Aside from being a day to appreciate mothers, Sunday also was a day to celebrate the future, as 153 law students graduated from the University’s School of Law.
Hundreds of proud, smiling faces filled the Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, armed with cameras and flowers to watch the class of 2001 receive their diplomas.
Family was a theme throughout the afternoon as a handful of speakers, from students to law school Dean Rennard Strickland, reminded the graduates to always remember their friends and family, no matter where their careers take them.
Strickland began the commencement with a short welcome speech, and later in the event, before the students walked on stage one by one to receive their diplomas, he asked the group to turn to the audience and applaud their families for helping them make it there.
“I’d like to think of our graduation as a kind of family occasion,” he said. “Today as Mothers’ Day, it seems absolutely appropriate for our law school to gather together and celebrate these achievements.”
Christine Connolly, a graduate and president of the Student Bar Association, also had a similar message to share with the crowd.
“I’d like to thank the true backbone of every one of us — our family and friends,” she said.
Despite all the academic knowledge she gained from law school, Connolly said good relationships are her greatest accomplishments, and said she plans to keep this in mind throughout her career.
“When all is said and done, good grades are nice but good friends are even better,” she said.
Connolly wished her peers the best of luck, and reminded them to always keep their priorities in mind.
“There is more to life than law,” she said. “Tomorrow will offer a new opportunity, and it’s up to you all to take the adventure.”
Class speaker Ajay Bhatt generated an eruption of applause from his peers as he removed his graduation cap and replaced it with a gray baseball cap before beginning to speak briefly about the challenges the group faced over their three years of studying law, both in getting good grades and finding jobs. Mainly he encouraged the graduates to remember each other and their time spent at the University.
He described several of his classmates’ smiles from individual photographs that were taken when the class began its three years of law school in 1998.
“Leave behind all the comparisons and instead, wherever you go, find the people who make you smile,” he said.
Wesley Waniya, brother-in-law of graduate Neil Fujitani, said his whole family made the trip from Hawaii to see Fujitani graduate.
“This is a big accomplishment to come up for, and we’re all really proud of him,” Waniya said. “We look forward to him coming home and making a difference in Hawaii.”
Robert Raschio, one of two class representatives, presented the law school with the class gift of $5,600 in class donations to be used for scholarship funds.
“I thank God I’m here with all of you,” he said. “It’s been a very powerful experience.”
Edward McAniff, visiting law professor, delivered the commencement address. He stressed the important role of lawyer as listener and reminded graduates that in their profession there is always a client’s best interest at stake.
“We are always acting for someone else,” he said. “We always have someone’s welfare in our hands.”
For this reason, McAniff said it is vital that lawyers always work to the best of their ability.
“Each of us is our most severe critic, and we know when we’ve done well and when we haven’t,” he said.
Despite the commitment McAniff said is required of lawyers, he said people are more important than one’s career.
“Family and friends really count,” he said. “Too many lawyers in the midst of their demanding careers forget that.”
But before the law students ever feel pressure of a law career, they first need to obtain a job. Merv Loya, assistant dean and director of career services, said finding a law career does not appear to pose a problem for the class. He said the job market looks a bit slower than last year, but he said he is still confident that the opportunities are out there.
“They’ve done well here in school and I think they will go on to do just as well in their professions,” he said of the graduating class.
Loya said many students already have jobs lined up in their chosen fields. He said several plan to work in judicial courtships, intellectual property firms and law firms throughout the Northwest, and one student will work for the Supreme Court of Vermont.
“Things are looking pretty good for them,” he said.
The commencement ceremony was also a time to honor those who have been devoted to the law school throughout the years. This year, the Meritorious Service Award was presented to Lois and Ray Ackerman. The award, established by law faculty in 1984, is awarded annually to those who’ve made significant contributions to legal education and the law.
Lois Ackerman worked at the law school for 50 years as the registrar before retiring several years ago. Her husband, Ray Ackerman, supported her dedication to the law school while earning two degrees from the University.
“I have a great deal of respect for law students,” Lois Ackerman said. “I’m sorry I didn’t know you members of this class, but I congratulate you. Always remain loyal to this wonderful law school.”
After the last diploma was awarded by University President Dave Frohnmayer, graduates, family and friends swarmed the lobby of the Hult Center, hugging one another and taking photos.
It was a special Mothers’ Day for Janice Hunter, because her daughter, Kathleen Mercer, was one of the graduates.
“I’ve been excited for a long, long time,” she said. “She’s wanted to do this for a while now.”
Heidi Mauriscio, Mercer’s daughter, was also proud of her mother’s accomplishment.
“I’m overwhelmed,” she said. “Despite the time commitment this has been for her, she’s always been there for us. This is her dream.”
Graduate Chellie Hammack wore a smile when she entered the lobby in search of her family for a day of celebration.
“Relief,” she said of her feelings that moment. “It’s been a long three years.”