Law Center News
Southern University Law Center Welcomes Newest Alumni at Spring 2026 Commencement
On Saturday, May 16, Southern University Law Center (SULC) awarded the Class of 2026 with their Juris Doctor degrees at its Spring Commencement ceremony held at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on Southern University’s campus.
The event began with a warm welcome from Chancellor Alvin Washington, who addressed the graduates, their support systems, and distinguished guests. He praised the class for its resilience and encouraged graduates, as they move forward, to build bridges for others to follow.
The keynote speaker was Erin Monroe, Market Vice President for Greater Louisiana at Cox Communications. Monroe is a 2002 alumna of SULC and a 2024 SULC Hall of Fame inductee. She is a distinguished executive leader and public servant. As Market Vice President, she oversees daily operations and engages more than 600 employees in supporting the company’s strategic vision, culture, and performance priorities for its Greater Louisiana Market. For more than two decades, her professional journey has reflected significant contributions in policy development, advocacy, public affairs, organizational operations, and employee engagement.
Monroe began her address reflecting on her professional journey, strategic steps taken, and how being a part of the SULC family helped her reach her long-term goals as an attorney and executive. “This is an institution that not only shaped my journey, but one my father and I are both deeply proud to call home,” Monroe told the graduates.
Throughout her remarks, she highlighted the importance of moving with intention, staying grounded in your ‘why”, and building a personal brand that speaks for you. “I did not want to be defined solely by my law degree,” Monroe said. “Your legal knowledge matters, but your reputation, who you are as a whole, will carry you further than any resume can.”
Monroe ended her remarks with a memorable reminder to commit to excellence even when no one is watching, to lift as you climb, and to remain connected to SULC. “The Southern University Law Center has built us for a different kind of walk, an elevated seat in this legal profession,” she said. “Carry that legacy forward as you build your legal careers.”
As the graduates crossed the stage, an academic achievement certificate was presented in recognition of Isaiah Morgan, a member of the class of 2026 who passed away. The award was accepted on his behalf by his family.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks celebrating the achievements of the graduating class and officially welcoming them into the SULC alumni network as they begin the next chapter of their legal careers.
View photos from the ceremony here.
RSS News Feed