School of Law to hold graduation Sunday
More than 160 graduates of the University School of Law will receive their juris doctor degrees Sunday at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
State Supreme Court Justice Rives Kistler will give the commencement address at the ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m.
“I’m looking forward to one last chance to see our class all gathered together,” outgoing Student Bar Association President Jeff Eager said. Eager will be one of the speakers at the ceremony.
Eager said he would remember “going through a very rigorous academic program with people and the relationships I’ve developed with these folks.” University President Dave Frohnmayer, a former dean of the law school, will also speak at the ceremony.
“The job market isn’t the strongest it’s ever been, but this class is very sharp,” he said.
Frohnmayer will address how graduates gain a “wide variety” of skills that extend beyond the courtroom.
Also attending the ceremony will be Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and U.S. Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt, who serves on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both will receive the Meritorious Service Award.
“It’s basically the Law School’s highest honor given by the faculty,” Assistant Dean for External Relations Matt Roberts said.
After accepting the award, Wyden and Reinhardt will each give a short speech.
“(Sen. Wyden) will be talking about the fact that legal education is a privilege that brings with it increased responsibility to the community,” Wyden spokesman
Geoff Stuckart said.
Reinhardt practiced labor law from 1957 until President Carter nominated him to the 9th Circuit in 1979. The judge recently incited a national controversy by declaring the “under God” clause of the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional.
Wyden’s award citation notes his advocacy for consumer rights, environmental protection, health care and technology. Reinhardt’s citation states that he “has stood steadfast for half a century against those who would exalt existing privilege and authority over broader community or individual rights.”
The Hult Center’s doors will open at noon, and seating will begin at 12:30 p.m. The reception will be held at the Knight Law Center immediately following the ceremony.

— Peter Sur