Dean Anthony Bailey addresses USC Bovard College graduates at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
On Friday, May 15, 2026 Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) graduates came together, along with their families, friends and faculty to celebrate their incredible accomplishments and completion of their studies at USC Bovard College’s Commencement ceremony. This year’s MMLIS graduating class included 50 students from 11 states who work in a variety of settings, including public library systems, public and private education, and nonprofit arts organizations. They are prepared to take on forward-thinking leadership roles and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Dean Anthony Bailey opened the ceremony by affirming that this year’s graduating class is “ready to be a positive force for change.” He acknowledged graduates who received student recognition awards this year, including MMLIS graduates and Order of Arête recipients, Nyrza Castro, Stacy Aleman and Travis Viera-Liden. Castro served as the inaugural ALA Student Chapter President, Aleman as the first Vice President and Viera-Liden as the organization’s first Media & Communications Chair. Castro, Aleman and Viera-Liden were recognized for their leadership and significant volunteer work stewarding the ALA Student Chapter through the recognition process, drafting the chapter’s Constitution, and engaging with MMLIS students to ensure the sustainability of the program long after its foundational year. Along with three other Bovard students, they were recognized at Thursday’s Student Recognition Awards Ceremony for their academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions to the university and community.
Ruth Wallach, Director of the MMLIS program, was among the celebrated faculty award recipients. She received this year’s award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring for her integrity, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to faculty and student success. Dean Bailey thanked all four faculty award winners for all that they do for the students of USC Bovard College.
USC MMLIS Faculty & graduates at the 2026 Commencement Reception.
After congratulating the graduates and faculty on their impressive achievements, Dean Bailey introduced this year’s commencement speaker, Carlos Adame MBA, the former Chief Human Resources Officer for Amazon. An HR leader with over 25 years of experience leading significant teams and organizational change, Adame offered insight for embracing change and leading through technological advances and ambiguity. “Your degree is your launching point,” he said. “The trajectory of your life will be determined…by how you thrive and lead others through the changes you never saw coming.” He encouraged graduates to “work hard to make a difference — in your life and in the lives of others.”
Students in the Master of Management in Library and Information Science program are equipped to thrive in high-level careers across civic, academic, and professional communities. The program focuses on librarianship and information science fundamentals, community engagement, archives and digital curation, transformative technology use, and leadership and management strategies. MMLIS graduates are empowered to build community, develop innovative programs, and lead library and information organizations.
The online MMLIS program at USC Bovard College is accredited by the American Library Association and designed to fit students’ schedules. At 36 units, the program can be completed in just 12 months for students in the one-year track. No GRE is required, and students have their choice of three enrollment dates each year.