these past years, I never fail to smile from ear to ear every time the keynote speaker is on stage even if I may be listening from backstage some years. The keynote speaker’s inspiring words and upbeat speech always seem to make our graduates cheer extra loud and laugh as if it will be imprinted as a highlight of their lives.”
Australia Minassian
Events Coordinator
“Kenae’s level of organization is one of the reasons I continue to volunteer for commencement each year—I always know what to expect, which helps all of us volunteers ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. It also gives me the chance to have a full circle moment with my students, having been involved in their journey from admission to commencement.”
Meredith Benton
Assistant Director, Master's Program Office
“Kenae’s ability to manage such a complex, high-pressure event is nothing short of remarkable. She is always thoroughly prepared, communicates expectations clearly and knows exactly how to prioritize tasks in a way that makes every volunteer feel both useful and valued. Commencement is the most joyful day on campus each year and it is an incredible feeling to be a part of Kenae’s team that makes this day so special for our students and their families.”
Laura Romero
Director, PhD Program
“This was my ninth-year volunteering, and while the ceremony has grown over time, its essence remains the same. It’s still a joyful, emotional celebration for graduates and their families. For me, it represents the culmination of the student journey. Students who are at the center of everything we do and make all our roles possible. That’s why I come back to volunteer year after year.”
Juan Sepulveda
Senior Business Officer, Business Operations
