The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism announced Thursday morning that Academy Award-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda will headline the school’s commencement ceremony as its 2025 keynote speaker.

Over her 60-year career, Fonda has been the recipient of numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, two British Academy Film Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for a Grammy Award, two Tony Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Fonda is also a prominent activist and is known for her involvement in various social and political movements, including opposing the Vietnam War, advocating for women’s rights, actively participating in the Civil Rights Movement and fighting for environmental justice.

Fonda spoke to USC Annenberg at a talk on climate change and activism with Dean Willow Bay nearly a year ago. The USC Center for Climate Journalism and Communication held the event to discuss environmental challenges particularly in Los Angeles.

Jayla Eloy, a junior majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Culture, Media and Entertainment, expressed excitement about Jane Fonda as a speaker.

“I think it’s important to have somebody who’s very vocal and active in different communities, like fighting for different causes,” Eloy said. “Especially in a place like Annenberg where it’s amplified to have a voice and an opinion. It’s beautiful to have somebody like that.”

Amy Torres, a sophomore studying journalism, was unfamiliar with Fonda. Upon learning about Fonda’s background, she believes Fonda’s diverse career can inspire students to explore interdisciplinary work, combining their fields with activism.

“I think she’s well rounded. Her main career is her job as an actress but she also does activism,” Torres said. “I think that sends a message to students that, yes, you graduated with either a journalism, PR or communications degree. But there’s always room to do further work outside of the specific field.”

2025 marks the 142nd Commencement for graduates of the University of Southern California. Each school’s ceremony is an opportunity for graduates to celebrate as a cohort group but also hear remarks from a distinguished speaker.

Amidst controversy after outgoing President Carol Folt cancelled the main stage commencement last spring, USC Annenberg selected famous tennis player Billie Jean King as their 2024 commencement speaker.

King, regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, won 39 Grand Slam titles. Much like Fonda, King is regarded as a pivotal figure in her advocacy for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Both women have spoken about the importance of activism to younger generations.

Ryan Kassebaum, a sophomore studying journalism, stated the importance of a commencement speech for his generation.

“The importance of a commencement speaker is to provide inspiration as well as show you what you can do if you really put your mind to it, and what you can do if you put effort into what you love and pursue it to the fullest extent,” Kassebaum said.

Nari Whitaker, a junior studying broadcast journalism, also stated why he believes it’s important to have a commencement speaker.

“It gives people who are going to the next phase of life somebody to look up to in that moment of that transitional moment,” Whitaker said.

USC Marshall School of Business also announced California rapper Snoop Dogg as their 2025 commencement keynote speaker. This has been met with mixed reviews after his controversial performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Other commencement speakers include NVIDIA’S AI leader Azita Martin for USC Viterbi School of Engineering and “Wicked” film director Jon M. Chu who will return to his alma mater to address the entire class of 2025.

Fonda will take the stage again, this time at the Shrine Auditorium, for Annenberg’s commencement ceremony on May 16.