U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at USC commencement, receives honorary doctorate By Komlavi Adissem and Nick Reynolds May 9, 2026 COLUMBIA — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a South Carolina native, received an honorary doctorate during a commencement ceremony at the University of South Carolina on May 9.
University officials presented Bessent with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree “for his dedication to the principles of responsible fiscal management in the private and public sector” and his leadership of the Treasury Department, according to a program from the event.
Bessent spoke before graduates of the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at Colonial Life Arena. In his speech, Bessent spoke about resilience. He highlighted his Horry County upbringing and his ascent to the upper echelons of the federal government, noting how such a path seemed unlikely.
He said the immense pride being felt by graduates is also “mingled with a sense of uncertainty.” But that uncertainty is what breeds resilience, he said. Bessent cited the life of his mother-in law, whom he described as a “French war bride” that lived through the throes of the Great Depression and World War II.
“I marvel at the sweep of her life, from watching the Nazis march into her country — and shoot and capture the young men in her village — to witnessing a man walk on the moon. The darkest chapter imaginable followed by something that defied imagination entirely,” he said. “If you don't think change can happen quickly, you aren't paying attention.”
He noted that many graduates in attendance grew up through disruptions and uncertainty, from the economic recession in the late 2000s to the global pandemic that upended their years in high school. Still, he said, they made it to their college graduation.
“The moments that can seem the most mired in uncertainty are often the ones where opportunity is most abundant,” he said.
Opportunity, he added, is omnipresent, though only if “we summon the courage to find it.”
Bessent was not the first prominent Palmetto State politician to receive honors at a commencement ceremony this weekend. Outgoing Gov. Henry McMaster was recognized at the College of Charleston’s morning graduation ceremony on May 8, where he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
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