USC Bovard College Commencement Speaker, Carlos Adame, addresses the graduating class.
On the morning of Friday, May 15, 2026, excited family, friends, and loved ones gathered in McCarthy Quad on USC’s University Park Campus to celebrate their graduating students’ accomplishments at the Bovard College commencement ceremony. This year, a total of 26 students graduated with their Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism. The graduating students represented the diverse fields within hospitality and tourism, including aviation, food and beverage, hotels, tourism organizations, and travel agencies, among others.
Dean Anthony Bailey opened the ceremony by celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bovard College and congratulating the graduates for all of their hard work. “You are ready to be a positive force for change,” he reminded the graduates, “You are all ready to lead.”
The graduates of the Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism program line up prior to the ceremony.
This year, the Bovard College commencement speaker was faculty member Carlos Adame, whose notable roles include serving as Senior Global HR Leader at Amazon, Chief Human Resources Officer at Providence Health, and vice president and chief human resources officer at AltaMed Health Services. One of the key points of Adame’s speech encouraged graduates to make a difference in their organizations by leading with empathy, using data to drive better decisions, embracing new technology, and building relationships that bridge divides.
His advice rings especially true for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry, who lead with deep empathy and care for their guests, who must use data to identify patterns and inform strategic decisions, and who, at the heart of their work, must find creative and innovative ways to cultivate connections and provide guests with unique and memorable experiences. “Work hard to make a difference—in your life and in the lives of others,” he encouraged graduates.
Among the Bovard College faculty members present at the commencement ceremony was Professor Hicham Jaddoud. For Professor Jaddoud, the most exciting part of commencement is seeing his students in person. “I really look forward to commencement because I get to meet the students that I spent the whole year with in person. It’s nice to get a coffee or dinner with them and chat about their career aspirations. I really look forward to connecting with them, encouraging them to move forward, and providing them with guidance and advice in terms of the industry.” Professor Jaddoud also shared how excited he is to see his fellow faculty members: “We get along so well and are able to chat about the industry, new trends, innovation, and what our students are doing in the field.”
Professor Jaddoud also had some advice for the graduates as they embark on their next adventure: “Don’t be afraid to go ahead and just explore what’s happening in the world. We say that the sky is the limit. The sky really is the limit. This industry requires a lot of courage to go out and make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you have an idea, try it. Think outside the box and connect with other professionals in the field. Talk to them about their industries and think about your own.”
Professor Jaddoud reminds students that their journey does not have to be linear. “They can come from different segments of hospitality and tourism…and take the lessons they learned from their experience and from the people they meet and apply those lessons to their work.”
Many of the 2026 graduates work in the hospitality and tourism industry; however, USC’s MS in Hospitality and Tourism also provides a valuable foundation for people looking to change careers and enter the field. Students examine the full breadth of the hospitality and tourism industry, including managing service quality, marketing, financial and revenue management, human resources, and events. Courses also prepare students to lead and innovate through disruption, using data analytics to make strategic decisions that benefit their organizations.
Designed to fit students’ schedules, the online MS in Hospitality and Tourism program 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.