Dear College of Law Class of 2021,
Commencement is a day to celebrate your accomplishments, to reflect on your journeys to this point, and to hope for a bright future. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and alumni of the College of Law, I congratulate you on your graduation from law school. On this day, you join generations of proud alumni who have used their legal educations to lead satisfying and productive lives of professional service. I have no doubt you will be worthy bearers of that tradition.
You have much to celebrate. Law school is not easy. You persevered through all the normal challenges, plus the additional challenges of a global pandemic. You have every right to be proud of yourselves, and I hope that remembering what you accomplished on this day will give you strength in the future when you need it. I know your families and friends are immensely proud of you, and so are we.
Today is also a day to reflect on your time on Law School Hill. You have learned much about the law and about yourselves, and you have made friendships that will last a lifetime. You have become a part of our College of Law family, and we are eager to support you in any way we can in the future.
Your hopes and dreams brought you to law school, and they carried you through law school. I hope your futures will unfold smoothly and brightly, yet none of us knows where the future will lead us. All we can do is prepare ourselves to be ready to walk through whatever doors are opened to us and to seize opportunities with open minds and spirits. We are confident you are ready to contribute no matter where your journeys take you.
I know you are going to serve your clients well and to make the world a little more just every day. It’s been a privilege to have you with us.
Good luck, and keep in touch!
Best wishes,
John E. Taylor
Interim Dean and Jackson Kelly Professor of Law
