The 152nd Commencement of the George Washington University Law School was held on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Events took place throughout the weekend and ranged from the Dean's Reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to the University Commencement on the National Mall and the GW Law Diploma Ceremony. Read more about the highlights below.
Awards and Honors
The Law School Diploma Ceremony, which was held in the Smith Center, honored the Class of 2019. Senior Associate Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr. announced the commencement. Dean and Robert Kramer Research Professor of Law Blake D. Morant gave a welcome address to family members, friends, and members of the law school community.
Ali Kingston, President of the GW Law Student Bar Association, presented five awards to faculty and staff. Senior Associate Dean Hank R. Molinengo received the Distinguished Associate Dean Award. The Distinguished Faculty Service Award, voted on by the graduating class, was received by Lisa M. Fairfax, Leroy Sorenson Merrifield Research Professor of Law. Information Specialist Bobby Walis received the Distinguished Staff Award. The Michael D. Cooley Memorial Award was presented to graduates Sacred Huff and Kelsey Stein. Megan McGrath Corsetti and Megan Gabrielson received the Student Bar Association Distinguished Service Award. Dean Morant presented the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Service Award to Lesley Fair.
diZerega Lecture
Scott Greenstein, JD '84, President and Chief Content Officer of Sirius XM Radio, delivered the diZerega Lecture and Commencement Address and shared lessons for success upon graduation.
Mr. Greenstein began his speech by honoring and acknowledging past law school graduates, "GW Law is one of the most prestigious in the country, and as its graduates, you join other notable alumni, that include foreign heads of state, U.S. Senators, Directors of the CIA, U.S. State Governors, Directors of the FBI, Federal judges, corporate CEOs and others in a long storied history of people who have made a difference. And it has now produced each of you."
"As an alumnus, I consider it an honor to speak with you today," he said. "Remember this: you are as prepared and qualified as any law school graduates anywhere. I’ll wager that you are, as I was when I graduated, even hungrier than your peers at other schools. This can give you a distinct advantage. Your graduation from GW is not the end of your education; it is just the start. Throughout your careers, you will continue to learn, continue to be challenged, and continue to compete."
"At SiriusXM and through my professional career," he continued, "I have had the privilege to work with, get to know, and learn from many people who are at the pinnacle of their professions and careers, from the worlds of music, sports, entertainment, religion, and politics. People such as Oprah Winfrey, Coach K, Bruce Springsteen, Howard Stern, Ken Langone, Barbara Walters, Gayle King, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Kevin Hart, commissioners, executives, and owners of the major sports leagues and broadcasting networks. It’s a wonderfully diverse group. And I've noticed several familiar and important similarities in traits that have served them well, and led them to success in their lives and careers. I hope you might see some use in applying them to your own lives."
"In law school," he reflected, "I was consistently hoping for more practical information. While I understood cases, I was constantly thinking about what would be more practical, and what were the observations someone could make that would give me some general principles to look at going forward and might guide me along those tough decisions."
"So for what it's worth," Mr. Greenstein said, "I have a handful of observations that I’ve learned from other people and myself that I will pass along."
"First, successful people have an unquenchable desire and passion to continue to learn and improve; successful people, both businesswise and in terms of the social good -- have tenacity, no matter what the challenge; successful people are authentic, they are true to themselves; successful people often have a foundation of family and friends that bolsters them in hard times, exalts with them in good times."
He went on to emphasize one final thought, "Allow me to suggest that in addition to and apart from what will likely be your personal upcoming success, in business, and other things, contributing to the greater good of society, in your own way, is something you will find deeply satisfying, and it should complement whatever you do. It's not a choice; it should be something that is part of who you are."
"To sum up," he said, "I have often said to new radio hosts as well as to seasoned entertainers and athletes, come to SiriusXM and be you. Let the audience hear who you are. We're uncensored. We have no agenda and we hope you'll present exactly who you are to our audience. I say the same to you today: You have a blank canvas to paint on, to convey a message, to teach, to entertain, and to inspire. Today, it's time to paint that portrait. You're out of the classrooms, and ready to go into the real world. Don't worry about the blemishes on the painting, it's the strokes you take that will define you."
"So, be passionate, and be committed, without fear. Let the world see you in your fullness. Today is just one big stroke of paint on that portrait. There is a whole canvas to go. I urge you to focus on the possibilities that are ahead of you. Ignore the limitations. We are all excited to see what painting you will create, and how you will lead."
Following Mr. Greenstein's address, the graduates approached the stage to receive his or her diploma from Dean Morant.
Commencement Weekend Photos