EVENTS
GRADUATION Nearly 300 new graduates recognized during December 2020 commencement ceremonies From left, Stetson University President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke, Stetson University Provost Dr. Noel Painter, and Stetson University College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre during the socially distant graduation ceremony on Dec. 5, 2020.
O
n Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, Stetson University College of Law celebrated three separate commencement ceremonies recognizing graduates from three classes: December 2019 Class, May/August 2020 Class, and the December 2020 Class. Commencement may have looked different this year, but the staff at the College of Law worked hard to ensure students had as close to a traditional ceremony as possible. The events were held outdoors with limited attendance to follow CDC guidelines on physical distancing. Other safety protocols included a face-mask requirement for all attendees and wellness screenings prior to entering campus. In some ways, the changes were par for the course for the Class of 2020. Rachel Wise, outgoing Student Bar Association president, said their class – having begun law school during Hurricane Irma and finished during worldwide shutdowns from COVID-19 – had “become experts in adapting to change.” “After perhaps one of the most memorable years in history, and three years learning how to truly master change, we emerged together today as graduates ready to enter the legal profession and make positive change,” Wise said in a prerecorded speech.
I am so proud of who you are as humans, scholars, and legal minds.”
— Dean Michèle Alexandre
Stetson University President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke
20
Stetson University College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre said the graduates showed resilience and grit as they dug deep to overcome every hurdle placed in their path this year. “I am so proud of who you are as humans, scholars, and legal minds,” she said. “In answering the call to become an attorney, you are beginning your purpose in life. You now have the tools to be change agents and justice warriors who can transform the world.”
Please add kindness to your practice.” — President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke
Lori Baggett, J.D. ’02, the managing shareholder of the Tampa office of Carlton Fields, delivered the commencement address during the 11:30 a.m. ceremony. She was also recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her award-winning legal work, leadership in the community, and ongoing dedication to the College of Law. “I’m sure a lot of us feel like we’ve been bludgeoned by chance,” Baggett said, but noted when graduates are faced with adversity, they should look for things they can control. “You have agency over your life.”
Stetson University College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre
Commencement speaker Lori Baggett, J.D. ‘02
