USC Marshall student Meghan Anand was at breakfast with her friends, reflecting on her time at USC, when she pitched them a bold idea — she would apply to be the university’s 2025 student commencement speaker. For Anand, it was a chance to give back to the school and community that has given her so much.

This idea became a reality when USC officially announced Anand as the student speaker for the 2025 university-wide commencement ceremony. The business administration major and finance minor will deliver her address on May 15 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, highlighting themes of community and unity, while celebrating USC’s newest Trojan alumni.

“I just feel so grateful. [It’s] one of those things that’s really hard to put into words,” Anand said. “I know I’m probably not going to feel it until I’m on stage, but it’s an incredible honor and I feel grateful because so many people have helped me become the person that I am today.”

For the past four years, Anand has been deeply immersed in the USC community. A USC Marshall student and presidential scholar, Anand serves as associate director of academic and professional funds in the undergraduate student government, president of USC club golf, and a volunteer at First Tee, a non-profit program where Anand coaches Los Angeles youth on self-confidence, resilience, and her passion — the game of golf.

“Meghan’s interdisciplinary scholarship, dedication to her work, and involvement in multiple student organizations make her a standout representative for the Class of 2025,” said Andrew T. Guzman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

When Anand first walked onto USC campus she discovered a new community. Although not yet certain of her major, the Houston native recognized that the university held a variety of learning and academic opportunities, as well as an environment of support and California sunshine.

“When I walked onto USC’s campus … it just felt like it would be home and it became home for the next four years,” Anand said.

Anand’s academic journey has spanned multiple schools at USC. While originally a philosophy, politics, and economic major at Dornsife, Anand also took classes at the Annenberg, Viterbi, the School of Dramatic Arts, and the School of Cinematics Arts. She later switched her major to business administration after connecting with Marshall students who shared her wide-ranging interests — including Simone Jackson, a USC soccer player, and Martín Aguirre Lanner, a former theater major and incoming EY associate.

“People like that make USC feel like a small school because it makes you realize how we’re all connected in such a big way,” Anand said.

In joining USC Marshall, Anand also followed the path laid out by her parents, entrepreneurs and business people in their own rite. They were the first people the 2025 graduate called after learning she’d be speaking at commencement.

“My parents were a huge inspiration,” Anand reflected. “Watching them work hard has really encouraged me to continue working hard and continuing their legacy.”

Anand flourished at USC Marshall. The business school’s culture of professional and personal growth has left an indelible mark on Anand’s undergraduate experience. From professors such as Carl Voigt, academic director for International Business Education and Research (IBEAR), and professor of clinical management and organization; Glenn Fox, assistant professor of clinical entrepreneurship; and Stacy Geck, associate professor of clinical business communication; Anand gained hands-on experiential learning and real-world insights that have proved invaluable in preparing for next steps in her career as a full-time associate at PwC.

Through the global ExCEL program, Anand traveled to Barcelona, Spain and saw firsthand the power of the Trojan Network.

“I would just be going for a run on the street in my USC shirt and people said, ‘Fight On!’” Anand recalled. “That shows how far reaching the community is.”

Anand will deliver a message of optimism to the Class of 2025, inspiring her fellow graduates to seize new opportunities while underscoring the importance of unity in the face of adversity.

“Regardless of our differences, we’re still a part of the Trojan family,” Anand said.

Between the fateful breakfast when she first dreamt of being commencement speaker to the graduation stage where she’ll deliver her remarks, Anand has learned a lot. On May 15, she plans to urge the newest Trojan alumni to take similar chances and step outside their comfort zone at USC and beyond.

“Just say ‘yes,’” Anand said. “You really can’t go wrong with any experience. If it’s bad, you’re going to learn from it. And if it’s good, then that’s even better.”