As the sun shone brightly on Plaza Mayor on the morning of Saturday, May 17, Stetson Law honored 314 new alumni for successfully completing their law school journey.

Surrounded by a sea of friends and family, cap-and-gown-clad graduating students were led to their seats in a processional led by Professor of Law and Faculty Marshal Royal Gardner and Stetson University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Skomp.

Stetson Law Dean D. Benjamin Barros welcomed the crowd and noted the unique challenges this class has faced – as well as how their perseverance is indicative of a promising future.

“Let’s be honest – this journey wasn’t easy,” Barros said. “Law school is challenging. And you aren’t graduating from any law school; you’re graduating from Stetson Law. A place where the bar is set high and the results speak for themselves. A place that doesn’t just teach the law, it shapes leaders. You are now part of a legacy that stands above the rest.”

As he closed his remarks, Barros announced the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Professor Andrew Appleby, adding that the nationally recognized tax law scholar was overwhelmingly favored for this honor, which was voted on by the graduating class.

Inspiring words from community leaders

The audience and graduates then heard from an array of individuals who have distinguished themselves on campus and beyond.

With his signature enthusiasm and booming voice, Stetson University President Dr. Christopher Roellke commended the graduates for their resilience amid the rigors of law school and the commitment it took to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“Not only have you survived the demands of an outstanding Stetson education, but you have succeeded in accomplishing something very significant during a time of great uncertainty and complexity in the world,” he said.

Stetson University Board of Trustees Chair Steven Alexander invited the class to stay connected to their alma mater.

“I encourage you to stay connected to your classmates and to your Stetson network,” he said. “Some of your most important relationships and opportunities were built here.”

Alumnus and Stetson Law Board of Overseers Chair Jason Turner ’04 asked the graduating class to always remember that lawyering is a calling; one that must come with a deep sense of responsibility to those they represent as well as their colleagues.

“People will come to you to help with their challenges and problems … and most of all, they are going to trust that you never forget our greatest calling: to represent the interest of the client with the utmost integrity, respect, and humility each step of the way,” he said. “And yes, as hard as it may be at times, each of those things apply to how you interact with other counsel.”

Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association President Brittany Maxey-Fisher ’07 said the new grads must remain beacons of justice and voices for the voiceless no matter how they use their degrees.

“Whether you will be a courtroom warrior, a policy architect, or illuminate minds through academia, the power to affect meaningful change resides not just within the law, but within EACH of you,” Maxey-Fisher said.

Noting the unique challenges her class faced as attendees of a law school on Florida’s Gulf coast, Student Bar Association President Flora Patel commended her classmates for succeeding despite hurricanes, major life events, and other challenges.

“I hope you never forget how much inner strength each of you has,” she said. “Life may not stop, but you are up to the challenge.”

Accomplished alumna urges global connection

The 2025 Spring Commencement Speaker was Ying White ’97, who is currently a partner at the global law firm Clifford Chance LLP, where she leads the firm’s China Investment Funds and Investment Management Practice.

She has advised multiple nations on their sovereign wealth funds as well as Chinese financial institutions on their investment decisions, served as legal counsel at the World Bank, and chaired the American Bar Association’s China Law Committee.

She called on the new alumni to persevere, be dependable, think ahead, go the extra mile, and be flexible as they move forward in their careers.

“As you step into this next chapter, remember to carry with you the values instilled in all of us by Stetson: be compassionate, ethical, courageous, and bold in your pursuit of justice,” she said. “Endeavor to make a positive impact on the world.”

A broad range of achievements

In addition to full-time and part-time juris doctor recipients, the spring 2025 commencement recognized LLM graduates in the areas of advocacy, Elder Law and International Law, as well as a fall 2024 graduate of the MJ in Healthcare Compliance program.

More than 20 legacy students were met onstage by family members who are also Stetson Law alumni: Garret Taylor Barnes, Jr., Madelyn C. Barron, Madeleine C. Bodiford, Michael A. Camareno, Nicholas M. Edwards, Kaitlyn Hope Ford, Jared William Galaris, Callista Grabel, Anthony Michael Graubard, Samuel M. Hart III, Mackenzie R. Herman, Anthony Tiemann Howard, Christopher Noel Howard, Clemente N. Inclan, Kylie Layne Kempe, John Anthony Moragues, John Lawrence Najem, Megan Delaney Padgett, Chadd A. Paradise, Daniel Joseph Peek, Gabriela Maria Pombo, Naseeruddin Ahmed Qazi, Mary Robert Robinson, and Scott Colvin Tepper Jr.

See the full 2025 commencement program.

Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580