{"id":29810,"date":"2020-12-09T16:53:36","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T21:53:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stetson.edu\/law\/news\/?p=29810"},"modified":"2020-12-11T17:51:05","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T22:51:05","slug":"nearly-300-new-graduates-recognized-during-december-2020-commencement-ceremonies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stetson.edu\/law\/news\/index.php\/2020\/12\/09\/nearly-300-new-graduates-recognized-during-december-2020-commencement-ceremonies\/","title":{"rendered":"Nearly 300 new graduates recognized during December 2020 commencement ceremonies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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On Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, Stetson University College of Law celebrated three separate commencement ceremonies recognizing graduates from three classes: December 2019 Class, May\/August 2020 Class, and the December 2020 Class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commencement may have looked different this year, but the staff at the College of Law worked hard to ensure students had as close to a traditional ceremony as possible. The events were held outdoors with limited attendance to follow CDC guidelines on physical distancing. Other safety protocols included a face mask requirement for all attendees and wellness screenings prior to entering campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways, the changes were par for the course for the Class of 2020. Rachel Wise, outgoing Student Bar Association president, said their class \u2013 having begun law school during Hurricane Irma and finished during worldwide shutdowns from COVID-19 \u2013 had \u201cbecome experts in adapting to change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter perhaps one of the most memorable years in history, and three years learning how to truly master change, we emerged together today as graduates ready to enter the legal profession and make positive change,\u201d Wise said in a pre-recorded speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stetson University College of Law Dean Mich\u00e8le Alexandre said the graduates showed resilience and grit as they dug deep to overcome every hurdle placed in their path this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI am so proud of who you are as humans, scholars, and legal minds,\u201d she said. \u201cIn answering the call to become an attorney, you are beginning your purpose in life. You now have the tools to be change agents and justice warriors who can transform the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lori Baggett<\/a>, J.D. \u201902, the managing shareholder of the Tampa office of Carlton Fields, delivered the commencement address during the 11:30 a.m. ceremony. She was also recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her award-winning legal work, leadership in the community, and ongoing dedication to the College of Law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure a lot of us feel like we\u2019ve been bludgeoned by chance,\u201d Baggett said, but noted when graduates are faced with adversity, they should look for things they can control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have agency over your life.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baggett explained that deliberate intent plus substantive action can lead to success, but success would look different for each of them \u2013 they should define it themselves, create their own happiness, and make their mark on this world. Then, they have an obligation to share that success with others by giving back to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The students already have a foundation in volunteerism, as Stetson Law has a pro bono requirement for graduation. The December 2019 and May 2020 graduates volunteered more than 34,000 hours of community service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stetson University President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke, called on them to continue to incorporate agency, empathy and, most importantly, kindness, as they embark on their professional lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease add kindness to your practice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Graduating Class Stats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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December 2019 Graduates<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Total \u2013 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J.D. \u2013 18 (including four from the part-time program)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in Advocacy \u2013 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in Elder Law \u2013 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master of Jurisprudence in International and Comparative Business Law \u2013 1<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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May\/August 2020 Graduates<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Total \u2013 257<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J.D. \u2013 237 (including 20 from the part-time program, 10 who received J.D.\/MBA degrees, and two who received J.D.\/Grado degrees [student who complete the J.D.\/Grado dual-degree program receive both a J.D. from Stetson and a Spanish law degree, called a Grado, from the University of Granada]) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in Advocacy \u2013 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in Elder Law \u2013 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in International Law \u2013 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master of Jurisprudence in Aging, Law and Policy \u2013 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master of Jurisprudence in Healthcare Compliance \u2013 3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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December 2020 Intended Graduates<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Total \u2013 32<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J.D. \u2013 22 (including seven from the part-time program)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in Advocacy \u2013 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in Elder Law \u2013 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LL.M. in International Law \u2013 3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Graduation messages from Commencement Speakers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Maureen Breakiron-Evans, Chair, Stetson University Board of Trustees<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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