Commencement
Florida International University College of Law Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Graham Center Ballroom Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Miami, Florida
FIU Alma Mater Belinda Gunn, Lyrics Carl Strommen, Music
We pledge to thee dear FIU, with voices loud and true. Alma Mater falter never, shine forever Gold and Blue. We fly our banners high, ev’ry culture we embrace. All our love and Panther Spirit, young and old we make this place. We hail together FIU, ev’ry scholar side by side, and we hail to Alma Mater, Alma Mater be our Guide.
Dear Class of 2021, Today we celebrate the culmination of your law school journey. Our faculty, staff, and administration are all honored to share in this proud moment for you and your families. Throughout your time at FIU Law, you have shown great enthusiasm, compassion, and understanding for each other, your clients, and other members of the law school community. Those traits became particularly valuable over the past fifteen months, during which you all rose to the many challenges of a global pandemic. It was not easy, but you persevered and triumphed, and we are all incredibly proud of you. Your class has set a commendable example for future students to follow. Even in the face of unprecedented adversity, you have published in law journals, been featured in legal periodicals for your skilled advocacy, and won multiple virtual competitions. You have represented children and other vulnerable members in our community, contributing more than 30,000 hours of volunteer legal service. And you did all of this while quickly adapting to remote education. The Class of 2021 is a particularly worthy addition to the ranks of FIU Law alumni, who have continued to excel on the Florida Bar Exam and in the profession while building upon FIU Law’s reputation. You are a strong, unified group, and your extraordinary accomplishments under extraordinary circumstances speak for themselves. The legacy you leave at FIU Law is an enduring one, and we look forward to following your careers and hearing of your many forthcoming successes. We also look forward to welcoming you back to campus as alumni, and hope that you continue to support FIU Law by joining the Dean’s Alumni Circle, judging moot court competitions, and sharing your time and talents with future generations of students. Today marks an important milestone in your life. Be proud of your accomplishments and remember that FIU Law will continue to support you in your professional endeavors.
Congratulations!
Antony Page Dean and FIU Foundation Professor of Law College of Law
2021 Law Commencement 1
2
Florida International University
Order of Exercises PROCESSIONAL Fanfare for the Common Man, Aaron Copland THE NATIONAL ANTHEM............................................................................................C. Christopher Ellis, College of Business The Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key
Donald Roomes, College of Business Louis Melbourne, College of Business
FIU ALMA MATER............................................................................................................C. Christopher Ellis, College of Business FIU Alma Mater, Belinda Gunn
Donald Roomes, College of Business Louis Melbourne, College of Business
WELCOME REMARKS....................................................................................................................Mark B. Rosenberg, President Elizabeth Bejar ’98, Senior Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs
REMARKS.........................................................................................................................................................Antony Page, Dean
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS...............................................................President Mark B. Rosenberg Senior Vice President Elizabeth Bejar, and Dean Antony Page Introduction of LL.M. and J.D. Candidates...................................................................................................... Professor Ila J. Klion Associate Dean Eloisa Rodriguez-Dod Associate Dean Manuel GÓmez Assistant Dean Raul RuÍz
