Home Law School News Drake Law School celebrates Spring 2018 Commencement

Drake Law School celebrates Spring 2018 Commencement

Drake University Law School held its Spring 2018 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 19, in the Knapp Center.

Jerry Anderson, dean of Drake Law School, and Marty Martin, president of Drake University, gave opening remarks.

Martin spoke of the 150th anniversary of the 1868 case Clark v. Board of Directors, in which the Iowa Supreme Court ruled racial segregation unconstitutional in Iowa schools. The author of the court’s opinion, Justice Chester C. Cole, was co-founder of Drake Law School.

Martin told the Class of 2018 to learn from the event and similarly do what is right.

“Find the courage in yourselves to use what you have learned at Drake University Law School to advocate for justice,” said Martin. “Improve the lives of others, and leave the world better than you found it.”

Chas Cahill, the 2017-18 president of Drake’s Student Bar Association (SBA), also addressed the graduates. He noted the sense of community among the Class of 2018 as they faced the challenges of law school and made fun memories along the way.

“All these great moments have brought us together as a family,” Cahill said. “That family started on day one at orientation. We will continue to be part of this family for the rest of our lives.”

The Honorable John A. Jarvey, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, delivered the commencement address. Jarvey encouraged the graduates to use their law degrees to give back to others, follow their hearts, and stay humble.

About 90 graduates crossed the stage to receive their law degrees. Professor Andrew Jurs and Provost Sue Mattison placed the academic hoods over the heads of the graduates.

Alan Olson, AS’89, LW’92, president of the Drake Law School Board of Counselors, gave short remarks, in which he encouraged the Class of 2018 to stay involved with the Law School and use the expansive network of Drake Law alumni around the world.

Anderson closed the ceremony by congratulating the graduates and wishing them the best in their future careers.

“As you go forth, I want you to know that we are in your corner,” Anderson said. “Congratulations to the Class of 2018!”

A reception was held for graduates, family, alumni, faculty, and staff after the ceremony at the Courtside Club in the Shivers Practice Facility.

See more photos of the commencement ceremony on Drake Law School’s Flickr page.

Graduates: See your individual photos from Lifetouch Photography at events.lifetouch.com/drake.