Law Center News
Southern University Law Center Welcomes the Next Generation of Legal Leaders During the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony
On Saturday, January 24, Southern University Law Center (SULC) proudly celebrated its Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony, honoring graduates who were awarded the Juris Doctor degree during a momentous ceremony held at the Smith Brown Memorial Union. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and distinguished guests, the Class of 2025 marked the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Chancellor Alvin Washington opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, congratulating the graduates and acknowledging the support systems that helped guide them to this milestone. He commended the class for its resilience and encouraged graduates to carry forward SULC’s legacy of excellence, service, and leadership.
The keynote address was delivered by Timothy Hardy, a distinguished member of the Law Center’s Class of 1981. Hardy, who was named SULC Distinguished Alumnus in 2009 and inducted into the SULC Hall of Fame in 2012, shared reflections from his accomplished career in law and public service. In 2020, Hardy was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Governor’s Climate Initiatives Task Force, where he served as co-chair of the Manufacturing and Industry Committee and as a member of the Legal Advisory Group.
Hardy began his address by asking graduates to recognize and thank their families and friends whose encouragement and sacrifices made their success possible. “You will remember this for the rest of your life,” Hardy told the class. “You have the power to shape and change the world.”
Throughout his remarks, Hardy emphasized perseverance, purpose, and service, encouraging graduates to view challenges as opportunities for growth. He urged them to prepare diligently, embrace change, and rise after setbacks. “Embrace change because you will experience it and will benefit from it,” Hardy said. “Please remember to have empathy for your clients. You must protect their interests with zeal.”
Hardy concluded with a powerful message on leadership and character, reminding graduates that true leadership extends beyond titles. “True leadership is humble. True leadership is based on skills and character, not titles and perks,” he said. “Remain humble, resilient, passionate, empathic, and you can conquer the world.”
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks celebrating the achievements of the graduating class and officially welcoming them into the SULC alumni network as they embark on the next chapter of their legal careers.
View commencement photos here.
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