Class of 2007 Commencement Celebrates and Inspires
Dean Edley spoke of an emotional bond to this class – the first he's seen move from admission through graduation.
Boalt's Class of 2007 holds a special place in the heart of Dean Christopher Edley. In a sentimental address during the May 12 commencement at the Greek Theater, he told the graduates, "I came with you three years ago from the dismal precincts of New England. You will always be my first class—and my favorite class. Please accept me as an honorary classmate."
It was a day of Boalt tradition with some touching surprises. The celebration began with the procession of more than 300 law school graduates to a reggae rendition of Pomp and Circumstance by a steel drum band. The dean encouraged graduates to "drink it all in…the respect and affection for you."
Professor Steve Bundy regaled the crowd with his "Graduation Carol," focused on the past, present, and future. He praised the Class of 2007's distinctive characteristics—enthusiasm, friendship, and generosity. He encouraged them to "practice honesty with discretion, empathy without burnout, skepticism but not cynicism, and creativity with gravity." Looking ahead, he said, "You have the network of wise and kind friends who helped you keep it real at Boalt. They will only get wiser and kinder."
Guest speaker Bryan Stevenson challenged graduates to use their “diplomas as microphones” to amplify their convictions.
If Bundy warmed up the audience, keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson brought down the house down with a moving speech about his passion for justice. Executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama and an anti-death penalty advocate, Stevenson said, "The opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice. If you want to change the world…to be led by conviction in the heart…you will get tired. Embrace that fatigue. In moments of exhaustion, you will experience things rare and precious."
"Boalt's graduation was a fitting conclusion to three excellent years," says Caitlin Sislin ‘07. "I was deeply affected by Bryan Stevenson's challenge to ‘say something' by making use of the privilege, respect, and influence associated with our superior legal education."
The awarding of degrees came to a momentary halt when Eleanor Swift, one of the faculty presenters, deviated from her announcement of J.D. candidates to issue a wedding proposal for one of them. Reading from a card Abe Gardner '07 handed her when he arrived on stage, Professor Swift looked out at the crowd and asked, "Megan, will you marry me?" The audience erupted in applause as Megan Cherry, high in the stands, covered her face, then nodded her head yes.
Class of 2007 Student Awards The following student awards were announced at the commencement ceremony:
Ellis J. Harmon ’65 Environmental Law Writing Award: Leah C. Granger
Alvin & Sadie Landis Scholarship in Water & Local Government Law: Julia S. Thrower, Local Government Law Sean M. Callagy, Water Law
James Patterson McBaine Honors Moot Court Competition: Farbod Moridani, Winner Audrey L. Mink, Runner-up Kristin A. Traicoff, Best Brief, Petitioner
Scotia J. Hicks, Best Brief, Respondent
Brian M. Sax ’69 Prize for Excellence in Clinical Advocacy: Mark Feeser
Francine Diaz Memorial Award: Lisa J. Cisneros
Elaina Kailana Piimauna
Aldo Test Writing Award in Intellectual Property: Vincent Law
Thelen, Marrin Prize for Academic Achievement: Yonatan E. Braude
Thelen, Marrin Prize for Law Journal Writing: Henry F. Dempsey
Student Service Award: Robert L. Boone
Jamison Prize for Scholarship and Advocacy: Audrey L. Mink
