On May 15, 2026, USC Annenberg celebrated its commencement ceremony, honoring more than 1,200 graduates in communication, journalism and public relations. Thousands of family members, friends, faculty and staff gathered in Alumni Park to mark the occasion.

Dean Willow Bay reflected on the graduates’ personal, academic and professional growth, emphasizing their shared purpose and impact: “we see the answers have been taking shape all along — in you — in this Class of 2026,” highlighting their commitment to ethical storytelling, innovation and service. She underscored their ability to listen with empathy and intention, and to navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Alumna Sophie Flay ’18, an ABC News correspondent and co-anchor, introduced keynote speaker Lindsey Vonn by celebrating the graduates’ boundless potential, noting that “there will be people in this world who will try to put you in a box,” but that embracing multiple passions makes them “limitless.” She tied that message directly to Vonn, whose life and career she said embodies “the blueprint of what it means to be limitless.”

In her address, Olympic gold medalist, best-selling author, philanthropist and investor Vonn inspired graduates with lessons on resilience and courage. “I’m not up here to tell you how to win. I’m up here to tell you how to keep going when you fall — and why, if you do, the winning will come,” she said, urging them to embrace setbacks as growth opportunities. 

Closing with a call to action, Vonn encouraged the class to take risks: “Dare to dream. Even when it’s hard. Even when the outcome is uncertain. Even when people think you’re crazy for trying. Jump. Because the only real failure in this life is not trying…. Your mountain is waiting!”