May 2018 (3) Candygrams

Thursday, May 10, 2018---USC Student-Athlete Graduation Celebration Part 1

Trojan Candy was the second person in line at the Galen Center south door. I wanted to get a prime seat to take pictures of my USC student-athlete friends who were being honored by the USC Athletic Office.

The next thing you know, the door opened and out walked good friend Jordan McLaughlin (5/26/2015) with his parents, Lisa and Thomas.

Jordan showed Trojan Candy the scholastic award he received. Congratulations, Jordan!

Then I saw another Basketball Senior. Friend Sadie Edwards (3/25/2016) posed with Women of Troy Assistant Coach Blanche Alverson and showed me her scholastic award.

When the doors opened, I was slowed down by the metal detector, but still managed to rush inside and get two aisle seats right at the end of the ramp. Perfect!

Women of Troy Basketball Senior and good friend, Jordan Adams (3/24/2017) came by to say, "Hello." Then she posed with her mother Tausha, who also came by to visit.

Next, Jordan and her mom were joined by two more relatives (Brittyn and Tami Adams).

Trojan Candy walked up close to the podium on the stage. There was volunteer Assistant Diving Coach Tory Ishimatsu (9/16/2011).

Seated in the first row of seats was Men's and Women's Swimming Coach Dave Salo and friend Ron Orr.

Then I saw Jennifer Noriega, who was in charge of the Celebration, and asked her if I could walk up on stage to take pictures of the awards. She said, "Yes" and off I went. Thanks, Jennifer!

Here are the Student Athlete sashes.

Here are the Stevens Scholar Medallions.

I walked down the ramp and went to the Galen Center southwest arena entrance. There I saw friend and USC Basketball alumna Courtney Jaco (3/24/2017).

Nearby was current Women of Troy Basketball athlete Shalexxus Aaron.

Now, Trojan Candy walked into the lobby. There was good friend Reid Budrovich (8/22/2015). Reid is graduating but still has one more year of eligibility left as our starting punter.

Simon Zhang; Susan Liu; Nancy Zhang; Diane, Henry, and Angela Ji; Steven Zhang; Henry Ji Sr; Vivian Zhang; and David Liu

In the lobby, I saw two Men's Tennis Senior friends. First, I took a picture of Henry Ji (3/25/2016) with his entire family. From left to right, they are Uncle Simon Zhang, Grandma Susan Liu, Aunt Nancy Zhang, Sister Diane Ji, Henry Ji, Sister Angela Ji, Grandpa Steven Zhang, Dad Henry Ji Sr, Mom Vivian Zhang, and Cousin David Liu.

Then I took this picture of Henry with his parents Vivian and Henry.

Next, I saw friend Tennis Senior Thibault Forget (2/28/2015).

McQuin Baron, Mihajlo Milicevic, James Walters, Brock Hudnut, Bryce Hoerman, Murphy Slater, Lachlan Edwards and Blake Edwards

There was a group of Senior Water Polo players who let me take their picture. McQuin Baron, Mihajlo Milicevic, James Walters, Brock Hudnut, Bryce Hoerman, Murphy Slater, Lachlan Edwards and Blake Edwards

Joanne and Robert Ford, Kate and Mitchell Cameron, and Thelma and Ricky Morgan Jr.

Inside the Galen Center I took this picture of three Track Seniors with their mothers. Joanne and Robert Ford, Kate and Mitchell Cameron, and Thelma and Ricky Morgan Jr.

Now, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Friend Tara Quarrie (11/29/2015) was ready to hand out a gift bag to every graduate.

The procession of Senior Student Athletes began.

After every Senior was seated, Athletic Director Lynn Swann welcomed everyone.

Then President C.L. Max Nikias spoke to the Athletes. He told them that "...most of your life will come after the glory days of your youth. You earned an excellent education and made good relationships here. Build a good reputation and live wisely and well."

Next, the two "Senior Speakers" spoke. Lynn Swann introduced Deanna Hill first. Here is her speech.

Then, Lynn Swann introduced the second "Senior Speaker." Lazar Pasuljevic came to the podium. Here is his speech.