“As LeBron James stated, ‘nothing is given, everything is earned.’ And Class of 2017, we have earned this law degree.” - Tiffany Henderson ’17, President, Student Bar Association
This is my final set of words of inspiration from our recent Commencement speakers. Below are excerpted remarks from CSU President Ronald Berkman, CSU Board Chair Bernie Moreno, Tiffany Henderson ’17, President, Student Bar Association, Ben Beckman, ’10, Chair, C|M|Law Board of Visitors, and Chief Magistrate Greg Clifford, ’80, President, C|M|LAW Alumni Association.
“As we send you forth today, I am reminded of these words of wisdom: Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. These words encapsulate CSU’s philosophy of Engaged Learning. For our graduates, higher education has been a hands-on experience. May it serve you well – and may you remain engaged – whatever comes next. Every one of you is an ambassador for the transformative power of public higher education. You represent our greatest hope for the future, and you can be an inspiration to those students who will follow in your footsteps. Encourage them. Mentor them. And lead by example…. Now more than ever, the world at large needs you.” – Cleveland State University President Ronald Berkman
“To those of you who may be concerned about getting a job, passing the bar, and other obstacles, I want you to know three things. You are almost there. There will be tough times ahead. Overcoming those difficulties is exactly what leads to success. Please honor your profession and remember that, like your diploma, no one can take away your reputation or integrity.” – Cleveland State University Board Chair Bernie Moreno
“ When I first started law school as an evening student, I had no idea how I would balance a fulltime job, school and family…..Law school is a demanding rite of passage. It changes you. You begin to interpret things differently and it forces you to question everything…. First, work with purpose. Determine how you can best use your law degree to challenge and improve yourself as well as those around you… Second, advocate vigorously to advance the rights of all people. We are so much stronger together than we are divided and there is so much that we can learn from each other. Third, be courageous. Do not be afraid to walk alone. ….. Finally, recognize the power that we personify. We have the power to change lives and change the world. “ Tiffany Henderson ’17, President, Student Bar Association
“…I want to make two requests today. First, to serve…. the ordinary work that those with legal training have done since the time of Hammurabi of ancient Babylon is also a form of service, whether you are protecting the innocent or punishing the guilty, writing our laws or enforcing them, lifting up the downtrodden or helping our business leaders to transact predictably and comply with the rules that govern them…. Second, to give. Today, you join the ranks of thousands of alumni of this law school, each of whom has the right to vote each year as to whether this institution is worthy of continued investment and support. Your ballot is your checkbook or your credit card. In these difficult economic times, with a shrinking state education budget, a cyclical downturn in law-school enrollment, and what I believe to be long-term changes in the market for legal education and legal service, people are watching and your vote matters. So, please, serve and give” - Ben Beckman, ’10, Chair, C|M|Law Board of Visitors
“ As a graduate of our beloved College of Law, we welcome you to become an active member of our outstanding alumni association. The Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association has been in existence for nearly 70 years and we are regarded as one of the top law school alumni associations in Ohio and arguably, rivals the best in the country…..Our association serves approximately 11,000 living graduates, including members of the judiciary, civic leaders and lawyers who have gone on to successful careers in a multitude of areas. The Class of 2017 stands in the unique position of being the first graduating class that is being offered membership in our Association at no cost. As a graduate of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, you can stand tall and be proud of your educational accomplishments. You have been educated to learn and apply the law and live a life seeking justice for all.” - Chief Magistrate Greg Clifford, ’80, President, C|M|Law Alumni Association
In honor of our historic 120th anniversary, our impressive Class of 2017, our inspiring current and future students, our distinguished alumni, and our dedicated faculty and staff, please help us “defend the land” by being “all in” our 120 Scholarship Campaign. Please consider a contribution or pledge today ranging from $120 to $12,000. The first 120 donors who contribute or pledge $1,200 or more by June 30 will receive a limited edition C|M|LAW 120 lapel pin, specially designed for this historic campaign. Please give here: Believe in C|M|LAW. Give Now. or send me an email with your pledge at: lee.fishernull@csuohio.nulledu. Your groundbreaking contribution will be the foundation of our campaign. It would mean a lot to us.
Have a great week.
My best,
Lee