10:30 am | Check-In

11:15 am | Welcome

Kathryn M. Shirley MBT ’97
Chair, USC BAA BAC Student Engagement Committee

11:30 am | Cultural Performance

Brother Hanif and the Uncommon Sense
A musical performance rooted in African diasporic traditions, shared as a gift with the Trojan Family to enrich our collective story.

11:35 am | Invocation

Stacie Ottley
.

11:40 am | Welcome and Introductory Remarks

Faithe Clary
Associate Director of USC Black Alumni Association

| Alumni Association Greeting

Erika Jordan ML ’18
Associate Senior Vice President of Alumni Relations

| Faculty and Staff Greeting

Stacey Croomes
Immediate Past President USC Staff Assembly

| Black Student Assembly (BSA) Greeting

Agnes Gbondo and Leah Sheldon
Co-Presidents, Black Student Assembly

| USC National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Greeting

Ronald J. Atkinson II
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Haley Simpson and Terrin Jackson
President and Vice-President, USC National Pan-Hellenic Council

12:05 pm | Cultural Performance

Hanif Riley and the Uncommon Sense

12:10 pm | Heritage Presentation: Libation Ceremony

Sister Abrafi Sanyika
This traditional African ritual of remembrance is shared here as part of USC’s cultural heritage. All are welcome to observe, and those who wish may participate by honoring someone meaningful in their lives — whether an ancestor, a loved one or a role model. Participation is completely optional.

12:15 pm | Affirmation Ceremony Begins

Sister Abrafi Sanyika

Legacy

Raphael Henderson ’82

Ancestors

Jay Prewitt-Cruz EdD ’23

First Black Student

Ayanna Davis ’93, EdD’17

First Black Justice in California

Patrick Holloway ’85

First Black Journalism Graduate

Miki Turner MCG ’18

First Black USC All-American

William Poole ’17

BAA Founder

Simeon Stewart II ’92 MBA ’17

1st SCion Families

Danielle Alexander ’06

Relationships

Malcolm Jones MS ’19 PhD ’24

Traits

James Ward III

These tributes highlight the contributions of Black Trojans to USC’s history. They are part of the larger story of achievement that all Trojans share, reminding us that every community strengthens the whole university.

12:30 pm | Pinning Ceremony

Kyle Webb MBA ’16

During this special moment, all newly admitted students are invited to receive a commemorative pin, presented by the USC Black Alumni Association, as a symbol of welcome into the Trojan Family.

The design of the pin reflects the heritage and contributions of Black Trojans, shared proudly as part of USC’s collective legacy. By offering this gift, the Black Alumni Association extends a spirit of community, belonging and encouragement to every new student as they begin their USC journey.

| Closing Remarks

Faithe Clary

12:40 pm | Lunch and Networking

An opportunity for students, families, alumni, and guests from every background to connect and begin building lasting friendships within the Trojan Family.

| Photos with Traveler

2:00 pm | Event Concludes

USC Notice of Non-Discrimination

The University of Southern California welcomes all students, families, alumni, and guests to participate in this program. Eligibility and participation are not determined by race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

This event is hosted by the USC Black Alumni Association as a cultural celebration of the Trojan Family’s heritage and history. It is open to all members of the USC community, consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination (https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/).