Law School Salutes Class of 2008
May 21, 2008
The School of Law Hooding Ceremony took place in Wait Chapel on Sunday May 18, with former Senator James Talent delivering the keynote address. Talent, a respected politician at both the state and national levels, addressed 141 candidates for the Juris Doctor degree and 23 candidates for the Master of Laws in American Law degree.
Talent encouraged the graduates to become involved with issues affecting their communities, their countries and the world. He advised that as lawyers, graduates will be viewed by others as "thought leaders." As such, each graduate has the responsibility and duty to stay informed regarding local, state and national issues. He specifically addressed the issue of American foreign policy and urged the US to lead a coalition of free world countries in developing a common foreign policy mission more tailored to post-Cold War conditions.
The University's Commencement Ceremony was held the following day at Hearn Plaza on the Quad. Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne Jr. told the class of 2008 that they have the potential to be "one of the great reforming generations in our country's history."
At the Hooding Ceremony, Dean Morant noted the many honors and distinctions achieved by members of this class. Two recipients of the law school's most honorary awards were given special recognition.
Samuel Pinero received the E. McGruder Faris Memorial Award for extraordinary character, leadership and scholarship. Sam, a natural leader, stood out in his class from the start. With a sharp intellect, quick wit and charismatic personality, he went on to become President of the Hispanic Law Student Association, President of the Intellectual Property Law Association, an active member of the Black Law Student Association and a faculty nominee and active participant on the "Conversation With" Committee. In his spare time, Sam entertained the law school community with his musical talents and his skills as a magician. Sam will be joining the Raleigh office of Womble Carlyle as an associate.
Angie Elizabeth Cecil was selected by the faculty to receive the National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Student Award. Angie came to the law school with a Master of Arts in Women's Studies from Ohio State University and has continued to advocate for women and women's rights throughout her tenure at the law school, both within and outside of the classroom. She, too, was not only an outstanding scholar but also an outstanding student leader, becoming actively involved with Women in Law, Moot Court and serving as a teaching assistant in the Legal Research and Writing program. Angie has accepted a permanent position with the Department of Labor, Office of Administrative Law Judges in Washington, D.C. where she will continue to have opportunities to support women's issues and women in the legal profession.
We congratulate the great Class of 2008 and welcome them as the newest members of our alumni community. We look forward to seeing each of them at alumni gatherings or on their visits back "home" to Wake Forest.
