Fariborz Maseeh, ScD, delivered the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy commencement speech on May 13.

Maseeh founded the Kids Institute for Development and Advancement (KiDA) in 2008 after his son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 2. Maseeh credited much of the success of KiDA to division students and the guidance of associate dean and chair Florence Clark, PhD.

The class of 2016 consisted of 10 bachelor of science, 156 master of arts, 53 doctor of occupational therapy and one doctor of philosophy graduates.

During his commencement speech, Maseeh took a moment to recognize Clark for 28 years of leadership at USC Chan. Graduates and guests joined in with a standing ovation for Clark, who is set to step down as associate dean at the end of 2016.

— Yasmine Pezeshkpour

Fariborz Maseeh, ScD, founder and managing principal, Picoco LLC, and founder of Kids Institute for Development and Advancement, speaks during the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy satellite commencement ceremony May 13 at the University Park Campus.

Fariborz Maseeh, ScD, founder and managing principal, Picoco LLC, and founder of Kids Institute for Development and Advancement, speaks during the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy satellite commencement ceremony May 13 at the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)

Florence Clark, PhD, associate dean and chair of the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, and commencement speaker Fariborz Maseeh, ScD, lead the procession during the satellite commencement ceremony May 13 on the University Park Campus.

Florence Clark, PhD, associate dean and chair of the USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, and commencement speaker Fariborz Maseeh, ScD, lead the procession during the satellite commencement ceremony May 13 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)

Guests and faculty members stand on stage during the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy satellite commencement ceremony May 13 on the University Park Campus. (Photo/Grad Images)