Law Center News
Governor Edwards professes confidence in the SULC Class of 2016
In congratulating the more than 150 graduates of the Southern University Law Center at the May 7 Commencement, Governor John Bel Edwards stated that he is sure that they are going to make the “great state of Louisiana and the world even greater.”
“The perseverance you put into earning this distinguished juris doctorate is a testament not only to yourselves, but also to the dreams of many before you,” Gov. Edwards said.
He cited the story of the late Charles J. Hatfield III, who 70 years ago sought admission to the only state institution offering a law degree program at the time instigating the establishment of the Southern University Law Center. Although Hatfield was academically qualified, he was denied admission because he was black.
“Because of the bold step he took 70 years ago, your degrees represent more than an education about the justice system,” the governor stated. “They’re an example of how important justice really is.”
Hatfield never enrolled in law school, but just a month before he died in 2002, he received the first honorary juris doctorate awarded from SULC. In honor of Southern Law’s founding, the school has declared “2016: The Year of Charles J. Hatfield III.”
Gov. Edwards noted, “… you have a pretty big responsibility to live up to. You’re not just the Class of 2016; you’re the Class of Charles J. Hatfield III.”
He acknowledged the tremendous pressure that comes with that designation, but said he knew the graduates would represent Hatfield’s legacy well. An Order of the Coif graduate from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert School of Law and before that a Dean’s List graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Edwards said all of the graduates, all practicing lawyers, and the public in general, without regard to race, are the beneficiaries of this legacy.
Southern University Law Center graduates have a reputation for their commitment to public service and opportunities for all, he said. In addition to community service, the governor said his best advice to the 2016 grads is “a lesson this institution has already instilled in you seriousness of purpose.”
“Our state is depending on you and your seriousness of purpose. There’s no doubt we’ve got some challenges to overcome,” he said.
“We’re still dealing with the largest budget deficit in the history of the state threatening vital state services. While I am very frank about the challenges we face as a state, I am also openly and genuinely optimistic about the future of Louisiana,” the former state legislator said.
If the graduates ever doubt their purpose, Gov. Edwards said they should just remind themselves of Louisiana’s motto: “A state, under God, united in purpose and ideals, confident that justice shall prevail for all those abiding here.”
“That is your purpose, Gov. Edwards said, and “That is what it means to be the class of Charles J. Hatfield III.”
It was the first Commencement presided over by the newly appointed Chancellor John K. Pierre, who was presented congratulations and a commendation on behalf the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Alexandria, Louisiana, attorney Edward Larvadain, SULC Class of 1966, represented the newest members to the ranks of Golden Alumni.
The 154 SULC graduates included 36 honor graduates (seven magna cum laude and 29 cum laude). The top students are Day Division, Rachal D. Cox of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Evening Division, Elizabeth O’Quin of Prairieville, Louisiana.
Courtney N. Harris of Shreveport, Louisiana, earned a dual degree JD/MPA; Amy Anazia of McComb, Mississippi; and JaQuay Jackson Gray of Lake Charles, Louisiana, both earned a Public Law Certificate.
RSS News Feed