Trojan alum Allyson Felix, the most decorated track-and-field athlete in U.S. Olympic history, will be the commencement speaker at USC’s 139th commencement ceremony.
“Allyson has already inspired the world as a runner and used her platform to push for women’s health and women’s rights,” USC President Carol L. Folt said in a statement announcing the choice. “Her spirit and her message will inspire our students as they set out to make their mark on the world.”
Felix will be the keynote speaker at the May 13 ceremony, during which more than 15,000 degrees will be conferred. She will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Felix earned a bachelor’s degree from the USC Rossier School of Education in 2008, the year she won her first Olympic gold medal in Beijing. By the time she ended her Olympic career last year, she had collected 11 medals–seven gold, three silver and one bronze.