CLOSING REMARKS.......................................................................................................................................Dean Antony Page
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES...........................................................................................................President Mark B. Rosenberg Senior Vice President Elizabeth Bejar RECESSIONAL 2021 Law Commencement 3
Candidates for Juris Doctor Degree Fall 2020 JD Janessa Denise Alfonso Tyler Blajian Juana Bozier Cetoute Christina Coizeau Lissette Garcia
Monica de la Caridad Gonzalez Mike Isalgue Sarah Elizabeth Lam Philip Francis McManus
Lianibet Morejon Ramon Romero Mario Romero Cecilia Marcela Ruiz Lujan Carlos Rigoberto Salazar
Deborah Leigh SterlinIP Jose Luis Villegas
Daniel Gridi Angelique Hernandez Natalia Hernandez Devon Alexandra Hoffman Andrew Hunter Michelle Alexa Juarez Brian Robert Kaam Brett Kaplan Zane William Katz Izaak Kaufman Brett Martin Klein Payton Kuenzli Hillary Elizabeth Kump Austin Christopher Lambert Mackenzie Lambert Chandler Addison Lefevere Angela R Leonardo Stephanie Liermo Ryan Linnus Bianca A Lucien Yanitza Madrigal Caleb Maggio Jade Manning E'leese D Manrique Alcides J Martinez Liane H Martinez
Darya Daniela Massoudi Brenna Mcgee Jacob C McMahonE Daniel Melo Nathalie Amira Miranda Davin Matthew Miret Stephany Karina Montano De La Torre Kristianne Nichole Neu Drew M Newman Marko D Nikitovic Christian Osorno Cortes Leif Palker Cindel Pando Stephanie Parra Clarissa Carolina Pascual Sofia Mercedes Perla Brian Michael Peters Jr Rafael Guillermo Prado Moncada Sierra L Press Jacob Keith Quinlan Victoria Ann Ramirez Christina Janay Ramsey Nicholas Robert Reid Anthony Andrew RiondaE
Spring 2021 JD Graduates Taylor Elisse Ager Matthew Jacob Akiba Nixon Jose Alcantara David Alvarez Marisa Joelle Anderson Gabriel Arbois Patricia Omaira Argibay Daiselys D Arritola Jessica Aujla Anthony Barreto Lindsay Marie Behnke Alejandra Belmont Carlos Alberto Betancourt Jordan N Bittle Jennifer Blanco Kiara Andria Bodnieks Sabrina Ann Boukheir Isaac Broad Brittany Samantha Broomfield Jacob T Cable Yina Cabrera Gloria Belen Cancino Chacon Elizabeth Marie Carrera Javier Aniceto Carriedo Jorge G Castillo
4
Florida International University
Alexander Paul Clauberg Joshua Cohen Francis Elaine Curiel Darlyn De La Rosa Juliana De Valdenebro Garrido Victoria Nieves Deleon Giuliana Di Croce Elisa Taylor Diaz Gabriel Alejandro Diaz Gabriela Diaz Dawn L Doughty Matthew Alexander Espino Ivan Feris Katrina Fernandez Matthew Anthony Filippini Shakeyla FloresIP Jacob Myles Foreman Yenifer Formoso Diego E Fragachan Quintero Audrey Lynn Franklin Roberto Gallinar Amanda Lynn Gonzalez Samantha Andrea Gonzalez Brandon Raul Gonzalez Taylor Gourley
Spring 2021 JD Graduates (Continued) Claudia Melissa Rojas Sousa Jordan Roth Kevin D Russetto Michaela Christine Layton Sanchez Yasmeen Tariq Sarsour Carli Melissa Shendell Daniela Silva
Nicholas Slawek Rotceh M Sotomayor Colorado Lindsey Stadnik Kishel Kavara Stubbs Daniel Anthony Tamargo Natalie N Temme Marshal Thomas
Nicole M Torres Dalton Scot Tritschler Francisco W Tschen Ian Tygar Ashira Vantrees Daniela A Vega Renata Alves Villar Jared Vitola
Justin A Waxman Jeremy Alan Weberman Kimberly Ann Wittman Jason Yeber Tiara D Young Maria Clara Zapatero Salomon Zundel Tatiana Zuniga
Summer 2021 JD Graduates Terra J Johnston
Chiani Murray
Lauren Nicole Ramos
Fall 2020 LL.M. Graduates Nayah Jaber Grisales Renata Keller Dias Duran
Gabriel Pelaez Jose E Ponce Ayala
Maria P Ramirez Sandra R Rojas
Andres E Urdaneta
Spring 2021 LL.M. Graduates Maria Carolina Gomez Cardenas
Leonardo Generoso Martinez
Jean Christian R Ruiz
Summer 2021 LL.M. Graduates Giusy Gugliandolo Alisa Prudkaia
Roberto Albin Dorixis Batista
Kelly Tatiana Vasquez
