“God, grant me the Serenity to accept that pursuing my dream is living a few years of my life like most people won’t….so I can spend the rest of my life like most people can’t.
The Courage to trust in my skills and have an unshakeable belief in myself.
And the Wisdom to know that nothing is impossible… and anything is possible.”
-Dean’s Serenity Prayer for First Year CSU Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (C|M|LAW) students
Last Friday evening, we had the special opportunity to celebrate our iconic past and invest in our exciting future.
Over 450 people joined us for our 3rd Annual C|M|LAW Hall of Fame Celebration honoring our 2019 C|M|LAW Hall of Fame Honorees!
Each of our honorees overcame obstacles to become highly successful professionals. Each year at orientation, I recite my own above version of the Serenity Prayer, telling our first year students that, with an unshakeable belief in themselves, anything is possible.
So it is fitting that the evening began with an unforgettable performance by our own Ashley Nemeh, a 2L at C||M|LAW, who is a very accomplished and talented singer-songwriter. Ashley sang “Anything is Possible” which she wrote. See Anything is Possible by Ashley Nemeh
The Induction Ceremony began with remarks by Cleveland State University President Harlan Sands, warmly congratulating the honorees and their families and friends.
At the beginning of each year’s ceremony, we honor a recent graduate within the past 10 years with the Leader on the Rise Award. Alana Jochum ’10, last year’s winner, presented the award to Brandon Cox ’12.
We then showed the premier of our 2019 Hall of Fame video, “Standing in the Hall of Fame.” When you see this remarkable video, you will be struck by the number of women and minorities who graduated from Cleveland-Marshall over the past 122 years and who broke gender and racial barriers and shattered ceilings to become indispensable leaders in our city, state, and nation.
Three distinguished members of our Hall of Fame, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O’Connor ’80, Mark Smolik ’87, and Teresa Metcalf Beasley ’92, introduced each of our 2019 C|M|LAW Hall of Fame Honorees.
We then had the privilege of hearing inspiring closing remarks from another C|M|LAW Hall of Fame member, prominent real estate developer James A. Thomas ’63. Jim and his wife Sally traveled from Los Angeles for the celebration. He is Chairman of the Board/President and CEO of Thomas Properties Group and is considered largely responsible for the current skyline of downtown Los Angeles. He is the former Chief Executive Officer and principal owner of the Sacramento Kings NBA Basketball team and the ARCO Arena. Jim was Editor-in-Chief of the Cleveland-Marshall Law Review in 1962-63.
Below are some of the comments I received on Saturday about Friday’s celebration.
“I would like to thank you and everyone at the school for the Hall of Fame ceremony. To say I was overwhelmed to be honored in such a way and particularly in such esteemed company is a complete understatement. The entire event was completely amazing, a feeling I am quite sure that all of the other inductees also felt." - Tom Gorman ’73, 2019 C|M|LAW Hall of Fame Honoree; Partner, Dorsey & Whitney, Washington, D.C.
“Thank you for another fabulous Hall of Fame event. Cleveland-Marshall continues to be a source of joy and pride for me and my family.” - Judge Michelle Paris, 2019 C|M|LAW Hall of Fame Honoree
“Thank you for the incredible ceremony last evening in the Moot Courtroom. It’s the same room that we held my mother’s investiture as Judge years ago. We take strides every day to uphold and further her legacy....The musical presentation towards the beginning of the induction presentation was everything you said it was going to be! Ashley Nemeh is truly gifted.” - Christopher Butler, son of C|M|LAW Hall of Fame Honoree Annette Butler ’70 (deceased)
“I attended your Hall of Fame event and was greatly impressed by the substantial attendance at that lively program. Keep up the good work!” - Richard (Dick) Pogue, Member, C|M|LAW Hall of Fame; Member, C|M|LAW Board of Visitors Executive Committee; Senior Advisor, Jones Day
“The event last night was a great success. I felt extremely honored to be part of the C|M|LAW family.” - Diana Nassar '19, Seeley, Savidge, Ebert & Gourash
“Congrats - wonderful evening!” – Adjunct Professor David Weiner
"Once again you presided over an outstanding event last evening - well choreographed and very well attended! I must also say how powerful the last video was - it surely reminded me that the DNA of our law school is deeply rooted in social justice and that alone, among all the programs and strategic initiatives we offer and focus on, is surely something to be proud of! Congratulations to you and the entire team for a terrific evening.” - Kelly Tompkins’ 81, Member, C|M|LAW Hall of Fame; C|M|LAW Leader-in-Residence; Chair, C|M|LAW Board of Visitors
If you missed the celebration, it’s not too late to support much-needed student scholarships! Please consider a contribution of any amount - $25, $50, or $75. Believe in C|M|LAW. Please Give Now.
Our mission is to graduate students who are not only successful professionals, but also leaders, change makers, and advocates of justice…and maybe someday, a legend in our Hall of Fame.
This week’s Monday Moment: Ashley Nemeh Facebook Page
Have a great day. Have a great week.
For copies of past messages, please go to this link: Monday Morning Messages.
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My views in all my Monday Morning Messages are my personal views alone and do not reflect the views of our law school or our university.
My best,
Lee