The University of South Carolina announced on Apr. 29 that thousands of graduates will participate in May commencement ceremonies starting Thursday, May 7. President Michael Amiridis will deliver remarks at all four baccalaureate ceremonies held at the Colonial Life Arena. Additional separate ceremonies are scheduled for the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, both Schools of Medicine, and doctoral graduates.
These events are significant as they mark a major milestone for nearly 10,000 students graduating from across the USC system this spring. The university’s commencement schedule also highlights the recognition of several distinguished individuals who will receive honorary degrees.
The Colonial Life Arena ceremonies begin on Friday, May 8, with morning and afternoon sessions for graduates from various colleges including the School of Music, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work, College of Information and Communications, and College of Pharmacy. Sheila Johnson—entrepreneur, sports executive and philanthropist—will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during these events. Johnson is known for co-founding Black Entertainment Television in 1978 and currently serves as CEO of Salamander Collection.
On Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m., Scott Bessent will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during the ceremony for S.C. Honors College (Bachelor of Arts and Sciences students) and McCausland College graduates. Bessent has served as chief investment officer at Soros Fund Management before becoming U.S. treasury secretary in 2025.
Later that day at 4 p.m., Ronald Leopold—executive director at Anne Frank House in Amsterdam—will be honored with a Doctor of Humanities degree during a ceremony for Palmetto College; Molinaroli College; Hospitality; Retail & Sport Management; Education; Engineering & Computing; and graduate law programs.
Other Columbia campus events include awarding Joseph F. Rice—the namesake benefactor behind USC’s law school—with an honorary Doctorate in Laws degree recognizing his contributions to legal practice through Motley Rice LLC as well as philanthropic support to endowed professorships and scholarships within the law school.