Celebrating the Class of 2015
American University Washington College of Law held its 129th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 17 in Bender Arena. This year, 466 students graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD), 145 with a Master of Laws (LL.M.), and six with a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD).
“You have shaped our law school. You didn’t wait to graduate to pursue your values and use your skills. You are an extraordinary class,” said Dean Claudio Grossman in his opening remarks in which he touted the extraordinary achievements of this year’s graduating class. One of the most remarkable was the class completed nearly 65,000 hours of pro bono service.
The commencement ceremony was filled with all of the pomp and circumstance befitting a momentous occasion. The color guard, the pipe band, faculty marshals, the university mace, and academic regalia were on full display, in recognition of the graduates.
Addressing the Class of 2015
It is tradition that the members of the graduating class select a student to speak on their behalf. The Class of 2015 selected Bryan Pacheco. In his address, Pacheco issued a challenge to fellow graduates to become the next “greatest generation”— a phrase he used, in part, to pay respect to the elders that came before. In his message, there were three steps to achieve this: 1) become leaders, 2) hold each other to high standards, and 3) give back to one’s community.
The commencement speaker this year was alumnus Thomas Goldstein ’95, an appellate advocate, best known as one of the nation’s most experienced U.S. Supreme Court practitioners. Since graduating from American University Washington College of Law, Goldstein has remained a committed alumnus – mentoring students and serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council. During the ceremony, Goldstein was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and addressed the Class of 2015 with words of inspiration, motivation and at times, humor.
Throughout his remarks, Goldstein recounted numerous programs at the law school and reminded graduates that their legal training has prepared them well for the future. “You’ve gained so much more than you know, and much more than your peers at other law schools, that prepare you for the opportunities and the challenges that are in front of you.”
Pride. Excitement. Joy. Relief. Gratitude.
After the ceremony, some new graduates reflected on what the day meant to them and their families.
For Gabrielle Chavez ‘15, obtaining a JD degree was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “I decided when I was in third grade that I was going to go to law school. So it’s been a long road, but it’s an amazing feeling to know that I accomplished a dream that I’ve had for so many years."
Robert Maes ‘15, who graduated with a JD degree, knows his accomplishment is about more than him. “I think today is more about my parents because they supported me. It’s not really about me, it’s about them.”
For Moustapha Goumballa ‘14, who received his LL.M. degree, the commencement ceremony was important for many reasons. “I don’t even have the words to express what I feel. I came to this country [from Senegal] five years ago, and I wasn’t even speaking English. Now, I’ve graduated with an advanced law degree."
Making their Mark
Passionately serving communities locally, nationally, and around the world, the Class of 2015’s long list of accomplishments include advising homeless persons of their right to shelter, helping underrepresented families navigate complex legal issues, participating in alternative winter and spring break projects, and giving voice to the marginalized and the poor through valuable clinical work.
We congratulate the graduates for their outstanding work, and wish them well as they embark on what is surely a bright future.
To view photos from the 2015 Commencement Ceremony, click here.
To watch the webcast of the 2015 Commencement Ceremony, click here.
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