Thursday, May 11, 2017---USC Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration Part 1

My husband Jim and I waited for an hour outside the south entrance of the Galen Center for the doors to open for the 2017 USC Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration. My sister Patti and brother-in-law Dudley Poon waited in line at the north entrance.

Trojan Candy saw a familiar face coming out of the Galen Center. Chimezie Metu (8/28/2015) and his parents Florence and James posed for me.
Patti and Dudley entered first and saved seats for us. Thanks, Patti!

After putting my bags on my aisle seat, Trojan Candy walked outside looking for friends. Immediately, I spotted Women of Troy Rowing Coach Zenon Babraj. It was so nice to see him again.

Then riding up in a cart, Coach Clay Helton stepped out and smiled at me. He knew that I wanted to take his picture.

Trojan Candy decided to walk back into the Galen Center because the Celebration was about to begin.

Just as I walked into the arena, I saw Rory Hughes (Sara's dad) and Beach Volleyball Head Coach Anna Collier talking to one another. They smiled for this picture.

Then, Terese Cannon (3/3/2016), the USC Beach Volleyball player who scored the winning point to win the NCAA Championship on May 14th and friend Paige Hines (1/31/2014) posed with Coach Collier.

Now, it was time for the student-athlete procession to start. Trojan Candy got back to my seat as soon as I could. This is my video of the procession.

After all the student athletes were seated in the front, USC Athletic Director Lynn Swann welcomed everyone. President C.L. Max Nikias spoke next. Dr. Nikias said that the "Ideal" of USC athletes is to "Achieve a sound mind in a sound body." He told them that, "You have achieved two amazing victories at USC. You have earned a degree, and you have represented the greatest heritage in athletics." Dr. Nikias's final words were, "Live well and wisely during the marathon's life of adventure. You are a Trojan for life!"

After the Legend of Troy Award was given to the Mary and Al Centofante Family, Lynn Swann introduced two Senior Speakers who addressed the audience and fellow Graduates. Friend, Women of Troy Beach Volleyball Champion and three year Captain, Sara Hughes (1/31/2014) spoke first. Sara said, "We embody the Trojan Tradition. We built belief in ourselves and in our teammates. A wise coach told me, '...that in any situation you are in, always keep Fighting On!'" She stated, "Champions overcome adversity. We represent USC to the best of our ability. It is our time to show the world who we are. This is not the end. It is simply the beginning." What words of wisdom from a true Champion! FIGHT ON, Sara! [Photo courtesy of Pierson Clair of PC4Photo.]

The second Graduate to speak was NCAA Champion and Olympic Medalist Andre De Grasse. Andre thanked everyone at USC who helped him along the way. He said, "Medals can tarnish and records get broken every day, but a university degree is something nobody can take away from you." He thanked USC for "...giving me my skills, experiences and confidence I need to be a professional athlete." Andre ended with this advice: "Every journey walked together will not be the same no matter how similar. Every journey walked together will not be alone. We all have each other and in common, we all have had trials and tribulation here at USC and in our personnel lives and in the public. We must remember from this moment forward, no matter the way, how large or how small, adjust your sail. In other words, Fight On!" More words of advice from another true Champion! FIGHT ON, Andre!

Now it was time for the Presentation of Graduates. Each Head Coach introduced the Graduate in his/her sport.

MEN'S BASKETBALL was first.

Jordan McLaughlin (5/26/2015), Sociology

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL was next.

Sadie Edwards (3/25/2016), Social Sciences (Psychology)

Courtney Jaco (3/24/2017), Master of Communication Management

Kristen Simon, Social Sciences (Psychology)

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Sophie Bukovec (3/5/2015), Sociology

Kelly Claes (3/2/2017), Sociology

Sara Hughes (1/31/2014), Business Administration

FOOTBALL

Jordan Austin, International Relations

Kenny Bigelow, Sociology

Victor Blackwell (9/8/2011), Communication

WOMEN'S GOLF

Tiffany Chan, Communication

Karen Chung, Communication

Gabriella Then, Communication

MEN'S TENNIS

Rob Bellamy (4/15/2017), Planning, Policy and Development

Nick Crystal (3/31/2017), Political Science

David Laser (4/15/2017), Sociology

TRACK AND FIELD

Andre DeGrasse, Sociology

Felicia Horvath (4/1/2016), Psychology

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Andy Benesh (5/14/2016), Communication

Vinnie Rios (5/14/2016), Master of Global Medicine

Lucas Yoder (5/14/2016), Policy, Planning and Development

Sorry to Vinnie Rios and Lucas Yoder. Unfortunately, your pictures were blurry. However, please look for yourselves in my next "Reception" blog. Your pictures are sharp there.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Alice Pizzasegola (1/8/2017), International Relations

Elise Ruddins (1/8/2017), Communication

Taylor Whittingham (1/8/2017), Communication

Several friends won Senior Awards:

JOHN WAYNE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Isaac Whitney

TAPA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Courtney Jaco

GIMBEL AWARD (Most Cooperative)
Darreus Rogers
Courtney Jaco
Jordan McLaughlin

TROJANEER DIAMOND AWARD: (Brought the most fame and distinction to USC)
Sara Hughes and Kelly Claes;
Andre De Grasse

Congratulations and FIGHT ON to Courtney, Jordan, Sara, Kelly and Andre!

After the Senior Awards were announced, the Spirit of Troy came on stage to play our Alma Mater and "Conquest." Then, all of the Student Athletes marched outside to the Galen Center steps for their group picture. The group picture and the "Reception" will be in my next blog.

Congratulations to all of the Class of 2017 USC Student-Athlete Graduates!