College of Law Celebrates the Class of 2024 Commencement
On Friday, May 3, the College of Law held its Commencement exercises for the Class of 2024, which included 208 recipients of the juris doctor (J.D.) degree, 26 master of law graduates (LL.M.) and one doctor of juridical science degree (S.J.D.).
Class of 2024 Commencement Speaker the Hon. James E. Graves Jr. G’80, L’80, U.S. Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, said, in part, “Begin each day expecting that the world owes you nothing, because it doesn’t, and then you will be delighted with every kind word, every helping hand and every little smile, which is given to you during the day. Remember that as you go through life, you will inevitably encounter and interact with people. You’re making memories for those people. Make those memories, those moments, positive.”
Dean Craig M. Boise said to the class, “In a world that is increasingly characterized by division, injustice and inequality, the need for principled, compassionate and courageous advocates has never been greater. You are the future leaders of the legal profession, and the challenges that lie ahead will require vision, integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice. Let your actions speak louder than words and let your commitment to justice be a beacon of hope in a world that is often filled with darkness.”
During Commencement, the J.D. Class of 2024 awarded Teaching Professor and Associate Dean of Academic and Bar Success Kelly Curtis the Res Ipsa Loquitor Award (voted upon by the graduating class in recognition of a faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to the College of Law) and Assistant Director of Student Experience Vicki Donella the Staff Award (voted upon by the graduating class in recognition of a College of Law staff member in recognition of their support of students and faculty, and their accomplishments that make the college run day-to-day).
The LL.M. Class of 2024 awarded Associate Professor of Law Jenny Breen the Lucet Lex Mundum Award (voted upon by the graduating LL.M. class, it recognizes the professor who has made a significant impact on the success and experiences of LL.M. students during their studies).
