“I hope you all work with and are mentored by lawyer-leaders who embody the highest ideals of our profession….But you will also encounter others who have used the law to bend truth, exploit technicalities, and abandon core Constitutional principles like due process in pursuit of privilege, position, and power. Recognize them for what they are—and make sure you choose a different path – protect your reputation for that is what others will see as the outward manifestation of your character. You will never have to apologize for being the lawyer-leader whose presence strengthens the rule of law, whose counsel uplifts justice, and whose character inspires trust. Be a lawyer-leader who cultivates and values different viewpoints and shows mutual respect for others’ dignity and perspectives.” – P. Kelly Tompkins ’81, 2025 CSU Law Commencement Speaker
At our recent 2025 Commencement at the Connor Palace Theater at Playhouse Square, we celebrated the accomplishments of our talented Class of 2025. The Class of 2025 worked exceptionally hard like most people won’t, so they can change the world in ways that most people can’t.
A recording of the entire 2025 Commencement (exactly 2 hours!) is here: https://www.law.csuohio.edu/newsevents/csu-law-commencement-ceremony
Our 158 graduates included 131 graduating with a JD degree, 6 with joint degrees, 21 with a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree, and 5 with an LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree. They came to us from 87 colleges and universities across the country and around the world.
Ashley Nemeh ’22, nationally renowned recording artist, opened the ceremony with a beautiful a cappella rendition of God Bless America.
We heard inspiring, powerful remarks from Commencement Speaker P. Kelly Tompkins ’81, former Chair of the CSU Law Board of Visitors, and former Board Trustee of Cleveland State University. He emphasized that protection of the rule of law, due process, and the independence of our courts must be our graduates’ highest individual and collective obligation.
We also heard from CSU President Laura Bloomberg and CSU Board Chair Tim Cosgrove ’87.
“There is an opening line in a poem from the scholar Margaret Wheatley that has stuck with me: ‘There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.’ The alumni of this great institution care about living justice and serving as guardians of justice. I hope you are bursting with pride today as you join the ranks of this community.” - Dr. Laura Bloomberg, President, Cleveland State University
“As a proud graduate of both the undergraduate and law programs at Cleveland State, I know firsthand the power of a CSU degree. This institution changes lives — it certainly changed mine — and today, it is preparing each of you to take your place in a world that needs your leadership more than ever. Our College of Law has shaped generations of leaders in law, government, business, and public service. As you go forward in your careers and lives, I ask you to always remember Cleveland State University College of Law — the place that challenged you, supported you, and helped shape the person you are today. Stay connected, stay proud, and never forget how this law school changed your life.” – Tim Cosgrove ’87, Chair, CSU Board of Trustees
We heard from three student representatives: Ellenia Matthews ‘25, SBA President, Edward (Nick) Imbrogno’25, Valedictorian, and Deedra Thompson, Dean’s Learn Law. Live Justice Award Winner, the award I give each year to a graduating student who shows promise for embracing their new law degree as a force for good.
“I am living proof that all you need is a chance, and that dreams do come true….. For me, this journey began with the voice of my mother, who told me: “Don’t be me — be better than me.” And with my father, who taught my sons to fish, so they would never go hungry….Living justice means showing up — even when it’s hard. It means choosing integrity, especially when it’s inconvenient. Now, let’s go build something bold. Let’s go build something that lasts. Let’s step forward, not just as lawyers, but as stewards and champions of justice with honor, with grit, and with raw courage.” - Ellenia Matthews ‘25, SBA President
“About three weeks ago, my grandmother passed away. Now, my grandma and I didn’t really get along, particularly in her later years…..I knew she was dying, but I refused to see her, even to say a final goodbye. Consequently, I settled for hatred. I failed to do what was right….I was left only with a sense of loneliness and regret, and perhaps even a sense of hatred for myself. My experience with my grandma caused me to realize what is important – to do what is right, even when pride, ego, or material desires make it difficult. I realized that we must never settle for anything that is less than good, equitable, and considerate. And that’s exactly what CSU Law has prepared us to do in our careers and in life. That is, we not only learned law, but we embraced justice, and we can never settle for less than the best when it comes to justice….So, settle for what’s good, for what’s best, and for what’s just, and when you do, you won’t really be settling at all.” - Edward (Nick) Imbrogno’25, Valedictorian
“Law school gave us the structure: the rules, the thick casebooks, the outlines, and the sleepless nights. Those were our raw ingredients. Over time, we added in grit, resilience, and probably more caffeine than any human should ever consume…..The degrees we receive today are not the final course—they're the base for what comes next. The world needs what we bring to the table. And what we bring is more than knowledge—it’s the courage to act, the commitment to fight, and the responsibility to ensure justice is not just a concept, but a reality. Living justice is standing up when silence is easier. It’s listening to the voices history tried to erase. It’s using the law not just as a shield or a sword, but as a bridge — to bring together a world that seems so divided.” - Deedra Thompson ‘25, Dean’s Learn Law. Live Justice Award Recipient
We honored Professor Doron Kalir, Clinical Professor of Law, Director of our Appellate Clinic, and Dean’s Scholar as the SBA Faculty Member of the Year and Jill Natran, Manager of Administrative Operations, as SBA Staff Member of the Year. We also honored Adjunct Professor David Neel ’84, who has taught as an adjunct faculty member for 26 years, with the Judge Richard M. Markus Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year Award.
Associate Deans (soon to be Co-Interim Deans) Carolyn Broering-Jacobs and Brian Ray read the names of each graduate as President Bloomberg and I handed each graduate their diploma. Noel Roberts, Director of Advancement, assisted us with the awarding of diplomas.
Special thanks to Jill Natran for again leading the planning and execution of our very successful 2025 Commencement. Jill’s talents are extraordinary. Thanks also to the current and former staff who volunteered.
I concluded the ceremony with mixed emotions because this was my final Commencement as Dean of our great law school. I will be stepping down when my current term ends on June 30, to become President of Baldwin Wallace University. I will always have a special affinity for the Class of 2025 because, in a sense, I’m graduating with them, and together, we’re moving on to our next chapters. Our lives will have been forever shaped by what we learned and the lasting friendships we forged at Cleveland State University College of Law.
Have a great day and a great week!
The views and opinions expressed in my Monday Morning Message are solely my own and do not reflect the views and opinions of the law school or the university.
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My best,
Lee