USC Price School

🎓 “Let’s take responsibility for our world.” At the 2026 USC Price Commencement, Undergraduate Speaker Eleanor Love called on the Class of 2026 to step forward with purpose—ready to take on the challenges shaping our communities and our future. With the tools, lessons, and connections built at Price, our graduates are prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference—together. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Stay Price Proud. Fight On! ✌️ View her full speech here: uscprice.page/4fwbWqw

53 women have served around the country as state governor, but California has never elected a female governor. Why is that? Candidate Katie Porter is in the position to possibly be elected as the state's first woman governor. Historically, three women won their party nominators for governor, but ultimately lost. @CID_Research director @MindySRomero comments on some reasons as to why a female candidate may have never been elected to office. Read more in the @latimes: uscprice.page/4wDxIyJ

Today is the deadline to register to vote for California’s June 2 Primary Election. If you still need to register, update your voter information, or learn more about vote-by-mail options, visit . Take a few minutes today to make sure your voice is heard this election season. votesc.turbovote.org.

🎓 At USC Price Commencement, keynote speaker Kevin Rudd reminded our graduates of something timeless: values matter. In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s the foundations—honesty, compassion, curiosity, perseverance, and respect—that shape not only who we are, but the decisions we make and the impact we have. As our graduates step forward, these values will guide them—informing how they lead, serve, and contribute to a more just, sustainable, and thoughtful world. View Rudd's speech here ✌️: youtu.be/mFadjwtcnUE

Congratulations to the USC Price School Class of 2026! 🎓 Your hard work, resilience, leadership, and commitment to creating change for the common good have brought you to this milestone. From classrooms and community projects to internships, research, and public service, you’ve helped shape the future of public policy, planning, healthcare, and beyond. We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in your communities and around the world. #FightOn! ✌️❤️💛

🎓 Today’s the day! The USC Price School Commencement Ceremony begins at 4:30 PM (PT) as we celebrate the Class of 2026. Join us live from wherever you are from YouTube or Zoom 💻: priceschool.usc.edu/commencement/c… We look forward to celebrating with you!

What does it mean to build a career that prioritizes impact over income? When British Consul General Paul Rennie visited USC Price, he shared how his path shifted from pursuing wealth to pursuing purpose—now working at the highest levels of diplomacy to tackle global challenges and strengthen international partnerships. From climate collaboration to supporting communities across the U.S. Southwest, Rennie’s work highlights the real-world impact of public service—and why it matters now more than ever. 👉 Read the full story to hear his advice for the next generation of policy leaders: priceschool.usc.edu/news/british-c…

The top California gubernatorial candidates participated in a debate, where things quickly turned chaotic. Key issues like homelessness, immigration, and sanctuary state policy were at the forefront of the debate. Continually divisive, how will candidates motivate voters to participate in the primary this upcoming November? USC Price Professor Mindy Romero comments on the voting trends in the gubernatorial debate. Read more here: uscprice.page/4ubVv7t

For Alex Gramajo, a future in healthcare started on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a teenager working in a fast-food drive-thru in Milwaukee, he saw firsthand the barriers many communities face—from language gaps to limited access to care. That experience helped shape his path toward building more equitable healthcare systems. Now graduating from USC with both a bachelor’s and a Master of Health Administration, Gramajo is already making an impact through leadership, research, and hands-on work with hospitals. His journey shows how lived experience can drive meaningful change in healthcare. 👉 Read the full story to learn how he’s turning purpose into action: uscprice.page/3RmLSEi

Access isn’t just about what’s nearby—it’s about what’s actually within reach in daily life. After running into her own grocery access challenge, USC Ph.D. student Yuquan “Wendy” Zhou set out to rethink how cities measure access to essential services. Her award-winning research shows that traditional maps often overestimate access because they don’t account for people’s schedules or when services are open. Her findings could help cities better plan for food, healthcare, and transit in ways that reflect how people really live. 👉 Read the full story to see how rethinking “access” could reshape our cities: priceschool.usc.edu/news/urban-pla…

