It was a close call, but pandemic restrictions lessened enough to allow graduates to attend BC Law’s 88th Commencement in person on May 28. The excitement was palpable, as classmates, faculty, and families, many of whom hadn’t seen each other face to face in months, hugged, cheered, and gave rousing ovations to the presenters.
The Class of 2021 applauded classmate Rachel Elizabeth Taylor for her rendition of the national anthem, and cheered LSA President Kayla Snyder’s farewell speech. Professor Ingrid Hillinger, selected by the class to be their commencement speaker, implored the graduates to make their lives count “whatever shape or form your contribution takes.” Dean Vincent Rougeau spoke to the community for the final time as dean (he is now president of the College of the Holy Cross), saying that “in spite of what the world might appear to be saying, there IS truth, justice, and honor.”
In all, 228 JD graduates received degrees, as did two December 2020 graduates. Seven LLM students also received degrees. Indoors, masks dominated; outdoors, faces were covered only with smiles.
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