T
he School of Law Class of 2020 was urged to live their professional oath every day through their actions and service to their communities.
Louis Pepe, a partner in the law firm of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, in Hartford, Connecticut, told the graduates that they are entering a noble profession with the power of making positive change in the world on August 25 at the school’s virtual Commencement ceremony.
Partner at McElroy,Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP
Pepe spoke of decisions — those the graduates had already made, and those they have yet to confront.
He reflected first, on their decision to choose to study at Quinnipiac, where the faculty are on the cutting edge of legal education, offering enriching and hands-on learning opportunities.
He acknowledged that they undoubtedly experienced moments of doubt about their decision to study law.
"I can assure you with confidence that you made the right decision," he told the graduates, "because you are about to enter a great and honorable profession."
“We are a nation built under the rule of law. And that ideal — and its preservation and its implementation — is entrusted to our profession," he said. "As lawyers, we are charged with making the duty of the rule of law work — for everyone. And what higher calling can there be?"
He encouraged the graduates to uphold the precious values of the legal profession, no matter what area of law they choose to pursue.
He posed several questions to guide them as they make throughout legal careers, asking them:
“If you decide those questions correctly (as I am confident you will) then our beloved profession will be in good hands — your hands,” he said.
Nicholle Maille, JD ’20, told her fellow graduates that the adversity that they have overcome will prepare them for success throughout their careers.
“This graduating class has faced more challenges along our journey than we could have ever predicted,” she said. “But, as with each challenge we have faced and overcome, we are now being pushed to truly think about what kind of careers we want to build, what type of lawyers we want to become and, most importantly, what kind of people we want to be.”
She said she is certain that the class will persevere thanks to their resilience, to the lessons they’ve learned at the law school and the relationships they’ve formed.
Student Bar Association
“It is exactly moments like these where we have to reflect on the lessons we have learned throughout our time at law school and recognize the great responsibilities we have moving forward,” Maille said. “We will come out of this stronger. Use this as a reminder to never take things for granted and to always work to make things better.”
Dean of the School of Law
School of Law Dean Jennifer Gerarda Brown urged the graduates to control their reactions to the tumultuous world around them.
“Events outside ourselves are often also outside our control, but we can control our own reactions to them,” she said, finding inspiration from Marcus Aurelius. “He says you have power over your mind and not over outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.”
She cited their work assisting those around them, and implored them to continue the important work.
“You have advocated for clients, friends and family and, most recently, for yourselves and your professional futures,” she told the graduates. “I have been incredibly impressed with your dedication and professional interactions.”
Jeffrey Cooper, professor of the year, urged the graduates to recognize their accomplishments as the big deal that it is.
“Because even in moments of great triumph, we often fail to fully appreciate that achievement — to enjoy the significance of the event rather than immediately looking to the next step in our climb ever upwards,” he said.
Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development
“Today, on the occasion of your Commencement, I say to you: This is a big deal. Before you resume your journey forward to all the great thing ahead, please take a moment to bask in your accomplishments.”