Legend E IP
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate Candidate Intellectual Property Certificate Candidate
Valedictorian Purple/Gold Cord Salutatorian Purple Cord Summa Cum Laude Gold Cord Magna Cum Laude Silver Cord Cum Laude White Cord FIU Law Review Light Blue Cord
International Commercial Arbitration Team Green Cord Moot Court Team Navy Blue Cord Negotiation & Mediation Team Red Cord Trial Team Orange Cord Student Bar Association Board Yellow Cord Veteran Red/White/Blue Cord
2021 Law Commencement 5
Recognitions The following awards were presented to members of the graduating class FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARD
Awarded by the faculty to the graduates who have demonstrated the most exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the College of Law and to the community at large. Elisa Taylor Diaz Sofia Mercedes Perla Christina Janay Ramsey Anthony Andrew Rionda ALEX AND MARIBETY ALVAREZ EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD
Awarded to the graduate whose service to the College of Law made a meaningful and lasting impact. Taylor Gourley Tatiana Zuniga JACKSON LEWIS LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT AWARD
Awarded to the graduates who have demonstrated overall excellence in the area of labor and employment law. Devon Alexandra Hoffman MURRAY A. GREENBERG PRIZE
Awarded to the graduates who have demonstrated overall excellence in the study of local government law. Anthony Andrew Rionda LL.M. OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Giusy Gugliandolo OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO TRIAL TEAM AWARD
Carlos Rigoberto Salazar TRIAL TEAM OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY AWARD
Angelique Hernandez
Chandler Addison Lefevere
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO MOOT COURT TEAM AWARD
Michelle Alexa Juarez
Chandler Addison Lefevere
Ashira Vantrees
MOOT COURT TEAM OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY AWARD
Francis Elaine Curiel
E’leese D Manrique
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION TEAM
Matthew Jacob Akiba
Juliana De Valdenebro Garrido
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION TEAM OUTSTANDING ARBITRATION SKILLS AWARD
Matthew Alexander Espino 6
Florida International University
Yenifer Formoso
Rafael Guillermo Prado Moncada
Recognitions OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO NEGOTIATION AND MEDIATION TEAM AWARD
Lindsay Marie Behnke
Liane H Martinez
NEGOTIATION AND MEDIATION TEAM OUTSTANDING NEGOTIATION SKILLS AWARD
Lindsay Marie Behnke
Liane H Martinez
Payton Kuenzli
Christina Janay Ramsey
Audrey Lynn Franklin
STUDENT ORGANIZATION AWARD
Awarded to the student organizations that have demonstrated excellence in service, student engagement, and commitment to the community. FIU Law Mindfulness Association Sports, Entertainment, Fashion and Arts Law Society PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD
Awarded to the graduates who have demonstrated excellence in pro bono service with more than 130 hours of pro bono service provided to the community. Matthew Jacob Akiba Gabriel Arbois Jennifer Blanco Isaac Broad Yina Cabrera Jorge G Castillo Juana Bozier Cetoute Darlyn De La Rosa Victoria Nieves Deleon Gabriel Alejandro Diaz Amanda Lynn Gonzalez
Samantha Andrea Gonzalez Brandon Raul Gonzalez Taylor Gourley Daniel Gridi Angelique Hernandez Mike Isalgue Michelle Alexa Juarez Hillary Elizabeth Kump Sarah Elizabeth Lam Chandler Addison Lefevere Ryan Linnus
Jade Manning E'leese D Manrique Liane H Martinez Stephany Karina Montano De La Torre Lianibet Morejon Christian Osorno Cortes Cindel Pando Clarissa Carolina Pascual Sofia Mercedes Perla Brian Michael Peters Jr
Yasmeen Tariq Sarsour Daniela Silva Lindsey Stadnik Deborah Leigh Sterlin Nicole M Torres Dalton Scot Tritschler Ashira Vantrees Renata Alves Villar Jeremy Alan Weberman Jason Yeber Tatiana Zuniga
EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO THE CLINICAL PROGRAMS AWARDS Awarded to the graduates who have demonstrated excellence in service to the clinical programs. CARLOS A. COSTA IMMIGRATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS CLINIC
David Alvarez DEATH PENALTY CLINIC
Giuliana Di Croce
Ashira Vantress
COMMUNITY LAWYERING CLINIC
Jessica Aujla
Tatiana Zuniga 2021 Law Commencement 7
BUSINESS INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY CLINIC
Patricia Omaira Argibay
Christina Coizeau
DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Valedictorian (Full-Time Division) Jordan N Bittle, Salutatorian (Full-Time Division) Ivan Feris, Valedictorian (Part-Time Division) Francisco W Tschen, Salutatorian (Part-Time Division) Anthony Andrew Rionda
Student Bar Association Board President
4L Representative
1L Representative Day (Section A)
Elisa Taylor Diaz
Anthony Andrew Rionda
Jose Gutierrez
Vice President Day
3L Representative Day
1L Representative Day (Section A)
Lynden James
Shakeyla Flores
Michelle Rosario
Vice President Day
3L Representative Day
1L Representative Day (Section B)
Rafael Guillermo Prado Moncada
Gabriel Alejandro Diaz
Brittani Burkes
Vice President Evening
3L Representative Evening
1L Representative Day (Section B )
Nicole M. Torres
Chantal Camuglia
Amber Stich
Treasurer
2L Representative Day
1L Representative Evening
Natalia Morales
Cooper Eisinger
Patiqua Rolle
Secretary
2L Representative Day
LL.M. Representative
Victoria Dias
Louis Figueroa
Alisa Prudkaia
2L Representative Evening
ABA Representative
Melissa Lima
Tatiana Zuniga SGA Liaison Kamila Fernandez
Admissions Ambassador Program Graduating Members Lindsay Marie Behnke Jordan N Bittle Yina Cabrera Elisa Taylor Diaz Gabriel Alejandro Diaz
8
Florida International University
Shakeyla Flores Audrey Lynn Franklin Alcides J Martinez Liane H Martinez Rafael Guillermo Prado Moncada
Jacob Keith Quinlan Nicholas Robert Reid Ashira Vantrees Jason Yeber
FIU Law Review Editorial Board Editor-In-Chief Sofia Perla Executive Articles Editor
Executive Articles Editor
Executive Comments Editor
Executive Marketing Editor
Samantha Gonzalez
Christian Osorno Cortes
Yina Cabrera
Ivan Feris Jr
Articles Editors Jordan Bittle Darlyn De La Rosa Devon Hoffman Brian Peters Daniela Silva Kishel Stubbs
Staff Members Doğa Barut Morgan Carr Holli Credit Stephanie Cross Marcel De La Cruz Dilara Demirel Cooper Eisinger Louis Figueroa Audrey Franklin Lynden James Jr Robert Kemper Mary Kenney Samantha Lee Maria Llanos
Kyle Macdonald Amada Martinez Shirley Miranda J’djouna Pierre Amanda Pulido Sean Sabogal Christian Sarceño Robles Nicolas Scutari Gleisy Sopena Wallace Stage Francesca Stein Thomas Trabue Marissa Zink
Senior Staff Members Jessica Aujla Lindsay Behnke Juana Cetoute Victoria Deleon Shakeyla Flores Angelique Hernandez Michelle Juarez
Liane Martinez Kristianne Neu Stephanie Parra Sierra Press Mario Romero Dalton Tritschler Zane Katz
Faculty Advisory Committee Professor Eric R. Carpenter, Chair Interim Law Library Director Lisa Davis Professor Jorge L. Esquirol
2021 Law Commencement 9
World Arbitration and Mediation Review Board of Editors Manuel Gomez Editor in Chief Matthew Jacob Akiba Deputy Editor in Chief
Jeremy Alan Weberman Executive Managing Editor
SENIOR EXECUTIVE STAFF MEMBERS Christina Coizeau Executive Submissions Editor Payton Kuenzli Senior Executive Editor Cecilia Ruiz Lujan Senior Executive Editor
Jade Manning Senior Executive Editor Executive Marketing Editor Jacob Keith Quinlan Senior Executive Editor
SENIOR EDITORIAL STAFF MEMBERS Matthew Alexander Espino
Deborah Leigh Sterlin
Brandon Gonzalez
Ashira Vantrees
Brenna McGee
JUNIOR EDITORIAL STAFF MEMBERS Marcus Leonard
Reinaldo Camacho Padron
Colin McComas
Marianne Pazos
Sarah Moustafa
Rafael Prado
Teresa Muniz
Michelle Sola
Katherine Nanny
Carla Freire Torres
Zoila Noas Phillip Lolis
10
Florida International University
