Interim Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio on Friday presented law degrees to some 210 graduating students of the MSU College of Law Class of 2024.
He told students to remember the importance of their role in their clients’ lives.
“Clients will turn to you for help during their most difficult, challenging, and exciting times,” he said during the law college’s Commencement Ceremony.
“They will be counting on you to find the path forward and give them confidence in the future.”
As keynote speaker, the Honorable Hala Jarbou, Chief Judge of the Western District of Michigan, United States District Court, reminded students to continue learning and ask for help when they need it.
“Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you,” she said. “Watch other lawyers. They will teach you what to do and what not to do.
“And be humble. It’s okay to say you don’t know, that you’re in over your head.”
Jarbou told students her own story as an example of how far determination and a strong work ethic can take you. She came to the United States as a young child with her family from Iraq.
“I didn’t know the English language. I had no friends,” she said. “I was the first in my family to graduate from college and the first lawyer in my family.”
Students received similar inspiration from the Honorable Craig Strong, ’73, who was presented the George N. Bashara Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award by Alumni Association President Courtney Gabbara Agrusa, ‘12
Strong, whose ancestors were enslaved Americans, reminded students that practicing law “is a privilege” and that they should always strive to learn from the past and make a difference for the future.
“The darkest chapter in America wasn’t too long ago,” he said. “My family’s story is proof that history matters.”
Strong’s leadership in the legal community took him across the country and around the world. In 1994, he worked as a United Nations observer in South Africa’s first all-race election, in which Nelson Mandela was elected President.
Strong encouraged students to become active members of their bar associations, which will open doors and lead to further opportunities.
The 2024 Commencement ceremony included the following:
- Class President Kathryn Rejaei presented the 2024 Faculty Award to Professor Philip Pucillo.
- Class Officer Trevor Knapp presented the 2024 Staff Award to Jesse Alvarez, Office Manager of Legal Clinic.
- Class Officer Julia Alexander introduced Student Speaker Andrew Haftkowycz
- Class President Kathryn Rejaei presented the Class Gift to Interim Dean Sant’Ambrogio.
“When I look back over the last three years, I see incredible achievements,” Sant’Ambrogio said. “Now you are ready to apply all you’ve learned and experienced to your own careers.”
