Professor Carlos Adame addressing the 2026 Bovard College graduates.
On May 15, 2026, graduates of the Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) program, along with their families, friends, and peers, gathered at USC’s University Park to celebrate commencement. The 191 MSHRM graduates are employed at prominent companies such as Amazon, The Boeing Company, Chevron, Lockheed Martin, Google, and The Walt Disney Company, among others.
Dean Anthony Bailey opened the ceremony with celebratory remarks for Bovard College’s 10 year anniversary, and praised the 2026 graduating class with the reminder, “You are ready to be a positive force for change.” He also acknowledged the faculty members who were awarded for their outstanding contributions. MSHRM professor Carly Cooper received the award for Excellence in Student Mentoring. Dean Bailey also offered his congratulations to the five Bovard College graduates who received Student Recognition awards.
From left to right: banner bearer Rachel Hallstrom, Dean Anthony Bailey, and flag bearer Moises Ojeda
Among the recipients of the Order of Arête was MSHRM graduate, Rachel Hallstrom, who was also recommended by faculty to represent her classmates and USC Bovard College as the ceremony’s banner bearer. “I am deeply honored to have been selected for this distinguished ceremonial role, ” said Hallstrom. “Joining USC has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I have never been more confident in a decision than when I chose to enroll in the MSHRM program at USC Bovard College. From the moment I decided on USC, I recognized it as an institution dedicated to academic excellence, wholeheartedly supporting its students, and embodying the Trojan pride ingrained in its very essence.”
This year’s commencement speaker was MSHRM Professor Carlos Adame, whose leadership has driven innovation and organizational change for nearly 40 years, notably as Senior Global HR Leader at Amazon, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Providence Health Organization, and VP, CHRO at AltaMed Health Services. Adame told graduates, “Your degree is not your destination. It’s your launching point. The trajectory of your life will be determined not by the plan you made, but by how you thrive and lead others through the changes you never saw coming.”
Adame also emphasized another role graduates of the 2026 class will assume — leader. “I’ve learned that the most successful leaders aren’t the ones with the perfect plan. They’re the ones who can navigate ambiguity, who can bring people along through uncertainty, and who can make a difference even when the path isn’t clear. You’ve already proven you can do that. You did it to get here today.” In his closing, Adame left the Class of 2026 with one challenge. “Work hard to make a difference – in your life and in the lives of others. That’s it. That’s the whole game.”
MSHRM graduates are from diverse professional backgrounds. Some are experienced HR professionals, while others are earning their master’s degree to transition from related fields. The program, developed by industry experts, equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective leaders. The curriculum focuses on fundamental HR principles, human capital management concepts, and processes such as talent management, total rewards, performance management, learning and development, employee relations, and HR analytics.
The MS in Human Resource Management program at USC Bovard College is designed to fit students’ schedules and is offered on both a one- and two-year track. At 24 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.