USC President Carol Folt announced Thursday that Jon M. Chu will deliver the 2025 commencement address at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on May 15 and receive an honorary degree.
“I can’t wait to stand in the Coliseum among tens of thousands of people, feeling the energy of the Trojan spirit — the same spirit I once cheered on the football team with,” Chu told USC Today. “I know that spirit lives on far beyond the school’s walls and campus.”
Chu was previously scheduled to deliver the main-stage address at the 2024 graduation ceremony before it was cancelled following campus protests in relation to the encampment regarding the Israel-Hamas war. The university also canceled the valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, from speaking at the main ceremony.
A 2003 graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Chu has gone on to direct “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.” His most recent musical adaptation, “Wicked,” has earned 120 awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
Students shared their perspectives on Chu being announced as the commencement speaker.
“It is a good thing to give him a second chance.” Jade McClinton, a first-year student in USC Dornsife’s Postbaccalaureate Premedical program, said. McClintion said she believes Chu isn’t known as a controversial figure like “other people that USC had as commencement speakers.”
“I think that me being a fan may make me a little biased, because… he did such great things with “Wicked” and “In the Heights,” so I’m not seeing it from a critical lens,” McClinton said.
Danica Palmersheim, a sophomore studying journalism, who also identifies as a huge fan of Chu’s said, “I think it’s so cool, and I’m jealous that it’s not my commencement ceremony, but I’m really interested in what he has to say and I’m excited for the class of 2025 to have him as a speaker.”
Palmersheim acknowledges the timing is convenient with the release and award nominations for Chu’s film, but said she still feels wary from his speech cancellation in 2024.
“I’m disappointed about how everything was handled at the commencement ceremony last year, but I am excited that he can speak for the upcoming one, especially given that his film just won an Oscar,” said Palmersheim.
Chu credits much of his success to the network of connections he made during his time at USC. There, he met key collaborators like cinematographer Alice Brooks, whom he initially encountered at a Starbucks at USC. He also formed strong bonds with writer Ryan Landels and director Avi Youabian, both of whom were fellow USC students, and they became frequent partners throughout his career.
Chu’s appearance has set social media abuzz, with Annenberg Media’s report racking up thousands of likes and hundreds of shares.
Students also shared who they would like to see giving the university address.
“There’s a list of people I don’t want, but people I do want, besides obviously Beyonce, I’m not sure,” said McClinton.
Ashley Li, a freshman studying communication, mentioned Keanu Reeves as a potential candidate. “I just really love him as an actor, and I feel like he’s very low key,” Li said.
Li shared she has not watched “Wicked” yet and isn’t familiar with Chu’s work, but believes that his influence and legacy are inspirational for the USC community.
“Through having people like him come to our school, I think that’s really good to spark discussions, and for people like me to find out more about who he is,” Li said.
The university’s 142nd main commencement ceremony will be held on May 15, 7 p.m. at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.