16 May 2025
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Anthony Bailey Dean, USC Bovard College
Welcome to the USC Bovard College alumni community and 500,000-strong global Trojan Family. After balancing your studies with careers, families, community commitments and even military service, you are ready to take a bold step forward.
Taught by expert practitioners and industry leaders, you have gained more than a degree — you have built the skills, confidence and vision to make a real-world impact. Whether you are advancing in your current field or stepping into a new chapter, you join a growing network of Bovard College graduates who are shaping industries and leading with purpose.
We are proud of all you have achieved and are honored to be part of your journey. Fight On!
Commencement Speaker
Michael Fenlon, PhD
Executive
Director
of Advances in Learning Harvard University
Michael Fenlon, PhD recently joined Harvard University and serves as Executive Director of Advances in Learning, dedicated to driving innovation in learning, expanding access through Harvard University Online and other initiatives to strengthen classroom learning within the university and with learners and organizations across the world.
Prior to joining Harvard, Fenlon served as Chief People Officer of PwC US, and drove improvements in employee experience and engagement, digital transformation, employee reskilling and leadership development, financial and operational outcomes, and employer brand. As the Chief Future of Work Officer, Fenlon drove initiatives on the impact of AI on workforce strategy, skills and learning, talent management, and led executive leadership development initiatives. Earlier, he served as associate dean for Executive MBA programs at Columbia Business School, and taught leadership and executive education.
His perspectives and thought leadership have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Financial Times,Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Fox Business News, and other media outlets.
University of Southern California
BOVARD COLLEGE
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
16 May 2025
PROCESSIONAL
Jonathan Francisco Flag Bearer
Devyn Favela Banner Bearer
WELCOME
Anthony Bailey Dean, USC Bovard College
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Michael Fenlon, PhD
Executive Director of Advances in Learning Harvard University
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
RECESSIONAL
RECEPTION
Congratulations to the degree candidates of USC Bovard College.
Student Recognition Awards
The Order of the Laurel and the Palm
Michael Chen Master of Science
in Project Management
The Order of the Laurel and the Palm is the highest honor given to students completing their degrees. It is awarded to students who display exceptional leadership and service that makes a lasting impact on the university community and the world at large.
Michael Chen was nominated by faculty for representing the university’s Unifying Values both in and outside the classroom. He demonstrated his commitment to excellence and integrity by fostering an inclusive learning environment. Chen displayed leadership, kindness and academic insight in support of his peers and in service to the MS in Project Management program. In addition to being the Director of Academic Operations for USC Bovard College, Chen volunteers his time building homes for those in need and leading a Bible class for inmates at the California Institution for Men.
Student Recognition Awards
The Order of Arête
The following Bovard College graduates were honored with the Order of Arête, which acknowledges their academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions to the university and community.
Neptali Clavijo Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Devyn Favela Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism
Jonathan Francisco
Master of Science in Emergency Management
Madison Salazar
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Brianna Figueroa
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Ivan Verdin
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Faculty Award Recipients
Excellence in Student Mentoring
Meghan McPherson
Master of Science in Emergency Management
Excellence in Teaching
Leonard Jackson
Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism
Excellence in Faculty Mentoring
Mike Mathis
Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism
Excellence in Service and Leadership
Wanda Cumberlander
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Please join us for a reception on Bridge Hall Lawn.
Exit the ceremony space and take a right on Watt Way. Turn left on Bloom Walk, crossing Trousdale Parkway to reach the reception on Bridge Hall Lawn. If you get lost, follow the line of Bovard College staff members in red shirts to the reception space.