From research to real-world impact, USC Rossier commencement honors the Class of 2025

USC Rossier proudly honored the Class of 2025 with two heartfelt commencement ceremonies, recognizing the achievements, resilience and promise of its graduating doctoral and master’s students.

The celebration began on May 14 with the doctoral commencement ceremony. The event honored 214 graduates from the school’s PhD and EdD programs, who spent years conducting research and leading change across educational systems.

In his opening remarks, Dean Pedro Noguera praised the doctoral graduates for their commitment to justice-driven leadership and rigorous scholarship. “We have no doubt that you will rise to meet the challenges you will face with equanimity, determination and grace,” said Noguera. “We encourage you to use your intellect, to never be afraid to ask difficult questions, and to seek meaningful partnerships and collaborations with those who share your values and goals.”

The keynote address was delivered by Bettina Love, the William F. Russell Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. A prominent voice in reshaping the narrative of what education can and should be, Professor Love challenged graduates to carry forward the responsibility of their degrees with courage. “Let this degree not just certify you, but transform you,” Love said. “Be responsible by using your knowledge to build classrooms, think tanks, organizations and assessment tools that are more loving, more inclusive, more just.”

Each doctoral graduate was individually hooded by faculty mentors—a long-standing tradition symbolizing scholarly achievement and professional transformation.

On May 16, over 459 graduates were celebrated at the master’s commencement ceremony. The outdoor event brought together students from across USC Rossier’s wide-ranging master’s programs, including Master of Arts in Teaching, Learning Design and Technology, Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs, and more.

Dean Noguera addressed the graduates, recognizing the passion and purpose they will bring to their professions, from K–12 teachers and college counselors to licensed therapists and higher ed administrators. “My hope is that as you leave this place, you will approach the future not with fear but with confidence,” Noguera said. “Confidence in knowing that you have the talent, intelligence and resourcefulness to find a way forward.”

The ceremony featured a rousing speech from graduating student speaker Leonor Luis, who completed her Master of Arts in Teaching. She looked back on the community the class built through shared challenges and purpose. “As we graduate today amidst a time of chaos, fear and uncertainty, I reflect on my time at USC and know that even amidst the chaos and division, we will persevere due to the lessons that we have learned here together,” Luis said. “At a pivotal time in history and in society, I leave you with a saying that my parents would always say to me, ‘echale ganas’, work hard. Enjoy the next journey just as we did [during] our time at USC Rossier.”

Celebrated author Reyna Grande was the keynote speaker at the master’s ceremony. A fierce and outspoken advocate supporting the power of education and those who are undocumented, she shared her own educational journey with the graduating class. “My personal experiences underscore a vital lesson: your words and actions hold immense power to either uplift or diminish a student,” Grande said. “Let this understanding guide your interactions with every student in your care.”

Graduates walked across the stage—some in custom-decorated caps and stoles that reflected personal journeys, cultural heritage and dedications to loved ones. Families, faculty and friends celebrated as the newest USC Rossier alumni stepped into the next chapter of their professional lives.

USC Rossier honored the flag and banner bearers for their academic excellence and leadership within the school. For the doctoral ceremony, the flag bearer was Alicia Black, a graduate of the Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership program, and the banner bearer was Laurel Kruke, a graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education. For the master’s ceremony, flag and banner bearers were Graciela Corona, who completed her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Alma Ramirez, who completed her Master of Arts Teaching, respectively. These roles are bestowed on students who embody the USC Rossier mission in both scholarship and service.

Four graduates from the Class of 2024 were recognized with the Dissertation of Distinction honor. Their dissertations stood out for exceptional rigor, originality and real-world impact in advancing equity in education.

• Elif Asli Yüce PhD Urban Education Policy ’24; dissertation title: “What Happens When You’re Free: Navigating the Nexus of Higher Education and Criminal Legal Reentry” (Chairs: Royel M. Johnson and Tatiana Melguizo)
• Patrick Richard Riccards OCL ’24 ; dissertation title: “Failing Toward Success: A Learn-From-Failure Mindset and Its Impact on Institutional Effectiveness in Higher Education” (Chair: Robert A. Filback)
• Jaqueline Cruz OCL ’24; dissertation title: “A Gap Analysis to Find Best Practices in Philanthropy to Support California’s Community Colleges and Offer Potential Solutions to Close Performance Gaps” (Chair: Dennis Hocevar)
• Afifa Zaman EdL ’24; dissertation title: “Educational Experiences and Psychosocial Well-being of Newcomer Afghan Refugee Students in California Community Colleges” (Chair: Kim Hirabayashi)

The 2025 commencement ceremonies served not only as a culmination of academic journeys but also as a collective call to action. With a foundation rooted in equity, research and real-world practice, the graduates of USC Rossier are prepared to lead change in education—locally, nationally and globally.