Commencement 2008
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"When these 232 individuals have completed their academic requirements, they will be, quite simply, the finest new law graduates on the planet this year."
Yale Law School Dean Harold Hongju Koh's pride in the Class of 2008 was evident in his remarks to graduates during Commencement ceremonies on May 26, Memorial Day. He recounted some of their major accomplishments and reminded them "that the role of lawyers is to be leaders; that accomplishment alone, without humility, is tragic; and that excellence alone, without humanity, is worthless." In keeping with the day, he paid tribute to deceased U.S. military veterans who "paid what Abraham Lincoln called that ‘last full measure of devotion.'"
Deputy Dean Jonathan Macey '82, Sam Harris Professor of Corporate Law, Corporate Finance, and Securities Law, spoke of "three of the most critical things every lawyer should have: gratitude, courage, and an understanding of the world we live in today."
The announcement of degree candidates followed-203 Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees, 25 Master of Laws (LL.M.), 3 Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.), and 1 Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.).
Kenji Yoshino '96, Guido Calabresi Professor of Law, delivered the commencement address. Professor Yoshino, who is leaving Yale Law School, urged students to move toward the Promised Land of a society characterized by dignity, equality, and liberty. He ended his remarks on an emotional note, saying it was impossible to sum up what his years at Yale Law have meant to him.
"Today, my heart is full of gratitude," he said. "I thank my teachers who sit behind me for letting me learn from them, and my students who sit before me for letting me teach you. Less intuitively, but perhaps more importantly, I thank my teachers behind me for letting me teach them, and my students before me for letting me learn from you."
Also addressing the graduates was Carla Hills '58, chair and chief executive officer of Hills & Company, International, and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Ford Administration. Hills, who received an honorary degree earlier in the day from Yale University, had this piece of advice: "Select those opportunities that capture both your heart and mind. Love what you do and you will do it better." Y
To read the Commencement remarks and see additional photographs and a video of the ceremonies, visit www.law.yale.edu/news/7010.htm.
Photographs of Commencement 2008 by William K. Sacco, Yale University Media Services; Text by Kathy Colello
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