Commencement 2008

In both Dean Tom Mengler and student speaker Geoff Garton’s remarks the class of 2008 was reminded of that they are the Oprah class.  In February of 2006 as the class of 2008 began the second half of their 1L year the School of Law buzzed with the rumor of a “mystery guest” at a special presentation in the atrium.  In his reflections to the class, Geoff Garton admitted to being one of those that believed and passed along the rumor that Oprah Winfrey was the special speaker.  In the end, the promo was a clever ruse to gather faculty, staff, and students in the atrium to hear from Dean Mengler that the School of Law had received full accreditation six months ahead of schedule, making the class of 2008 the last class to enter while the school was unaccredited.

Graduation 2008 was as festive as ever with the confetti canon, friends and family gathered, and remarks from the Honorable Edward Toussaint, Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  This year’s class contributed significantly to the school of law throughout their time.  In the program there eleven mission award winners from the class listed.  The Minnesota Justice Foundation honored 52 students who completed over 50 hours with MJF and mentioned that 115 of the graduates had participated in MJF programming, the highest percentage of any class to date.  Also listed in the program were 39 students who had completed more than 100 Public Service Hours, including Kathleen McDaniel and Jessica Peyton who both completed over 400.

This year’s class gifts included a painting by Michael Birawer and a fellowship in honor of Alissa Huttes, a classmate of the third year students who was unable to continue her law studies after a car accident this fall.  The class honored Alissa with the gift and by reserving a seat for her during the ceremony.

More News