Dean Vassilios Papadopoulos welcomed graduates and their guests to the 119th USC Mann commencement ceremony on May 15, advising members of the Class of 2026 to be adaptable and collaborative as they pursue their careers in a time of extraordinary technological transformation. “Your greatest impact will not only come from what you know, but from how you connect,” he said.
Keynote speaker David Meek, chief executive officer of Genetix Biotherapeutics and member of the USC Mann Board of Councilors, reflected on a 35-year career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. After joining the Army at age 17, becoming the first in his family to attend college, earning an ROTC scholarship and serving in the Gulf War, he began his healthcare career at Johnson & Johnson after being referred by a fellow Army veteran.
There, he learned the “three Rs”—results, relationships and reputation—which he said define long-term success.
“Long and successful careers are rarely built out of one big break,” Meek said. “They are built out of small opportunities that compound over time.”
Student speakers encouraged classmates to move forward with resilience and remember the experiences at USC that shaped them.
“The most beautiful thing about our class is that none of us had the same path,” said Mark Hanin, speaking on behalf of the PharmD graduates.
Catherine Chester, graduating with a PhD in clinical and experimental therapeutics, spoke on behalf of the PhD, doctor of regulatory science and masters’ graduates, encouraging classmates to carry forward curiosity, resilience and a commitment to improving lives through their work.
Lamiya Kadir, graduating with a BS in pharmacology and drug development, highlighted the friendships and support systems formed during her time at USC. “What started as quick conversations turned into friendships, support systems and a community that feels like home.”
Before the ceremony, Jason Teteran reflected on maintaining a cumulative 4.0 GPA over four years in the PharmD program. He led the processional carrying the USC Mann flag alongside fellow 4.0 graduate Manana Khashadoorian, who carried the banner.
PharmD graduate Jennyfer Quach said she felt both “excited and nervous” to cross the stage after working four years as a pharmacy technician before entering the PharmD program.
Danielle Marie Chavez became the first in her family to earn a graduate degree, receiving a master’s degree in regulatory science.
Koushik Ganesan, also receiving a master’s degree in regulatory science, said his family would be watching the ceremony livestream from Chennai, India. “If one person in the family grows, it means everyone grows,” he said.
“You’re here about to receive a degree from one of the best pharmacy schools in the world,” Meek said. “You have spent years building relationships with classmates and faculty who will be in your life for decades to come. And you will always be a part of the Trojan Family.”
The USC Mann School presented 379 degrees from the following programs:
5 – PhD, Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
5 – PhD, Health Economics
3 – PhD, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
3 – PhD, Pharmaceutical Sciences
171 – Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
9 – Doctorate in Regulatory Science (DRSc)
22 – MS, Biopharmaceutical Marketing
3 – MS, Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
6 – MS, Clinical Trial Management
29 – MS, Healthcare Decision Analysis
10 – MS, Management of Drug Development
2 – MS, Medical Product Quality
9 – MS, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
2 – MS, Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
18 – MS, Pharmaceutical Sciences
31 – MS, Regulatory Science
19 – BS, Biopharmaceutical Sciences
32 – BS, Pharmacology and Drug Development
