Law Center News
Nearly 200 graduates cross the stage at SULC Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremony
On May 21, over 150 graduates crossed the stage during the Southern University Law Center (SULC) Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony was held at F.G. Clark Activity Center on the campus of Southern University Baton Rouge. Dr. Dennis J. Shields, incoming president of the Southern University System and chancellor of the Southern University A&M College, was the commencement speaker.
“Today, our lawyer leaders are departing the hallowed halls of the Southern University Law Center and embarking on a journey that will lead them in many directions,” said John K. Pierre, chancellor of the Southern University Law Center. “It is our hope that, in times of joy and trial, they remember the knowledge and wisdom experienced during their law school career.”
Since this year the Law Center celebrates its 75th anniversary, Pierre reflected on the ways the institution has molded countless leaders and change agents within society. He noted that the school’s accomplishments would not exist with the bravery and courage of Charles Hatfield, a Baton Rouge resident that wrote a letter that catapulted a lawsuit in which the Law Center was birthed.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome opened the ceremony with a welcome. She expressed to graduates how they are part of a brighter future for all of us in America.
“When we think of Southern University Law Center, we know that the graduates of the Southern University Law Center are making an impact in the corridors of congress, in the halls of justice all over the world,” said Broome. “We look forward to you making your mark in your sphere of influence and while following your passion.”
Shields shared that he believes the special obligations of a good lawyer are remaining ethical, keeping clients first, being leaders and acting as stewards of the community. He encouraged the graduates to mirror those concepts.
“You are now a part of this great tradition and legacy,” said Shields. “Graduates of programs like this one have paved the way for all of us in the same way that I hope you will pave the way for future generations.”
Shields has spent the majority of his career advocating for better access to higher education.
In addition, he motivated the new alumni to continue the legacy of the aspirers and visionaries who came before them and use the great education and training they received from SULC to be the next group of change makers who influence future graduates.
The ceremony was live-streamed and recorded on the Law Center's YouTube channel. You can watch the commencement ceremony here: https://bit.ly/sulccommencement.
View the 2022 Spring Commencement photo gallery here.
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