Law Center News
Southern University Law Center celebrates Spring 2024 Commencement
On May 18, over 230 students received their Juris Doctorate degree during Southern University Law Center’s (SULC) Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the F. G. Clark Activity Center on the campus of Southern University Baton Rouge. Louisiana State Senator, Cleo Fields, served as the commencement speaker.
“This is a momentous occasion, not just for our lawyer leaders but for all of us who have had the privilege of witnessing their journey,” said John Pierre, chancellor of Southern University Law Center. “We hope that, whether in moments of joy or challenge, they recall the knowledge and wisdom gained throughout their law school journey.”
Chancellor John Pierre opened the ceremony warmly by welcoming guests, family, and friends. He went on to introduce platform guests and elected officials. Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System, also took the podium.
“There is not another law school that has had a profound impact on its state like the Southern University Law Center,” said Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System. “Graduates, as you walk out of this arena today, I urge you to remember that you are a Southern University graduate.”
Louisiana State Senator Cleo Fields encouraged the graduates to follow their dreams and serve their community. He recounted memories of his days in the hallowed halls of A.A. Lenoir Hall with classmates, including Chief Justice Judge John Guidry and Interim Chancellor Alvin Washington.
“Everyone has a reason for going to law school. Whatever reason you went to law school, you need to follow your dream,” said Fields. “I went to law school because I wanted to make the law.”
Fields is a trailblazing figure in both politics and education. At the remarkable age of 24, he was elected to the Louisiana State Senate, becoming the youngest person ever elected to the State Senate in Louisiana's history and the youngest in the nation at that time.
He went on to describe pivotal moments that molded his career. Fields ended the speech by motivating the graduates to use their time wisely and be bold.
“As lawyer leaders, you now have the opportunity to question, to examine, to dispute, and to dare,” said Fields. “It is truly your turn to change the course of this nation.”
The ceremony can be viewed on the Law Center’s YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/sulcspring24.
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