Continuing the tradition of honoring graduating students from disciplines across the university, USC’s annual Student Recognition Awards ceremony and Academic Honors Convocation were held this spring. Outstanding members of USC Annenberg’s Class of 2026 were recognized with these top honors, showcasing their stellar academic achievements as well as their meaningful contributions that have significantly enriched the university and the wider community.
Student Recognition
The Order of Troy
Undergraduate students who receive the Order of Troy have made notable contributions to their peers within USC Student Life, the USC community, and/or the world at large through exemplary service or active leadership. While these students have pursued academic excellence, they have also devoted extensive time and energy in service outside the classroom and their other commitments.
- Taylor Altman
- Nathan Elias
- Melissa Grimaldo
- Ranay Vivek Sah
- Sophie Sullivan
The Order of Arête
Graduate students who have distinguished themselves above their peers through university or community leadership beyond those required for their programs of study and/or through impactful and exemplary service to the university community or the world at large. These students demonstrate significant depth and scope of responsibility and embody the university’s Unifying Values. Arête, taken from the Greek, means virtue or excellence in attaining one’s utmost human potential.
- Maria del Carmen Leyva-Hernandez
The Order of the Laurel and the Palm
The highest honor given to students completing their degrees, the Order of the Laurel and the Palm is awarded to students who display exceptional leadership and service that makes a lasting impact on the university community and/or the world at large. These students embody the university’s Unifying Values. Less than one percent of undergraduates and graduates earning their degrees are selected to receive the Order of the Laurel and the Palm.
- Tiffany Wang
USC Main Stage Commencement Ceremony Student Speaker
Academic Honors
USC Steven and Kathryn Sample Renaissance Scholars
The USC Steven and Kathryn Sample Renaissance Scholars program recognizes USC undergraduates who have excelled academically while pursuing two widely divergent fields of study. This honor is awarded to students who have not only achieved outstanding performance in each of their major(s) or minor(s), but who also embody the intellectual energy and creative insight that emerge when distinct disciplines intersect.
- Julia Marie-Françoise Alexander
- Donal Christopher Buckley
- Francesca Angelici Capaldi
- Aubrie Anne Cole
- Indira Raquel Escobar
- Ainsley Aidan Ferrell
- Marissa Marie Hein
- Mai Kaufman
- Mallory Michelle North
- Michelle Wee
- Ziyan Zhou
Discovery Scholars
The USC Discovery Scholars program recognizes USC undergraduates who have excelled academically and demonstrated a strong track record of research or creative work. This honor is awarded to students who have not only made a meaningful contribution to their field of study through exceptional new scholarship or artistic work, but who also show significant promise for future research or creative endeavors.
- Mallory Michelle North
- Ranay Vivek Sah
Global Scholars
The USC Global Scholars program recognizes undergraduates who have excelled academically while integrating significant international experiences into their education. This honor is awarded to students who have thoughtfully connected their coursework at USC with their studies or research abroad, demonstrating a broadened perspective on cultures, ideas, and global challenges.
- Julia Marie-Françoise Alexander*
*Denotes prize winner
School of Journalism Awards
USC Annenberg’s School of Journalism announced the following recipients of their annual awards for graduating undergraduate and master’s students.
- Jasmine Kwok and Katherine Simons, Outstanding BA Journalism Scholar Award (academic excellence)
- Stephen Knobel and Charlotte Calmes, Outstanding BA Journalism Scholar Award (recognition)
- Stephanie Ofilada, Outstanding BA Public Relations Scholar Award (academic excellence)
- Taylor Altman, Outstanding BA Public Relations Scholar Award (recognition)
- Tomoki Chien, Director's Award for Excellence (undergraduate)
- Marie-Anne Harrigan, Outstanding Graduate Journalism Scholar Award (academic excellence)
- Alyssa Valdez, Outstanding Graduate Journalism Scholar Award (recognition)
- Sierra Sohn, Outstanding Public Relations and Advertising Scholar Award (academic excellence):
- Xiaolin Zhao, Outstanding Public Relations and Advertising Scholar Award (recognition)
- Kristle Adler, Director’s Award for Excellence (graduate)
- India Starr, Center for Public Relations Research Award (graduate)
- Sophie Sullivan, Norman Corwin Award for Service and Scholarship
- Lizbeth Solorzano, Penny Lernoux Award for International Reporting Award
- Valeria Macias, Jack Langguth First Amendment Award
- Tomoki Chien, Bryce Nelson Award for Distinguished Journalism