The 157th Commencement of the George Washington University Law School was held on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Events took place throughout the weekend and included the Pro Bono Recognition Celebration, Academic Awards Celebration, Dean’s Reception, University Commencement, and the GW Law Diploma Ceremony.
The Jeffrey & Martha Kohn Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Steven L. Schooner announced the commencement. In Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew's address to the graduates, she said:
"I charge you to use all deliberate speed to now do what you came to law school to do – when you applied to law school, each of you told us in your own way, that you wanted to study law to make this world better, to improve the human condition. Now, Class of 2024, the world now more than ever needs you to do exactly that. I charge you to leave these halls of the George Washington University Law School and do the marvelous, earth-shattering things that convinced us to admit you – that propelled you to volunteer, to compete, to represent, and create while you were here – Go now and live your life not basely, but live so that you always, ALWAYS, in the words of our University’s fight song,“Raise High!”"
Dayna Bowen Matthew
Dean and Harold H. Greene Professor of Law
Shallum Atkinson, President of the GW Law Student Bar Association, addressed his fellow graduates and presented four awards to faculty and staff as voted on by the graduating class.
The Distinguished Staff Member Award was presented to Bobby Walis. Jacob Burns Foundation Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Laurie S. Kohn received the Distinguished Dean Award. The Michael D. Cooley Memorial Award was presented to graduate Phoebe Fisher. The Distinguished Faculty Service Award was presented to Kate Weisburd. The SBA Distinguished Service Award was presented to graduate Shallum Atkinson. Dean Matthew presented the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Awards to Professorial Lecturer in Law in Family Law Caroline Rogas and Distinguished Professorial Lecturer in National Security Law Dan E. Stigall.
Nina Totenberg, National Public Radio’s (NPR) award-winning legal affairs correspondent and New York Times bestselling author gave the keynote address. In her address, Nina said:
"When you come to a crisis in life, I think you will find that doing your duty will serve you rather well, whether it is your crisis or someone else's. The path is clear, the choices few, and there are no regrets afterwards. Indeed, there are rewards."
Nina Totenberg
GW Law's Class of 2024 Keynote Speaker
Watch the Law Diploma Ceremony.