African Journal of Legal Studies 2020-2021 Editorial Board Editor-In-Chief Prof. J. Janewa Osei-Tutu, FIU College of Law, FL, USA Editorial Board Prof. Charles C. Jalloh, FIU College of Law, FL, USA Simon M. Meisenberg, Attorney, Germany Prof. Srividhya Ragavan, Texas A&M University School of Law, TX, USA Graduate Editorial Team, FIU College of Law, 2020-2021 Stephanie Cross, B.I.S. (2016), J.D. (2021) Senior Associate Editor Darya Massoudi, B.A. (2018), J.D. (2021) Senior Associate Editor Sofia Perla, B.S. (2016), J.D. (2021) Senior Associate Editor Eduardo Alvarez, B.A. (2019), J.D. (2022) Assistant Editor Jade Manning, B.A. (Hons) 2014, (J.D. 2021) Associate Editor Rotceh Sotomayor B.A. (2018), J.D. (2021), Assistant Editor Shahnaz Uddin, B.A. (2018), J.D. (2022) Assistant Editor Advisory Board: Dr. Obijiofor Aginam, United Nations University, Japan Dr. Adelle Blackett, McGill University, Canada Dr. Uche Ewelukwa, University of Arkansas School of Law, AR, USA Dr. James T. Gathii, Loyola University of Chicago Law School, IL, USA Dr. Edwini Kessie, World Trade Organization, Switzerland Dr. Edward Kwakwa, World Intellectual Property Organization, Switzerland Dr. Pacifique Manirakiza, University of Ottawa, Canada Dr. Makau Mutua, The State University of New York, Buffalo Law School, NY, USA Dr. Vincent O. Nmehielle, African Development Bank, Cote d’Ivoire Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, East African Court of Justice, Tanzania
2021 Law Commencement 11
Competition Team Graduating Members Trial Team
Negotiation and Mediation Team
Moot Court Team
Elisa Taylor Diaz Audrey Lynn Franklin Angelique Hernandez Hillary Elizabeth Kump Sarah Elizabeth Lam Chandler Addison Lefevere Drew M Newman Marko D Nikitovic Christina Janay Ramsey Nicholas Robert Reid Carlos Rigoberto Salazar Natalie N Temme Ian Tygar
Lindsay Marie Behnke, Co-President Liane H Martinez, Co-President Daiselys D Arritola Carlos Alberto Betancourt Jennifer Blanco Javier Aniceto Carriedo Gabriela Diaz Matthew Alexander Espino Shakeyla Flores Audrey Lynn Franklin Roberto Gallinar Amanda Lynn Gonzalez Devon Alexandra Hoffman Payton Kuenzli Bianca A Lucien Jade Manning Darya Daniela Massoudi Brenna McGee Stephanie Parra Diego E Fragachan Quintero Christina Janay Ramsey Nicholas Robert Reid Jordon Roth Deborah Leigh Sterlin Kishel Kavara Stubbs Ian Tygar Ashira Vantrees Justin A Waxman Jason Yeber
Taylor Ellise Ager Marisa Joelle Anderson Lindsay Marie Behnke Yina Cabrera Francis Elaine Curiel Darlyn De La Rosa Victoria Nieves DeLeon Gabriel Alejandro Diaz Gabriela Diaz Ivan Feris Katrina Fernandez Amanda Lynn Gonzalez Samantha Andrea Gonzalez Daniel Gridi Angelique Hernandez Devon Alexandra Hoffman Michelle Alexa Juarez Hillary Eizabeth Kump Chandler Adison Lefevere Austin Christopher Lambert E’leese D Manrique Liane H Martinez Jacob C McMahon Marko D Nikitovic Christian Osorno Cortes Sofia Mercedes Perla Brian Michal Peters Victoria Ann Ramirez Nick Robert Reid Daniela Silva Dalton Scot Tritschler Ashira Vantrees Renata Alves Vilar Jeremy Alan Weberman Tatiana Zuniga
International Commercial Arbitration Team Matthew Jacob Akiba Juliana de Valdenebro Garrido Gabriela Díaz Matthew Alexander Espino Yenifer Formoso Brandon Raul González Bianca A Lucie Marko D Nikitovic Rafael Guillermo Prado Moncada
12
Florida International University
State of Florida The Honorable Ron DeSantis, Governor The Honorable Jeanette Nuñez ’94, ’98, Lieutenant Governor The Honorable Ashley Moody, Attorney General The Honorable Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer The Honorable Nikki Fried, Commissioner of Agriculture
State University System of Florida Board of Governors Marshall M. Criser III, Chancellor Sydney Kitson, Chair Brian Lamb, Vice Chair Richard Corcoran, Commissioner of Education Timothy M. Cerio Aubrey Edge Patricia Frost Edward Haddock H. Wayne Huizenga Jr. Ken Jones Darlene Luccio Jordan
Alan Levine Charles H. Lydecker Ally Schneider Steven M. Scott William Self Eric Silagy Kent Stermon
Florida International University Board of Trustees 2020-2021 Dean C. Colson ’09, Chair Rogelio Tovar ’92, ’94, Vice Chair Cesar L. Alvarez
