The 149th commencement of the George Washington University Law School was held on Sunday, May 15, 2016 with JD and LLM graduates invited to receive degrees at the University Ceremony at the foot of the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall and at the Law School Diploma Ceremony in the Smith Center.
As thousands of family members, friends, and law school community members looked on, the graduates were led into the ceremony. Senior Associate Dean Roger A. Fairfax announced the commencement. Following his welcome address, Dean and Robert Kramer Research Professor of Law Blake D. Morant acknowledged the Stockton Guard, graduates from the classes of 1976 and earlier. Jack H. Olender, LLM '76, served as Grand Marshal of the Stockton Guard.
During the presentation of awards, Information Specialist Bobby Walis received the Distinguished Staff Service Award, voted on by the graduating class. The Michael D. Cooley Memorial Award was presented to graduate Olajumoke A. Obayanju.
Professor Peter J. Smith received the Distinguished Faculty Service Award, which is voted on each year by the graduating class and was presented by outgoing Student Bar Association President George Soussou. Susan C. Lynch, Professorial Lecturer in Law, received the award for outstanding adjunct faculty teaching.
Gregory G. Garre, JD '91, a Partner at Latham & Watkins LLP and former Solicitor General of the United States, delivered the diZerega Lecture and Commencement Address. Following the address by Mr. Garre, each graduate approached the stage to receive his or her diploma from Dean Morant.