Tina Knowles Lawson | USC Baccalaureate 2018

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The USC Baccalaureate ceremony is a non-denominational, inter-faith celebration to bless graduates as they proceed with the next stage of their lives. Open to all graduating students and their guests, the event is traditionally held the evening before Commencement day. The highlight of the ceremony is a keynote address from a specially selected Baccalaureate speaker, as well as the participation of numerous university dignitaries and the religious directors who work with our student groups.

Inspirational philanthropist and fashion designer Tina Knowles Lawson delivered the 2018 baccalaureate ceremony keynote for USC degree candidates and families on May 10, 2018.

Knowles Lawson and her husband, actor Richard Lawson, recently launched the nonprofit WACO Theater Center in Los Angeles. The center is home to Richard’s Warriors and Tina’s Angels, two mentorship programs for young men and women.

After beginning her career as a stylist for the globally lauded music group Destiny’s Child, Knowles Lawson has become an influential figure in the world of fashion, while dedicating herself to community service. She co-founded the Survivor Foundation for Hurricane Katrina victims along with daughters Beyoncé Knowles Carter and Solange Knowles. The Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth and the anti-hunger campaign Miss A Meal were also co-founded by Knowles Lawson.

Knowles Lawson was the first recipient of the Essence Inspiring Leadership Award.