Donna J. Hrinak
Chanel T. Rowe ’14
Jose J. Armas
Natasha Lowell
Marc D. Sarnoff
Leonard Boord
T. Gene Prescott
Carlos Trujillo
Claudia Puig Faculty Member Joerg Reinhold Chair, FIU Faculty Senate
Student Member Alexandra Valdes Student Government, MMC 2021 Law Commencement 13
Florida International University Foundation Board of Directors 2020-2021 Executive Committee Humberto “Burt” Cabañas ’76, Chairperson
Juan R. Figuereo ’81
Adalio T. Sanchez ’87, Vice Chairperson
Gerald C. Grant, Jr. ’78, MBA ’89
Andre L. Teixeira ’92, MAcc ’93, Treasurer
Michael A. Kappitt ’92
Jill M. Granat, Esq. ’87, Secretary
Juan J. Martinez ’90, MAcc ’93
Richard Brilliant ’93, Immediate Past Chairperson
Chad Moss ’94
Mark B. Rosenberg, President
Elliot N. Stone
Howard R. Lipman, Chief Executive Officer
Albert R. Taño, MD
Steven M. Berwick, CPA ’74
Florida International University Administration Mark B. Rosenberg, President Kenneth G. Furton, Provost & Executive Vice President Kenneth A. Jessell, Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration Elizabeth Bejar ’98, Senior Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs Sandra B. Gonzalez-Levy, Senior Vice President, External Relations, Strategic Communications and Marketing Howard R. Lipman, Senior Vice President, University Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FIU Foundation Inc. Robert Sackstein, Senior Vice President, Health Affairs & Dean, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Kevin B. Coughlin Jr., Vice President, Enrollment Management and Services Andrés G. Gil ’86, Vice President, Research and Economic Development & Dean, University Graduate School Robert Grillo ’91, Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer El pagnier K. Hudson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Vice Provost, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Saif Y. Ishoof, Vice President, Engagement Javier I. Marqués ’92, ’96, Vice President, Operations and Safety & Chief of Staff, Office of the President Pablo G. Ortiz, Vice President & Vice Provost, Regional Academic Locations and Institutional Development Michelle L. Palacio ’03, Vice President, Governmental Relations Carlos B. Castillo ’88, General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel Pete Garcia, Executive Director, Sports and Entertainment
14
Florida International University
College of Law Faculty & Administration Faculty Administration Antony Page, Dean & FIU Foundation Professor of Law Michelle D. Mason, Senior Associate Dean for Experiential Learning & Associate Dean for Enrollment Jose Gabilondo, Associate Dean for Accreditation and Reporting & Professor of Law Manuel A. Gómez, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Global Engagement & Professor of Law Angelique Ortega, Associate Dean for Student Services & Assistant Professor of Legal Skills and Values Eloisa C. Rodriguez-Dod, M.B.A. ’83, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Law Louis N. Schulze, Jr., Associate Dean & Professor of Academic Support Howard M. Wasserman, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development & Professor of Law Ana Bierman, Assistant Dean at Abraham S. Ovadia Career Planning and Placement Christopher Carbot, ’05, J.D. ’09, Assistant Dean for Administration and Strategic Initiatives Raul Ruiz, J.D. ’06, Assistant Dean of Bar Preparation & Assistant Professor of Academic Support
Faculty M. Michele Anglade, Lecturer of Law
José M. Gabilondo, Professor of Law
Tawia Baidoe Ansah, Professor of Law
Juan Carlos Gómez, Clinical Associate Professor of Law & Director, Carlos A. Costa Immigration and Human Rights Clinic
Thomas E. Baker, Professor of Law Eric R. Carpenter, Associate Professor of Law Cyra Akila Choudhury, Professor of Law Margaret Brenan Correoso, Assistant Professor of Legal Skills and Values Yordanka Delionado, Assistant Professor of Legal Skills and Values Jorge L. Esquirol, Professor of Law Megan A. Fairlie, Professor of Law H. Scott Fingerhut, Assistant Director, Trial Advocacy Program
