Jacksonville University College of Law convened its inaugural commencement ceremony May 2 at the Duval County Courthouse.
Witnessed by university and law school administrators and faculty, federal and state judges, legal community leaders and family and friends, 13 graduates received their juris doctor degrees.
“What a day,” said Nick Allard, Randall C. Berg Jr. founding dean of the law school, to open the ceremony.
Fourth Circuit Chief Judge Lance Day said it is fitting that the graduates receive their law degrees at the courthouse.
“Today marks the culmination of years of study and dedication. It is the next step toward being stewards of justice,” Day said.
Speaking to the first recipients of J.D. graduate degrees in the 91-year history of the university, JU President Tim Cost acknowledged them as pioneers.
“You were the first. A lot of people don’t want to do that. You built a culture and you built standards,” Cost said.
Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan delivered the commencement address.
“Now, more than ever, we need professionals dedicated to the rule of law. Truth and honor are not outmoded attributes, but are critical to being a member of the Bar,” Corrigan said.
“This is a time when lawyers need to be front-and-center to uphold the rule of law and promote civics education, equal rights and prosperity for all,” Allard said.
Vice Dean Margaret Dees addressed what she called “our brand new alumni association” among the more than 40,000 JU alumni worldwide.
“You will set the tone, culture and commitment for who is JU law,” Dees said.
Concluding the ceremony, Associate Vice President of Student Experience and Associate Dean of Student Affairs Tom Taggart thanked the graduates for having the courage to be the first to enroll in the new law school three years ago.
“Your contributions will not be forgotten. We hope you will continue as pioneers,” Taggart said.
Now the graduates will prepare to take the Florida Bar Examination on July 29-30 in Tampa, comprising the General Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.