Nearly 200 UConn Law graduates, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of family and friends, celebrated the conferral of their degrees during the 102nd commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam delivered the keynote address, reflecting on how both triumphs and setbacks can guide us to where we’re meant to be. He noted that although he was once rejected by UConn Law, he now stood before the graduates as the city’s mayor and featured speaker.
See photos from commencement
Arulampalam spoke about how important it is to be able to see ourselves in each other and connect with each other on a personal level. He shared a story of meeting President Joe Biden at the White Houseand being struck by an octogenarian Irish Catholic finding similarities with a Sri Lankan-by-way-of-Zimbabwe immigrant half his age. He urged the audience to overcome the instinct to mistrust those who are different and instead strive to build the kind of society they wish to live in.
“UConn Class of 2025, you get to choose your destinies and our destinies, and you could be the very best of humanity,” Arulampalam said. “You could be the most powerful type of person, one who sows love in the midst of pain and brokenness and division, one who brings life into the midst of darkness, one who builds community in the midst of chaos. and collectively that is our point.”
Dean Eboni S. Nelson spoke about the many ways the Class of 2025 served its community, both inside and outside the law school, calling acts of service the class’s “collective love language.”
“You have exemplified the values of compassion, empathy, civility, and understanding as you’ve supported your peers and colleagues during challenging and fraught times,” she said. “The rich diversity of your cultures, experiences, and viewpoints has contributed to our excellence, and your leadership and advocacy have helped to bring and hold our community together. You have made one another better, and you have made this law school better. And for that, I thank you.”
The Class of 2025 features 143 graduates with juris doctor (JD) degrees, 54 with master of laws (LLM) degrees, and one with a doctor of the science of laws (SJD) degree. Five graduates earned dual degrees – a JD and a graduate degree from another UConn school or college.
Lois Nnenna Owunna, representing the LLM class, spoke of a feeling of belonging at UConn Law. She highlighted the diverse countries of origin, different languages, and unique traditions among the LLM graduates, noting that perseverance was their common thread. Nnenna Owunna added that they have a lot to give; they bring resilience, compassion, and a drive for justice, in addition to their legal knowledge.
“What we have experienced has bonded us for life,” she said. “We didn’t let borders or accents divide us. We built bridges.”
Meet some of the graduates
Speaking on behalf of the Evening Division, Yanhire Sierra-Lavalle reflected on the support of her family. She has held onto her father saying “Of course she is, she’s Yani” about her plans to attend law school five years ago.
“Look for mentors, colleagues, or friends, look for people who will continue to uplift you,” she told her classmates. “Look for the person who says ‘Of course you did it. You’re you.’ Don’t forget to give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself and give yourself the credit you have earned. When you find yourself in the room with some of the smartest people you have ever met, remember you’re in that room too.”
Alex Davenport, speaking for the Day Division, shared a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about moments of conscience, expressing confidence that she and her classmates are prepared to meet those moments with courage.
“Today is an expression of hope,” she said. “As we turn to the next chapter of our lives, I hope that we daily model commitments to empathy, service, community, and justice. I hope our lives are filled with love and joy. I hope we each know a career that embodies integrity and breathes courage.”
