Class of 2025 Celebrates Accomplishments at Hooding

The Moritz community gathered with friends and family of the Class of 2025 to celebrate Hooding on Monday, May 5.  

During their time as students, the Class of 2025 made the most of every opportunity. Collectively, the class performed 3,406 pro bono hours, providing crucial legal service to individuals who need it. More than half – almost 68% - completed at least one externship, and many others participated in clinics. All of these experiential learning opportunities helped students develop critical skills while making an impact on the community.  

Three student speakers offered reflections about their time at Moritz. Abbey Dop began by encouraging the class to use their law degree to be a force for good.  

The skills and knowledge we’ve gained here give us the power to make a profound impact on the world,” she said. “What kind of impact that will be is entirely up to us, so let us never be so clever that we forget to be kind. Because the true mark of a great lawyer and a great person is the ability to uplift others while pursuing justice.” 

LLM class speaker Nour El Ghorayeb then shared how she hopes her cohort continues to bring people and ideas together.  

“Wherever we go from here, whether it’s back home, or further into the unknown, may we always remember this: We are not just graduates,” she said. “We are bridges between cultures, ideas, the people we are today and the people we’re becoming. And that, more than anything, is something to be proud of.” 

Heba Fathala concluded the student remarks by reminding her fellow classmates to stay true to themselves as they embark on their careers.  

“The world is going to challenge us more times than we can count,” she reflected. “I think what is most important to keep at the forefront of your mind is the reminder of who you are, what and who you do this for, and maybe the deadlines for court submission.” 

Hooding speaker Steve Jemison ’75 shared wisdom and insights from his illustrious legal career. Among his words of encouragement, Jemison offered advice to graduates as they look for career opportunities.  

“Try to find work within your passion,” he shared. “I did and loved going to work every day with the hopes of solving a new problem for my clients. Being passionate and enjoying the work gave me an edge.”  

Several graduates were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Moritz community.   

• The Moritz Leadership Award recognizes one student each year in each graduating class for demonstrating leadership outside of the classroom by involvement in university and college activities, student programs, and events. This year’s recipients were Abbey Dop (awarded for 1L year), Luke Barcy (awarded for 2L year), and Olivia Hiltbrand (awarded for 3L year).   

• The Dean’s Leadership Award was given to Nicholas Lawrence Belofsky, Zarah Jessica Fulay, and Sarah Paul for their leadership and commitment to creating a kinder, more just world.   

• The Outstanding LLM Student Award was presented to Richard Dwamena Boampong and Vineetha Sharma Srirambhatla. 

• The MSL Outstanding Academic Achievement Award was presented to Ashleigh Hardin.   

• The John J. Adams Memorial Award is awarded to a student for leadership and significant contributions through law-related activities within the College. MJ Preston was this year’s recipient.   

• The Harry S. and Georgina Lett Memorial Award is given to a student who has demonstrated excellence in service to the College. This year’s winner was Sarvani Srividya Vemuri. 

• The Robert M. Duncan Service Scholarship goes to one student for outstanding service contributions to the college community. The award is named in honor of the late Robert M. Duncan, whose long career was marked by courage and excellence - also hallmarks of the recipients of the award. This year’s recipient was Nicolino A. Orengo.   

• The Christopher Fairman Award is chosen by vote of the graduating class. It honors the student who best exemplifies the late Christopher Fairman’s acceptance of individual difference and support of free expression as an essential part of a strong and inclusive community. Jamie Reyes Salazer-McBride was this year’s recipient.   

The graduating class also recognized staff and faculty who had a profound impact on their experiences. For his thoughtful leadership and programming to foster a supportive law school environment, the class selected Joey Oteng as the Outstanding Staff Award recipient. Katrina Lee was selected as the recipient of the Morgan E. Shipman Outstanding Professor Award. Lee is the John C. Elam/Vorys Sater Professor in Law and Director of Program on Dispute Resolution. She has now been recognized with this award three times in the last four years for her dedication to her students.   

Graduates are planning to work in 16 different states and abroad in nearly 13 different countries. They are working in a variety of industries, including government, small and large firms, judicial chambers, and more. Although their time as students has concluded, the Class of 2025 certainly have bright futures ahead.  

“Thank you for the gifts of talent you have brought and will continue to bring our community,” Dean Kent Barnett said to the graduates. “We can’t wait to see where you go and how you’ll shine.”