Alumnus Kash Amos Makes History After Being Named USC Commencement Speaker 

Posted on May 22, 2026

Fullerton College alumnus, Malique “Kash” Amos, recently inspired at the University of Southern California’s Annenburg School for Communication and Journalism’s commencement ceremony. A proud graduate and appointed speaker, Amos earned his bachelor’s degree in communications just two years after transferring from Fullerton College. 

For Amos, Fullerton College was the place that started it all. He was a student-athlete in the football team as Defensive Line and earned five associate degrees in mathematics and science, arts and human expression, social sciences, social behavior and self-development and communications. 

After high school, Amos attended a four-year institution as a student-athlete until his football program was abruptly cancelled. It wasn’t until a coach at Fullerton College arranged a visit to campus. After this one visit, he knew Fullerton College was a place where he could be a part of different communities and cultivate a sense of belonging.  

With a passion to serve and be involved on campus, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), the UMOJA Community Program and the Veterans Resource Center. He was also one of the many students whose journey was made possible by the Promise Program, which provides two years of free tuition for first time college students.  

But his involvement did not end there. At Fullerton College’s 2024 Commencement Ceremony, he was appointed student speaker and shared words of wisdom and gratitude.  

“I’m glad I can represent. All these accolades are always bigger than me,” said Amos. “For me, I’m just grateful for everything that comes with it. The stature, the status and the responsibility are something I carry myself as someone with distinction.” 

Amos expresses sincere gratitude to represent Fullerton College’s 2024 graduates. In his commencement speech, he shared how his experience as a Hornet was a pivotal moment in his life and a chapter he will never forget.  

In the fall 2024 semester, he returned to Fullerton College to star in an episode of “The College Tour,” a series that explores college campuses through the perspectives of ten students and their academic, personal and professional experiences.  

A proud Hornet and Trojan alumnus, Amos plans to return to USC in fall 2026 to pursue a master’s degree in social entrepreneurship in hopes of someday building platforms that merge athletics, media and more. 

A motivational speaker at heart, Amos returned to Fullerton College’s 2026 Transfer Celebration to share remarks for those transferring to four-year institutions.

“What’s meant for you is for you. You get to be where you need to be at the right time,” said Amos. “Had I strictly gone to USC right out of high school, I would never know the trials and tribulations I had to face, and I probably wouldn’t be as appreciative or understand what this moment means for me.” 

Amos made history as the first Black man to be the university’s student commencement speaker, just five years after Tianna Shaw-Wakeman was the first Black student to be valedictorian. 

Amos has continued to shine everywhere he goes thanks to his Fullerton College roots. Like many Hornet alumni, FC has been the place that motivated him to become a better student, person and father. 

Learn more about Amos’ journey on USC’s news feature.  

(Banner Photo/Courtesy of Kash Amos)