Celebrating the Class of 2023

David Chang speaks at USC Annenberg's 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Award-winning chef and bestselling author David Chang encouraged the USC Annenberg’s Class of 2023 to embrace the power of truth and fear. Chang addressed more than 1,000 doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s graduates in communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations, who gathered on May 12.

“Understand the power you’ve been given to shape others’ truth,” he said. “Keep searching. Don’t be afraid to change your mind.”

Chang told the Class of 2023 that recognizing fear can also be an opportunity.

“We are too reverential of fear, whether it’s the fear of looking foolish or disappointing people, or the fear of saying you were wrong. It’s fine to be afraid, but it would be tragic to let it hold you back. … Learn the other side of the coin. Be entrepreneurial. … Nothing is wasted unless you fail to immerse yourself completely in the next thing.”

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Graduates at USC Annenberg's 2023 Commencement line up in a row for a group photo.

Memorable moments

From lining up for the processional to walking across the stage to receive diploma covers and celebrating after, relive all the excitement of commencement day with this photo album. Photos by Greg Grudt/Steve Cohn Photography and Professor Alan Mittelstaedt.

Examples of the USC Annenberg Instagram GIF pack

USC Annenberg Instagram GIF pack

Show your USC Annenberg pride and commemorate your accomplishments with these new USC and USC Annenberg animated GIFs. You can find them on Giphy or on Instagram by searching for USC or USC Annenberg. Make sure to use the hashtags #ASCJ and #USCGrad in your posts!