🎓 Commencement is almost here! Before arriving on campus, graduates and guests are encouraged to review important information regarding security protocols, prohibited items, schedules, parking, and ceremony details. Visit the USC Price Commencement Overview page for everything you need to know: priceschool.usc.edu/commencement/o…

The United Soybean Board is meant to highlight soybean farmers' voices, and represent themselves on an industry-level basis. However, the USDA rejected at least five of the farmers selected for the board, including four women. The administration has in the past year revoked equal pay initiatives and rolled back programs across the federal government aimed to correct past inequities impacting women and minority groups. USC Price Professor Shaun Harper comments on how these policies effect practices within the federal government, as well as representation. Read more here: uscprice.page/4u3kr0X

Election season is here! 🗳️ Don’t miss your chance to vote — the deadline to register is May 18. California’s Primary Election is coming up on June 2, and now’s the time to make sure you’re ready. Whether you need to register for the first time, update your info, or sign up for vote-by-mail, it only takes a few minutes to get set. Find everything you need here: votesc.turbovote.org

We’re excited to welcome the family and friends of our USC Price graduates to the 2026 Commencement! 🎓 If you’ll be joining us, be sure to review important information about parking, and ceremony day details so you’re prepared. Visit the USC Price Commencement website for everything you need to know before the big day. We look forward to celebrating together! priceschool.usc.edu/commencement/g…

Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservation figure who founded Turning Point USA, which has now become the center of community for a large amount of young American conservatives. The organization marks itself as a movement — something that promises change. As the California gubernatorial race inches closer, young conservatives emphasize that the priority is policy and not party. @CID_Research Director @MindySRomero adds how change and need for community are primary drivers for young conservatives' membership in Turning Point USA. Read more in @YahooNews: uscprice.page/4tqufAJ

Thinking about going to USC Price? This month, the USC Price School of Public Policy is hosting a series of virtual and in-person info sessions for prospective students looking to learn more about our graduate programs, application process, and student experience. From application walk-throughs to program overviews and alumni conversations, these sessions are a great opportunity to connect with the USC Price community and get your questions answered by admissions, faculty, students, and alumni. All sessions require registration: uscprice.page/4fchRhJ

Who gets access to new treatments and at what cost? Trump's drug pricing policy is shaping how new treatments will be launched in Europe and around the world. @USCSchaeffer Chief Scientific Officer Darius Lakdawalla provides context on how drug companies adjust to US drug policies. "Would a drug company be willing to walk away from that market in favor of preserving over 30% of their US profits? My guess is they almost certainly would." Read more on @Bloomberg: uscprice.page/4tWRGTF

USC Price students are applying their skills where it matters most—supporting real communities. At the 2026 Sunstone Economic Development Challenge, one team earned 1st place and $5,000 for their work with the City of Riverside, developing strategies to better align workforce skills with local industry needs. The competition brings students and local governments together to advance inclusive economic growth across Southern California. Congratulations to all participating teams, and thank you to our partners and judges. Read more and view photos from the event: uscprice.page/4naueQb @SunstoneMgmt

As a 27 year veteran of public service, USC Price Professor Frank Zerunyan describes the most critical skill that government elected officials must develop — trust. Dawning on his own experiences within elected office from analyzing current colleagues' public office experiences, Zerunyan describes how building upon the fundamentals of public trust is crucial to success. Read more on his Op-Ed from the @CalCities: uscprice.page/4w8JPnh

From a decade in the Top 5 to new research collaborations, student-led innovation, and timely conversations on free speech and academic integrity—it’s been a dynamic April at USC Price. You’ll also meet this year’s commencement speaker, Kevin Rudd, and read how Trojan leaders are making an impact from campus to global service. Catch up on everything you may have missed in this month’s Price Post: t.e2ma.net/message/524j9p…