Charles C. Jalloh, Professor of Law Ila J. Klion, Associate Professor of Legal Skills and Values & Assistant Director, Legal Skills and Values Program Phyllis Diane Kotey, Clinical Professor of Law & Director, Externship and Pro Bono Programs Erin Loeb, Assistant Professor of Legal Skills and Values Jerry W. Markham, Professor of Law M.C. Mirow, Professor of Law Rima Y. Mullins, Assistant Professor of Legal Skills and Values Scott F. Norberg, Professor of Law
Stanley Fish, Davidson-Kahn Distinguished University Professor of Humanities and Law
J. Janewa Osei-Tutu, Associate Professor of Law
Elizabeth Price Foley, Professor of Law
Eloisa C. Rodriguez-Dod, Professor of Law 2021 Law Commencement 15
Ediberto Román, Professor of Law & Director, Citizenship and Nationality Initiatives
Leonard P. Strickman, Founding Dean Emeritus & Professor of Law Emeritus
Rosario Lozada, Associate Professor of Legal Skills and Values
Hannibal Travis, Professor of Law Victor M. Uribe-Uran, Professor of History and Law
H.T. Smith, Director, Trial Advocacy Program John F. Stack, Jr., Professor of Political Science and Law & Founding Dean, Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs
David D. Walter, Professor of Legal Skills and Values & Co-Director, Legal Skills and Values Program Howard M. Wasserman, Professor of Law
Kerri L. Stone, Professor of Law
Jean G. Zorn, Professor of Law Emerita
Law Library Faculty Lisa Davis, Interim Director, Law Library Marisol Florén-Romero, Assistant Director for Library Services & Foreign and International Law Librarian Sailaja Tumrukota, Collection Services Law Librarian Pushyamitra Veermachaneni, Outreach & Library Services Law Librarian
Adjunct Faculty The Honorable Adalberto Jordan
The Honorable Robert N. Scola, Jr.
The Honorable Carlos L. Fernandez
United States Court of Appeals
United States District Court,
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
for the Eleventh Circuit
Southern District of Florida
The Honorable Federico A. Moreno
The Honorable Kevin Emas
The Honorable Jose Rodriguez
United States District Court,
Florida Third District Court of Appeal
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
Southern District of Florida The Honorable Angelica D. Zayas Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida
16
Florida International University
Adjunct Faculty (continued) Gia Abreu O’Conner, J.D. ’11 Hugo Acebo Karim Batista, J.D. ’13 Maite Diaz, J.D. ’06 David Barman, J.D. ’05 Yuni Bareto, J.D. ’10 Luis Barreto Michael Birnholz Lauren Brunswick Geannina Burgos, J.D. ’13 Isis Carbajal de Garcia Stephanie Casey Daniel Cervantes, J.D. ’07 Dana Chaaban, J.D. ’14 Gina Chevallier, J.D. ’10 Kendall Coffey Joni Armstrong Coffey Kristen Corpion Barbara Fernandez Javier Fernandez-Samaniego
James Gale Juan Garcia Heath Glick Jonathan Grossman Ashley Hamilton Kevin Hellman Jerome M. Hesch Jacob Hurst Bruce Iden Salvador Jurado, Jr., J.D. ’06 Dennis Klein Christopher Kokoruda, J.D. ’10 Abraham Laeser Oliver Langstadt Larry R. Leiby John Little Abbe Rifkin Logan Sam Londono Norma Lorenzo, J.D. ’05 Richard Lorenzo
Christopher Martin David Mesnekoff William T. Muir Eduardo Palmer Stefanie Parchment, J.D. ’12 Bernardo Pastor Javier Peral Denise Gavica Perez Lorayne Perez, J.D. ’10 Rofelio Perez-Perdomo Celeste Pozo Keith Puls Jarred Reiling, J.D. ’11 Lisa Roberts Aida Rodriguez Jose Sanchez Christian Sanchelima, J.D. ’13 Richard Schevis, J.D. ’09 Bryan Truyol, J.D. ’16 Michael Valdes
2021 Law Commencement 17
Florida International University Alumni Association Executive Board of Directors 2020-2021 Michael A. Hernández ’04, MPA ’11 President
Gina Duarte-Romero ’91, M.Ed. ’08 President-Elect
Miguel Larrea ’96 Secretary
Benjamin Sardiñas ’01 Parliamentarian
Juan Carlos Alexander, Esq. ’04 Treasurer
Maria D. Garcia, Esq., ’05, J.D. ’08 Immediate Past President
Dean's Leadership Council 2020-2021 Alex Alvarez Cesar L Alvarez, Chair Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz Judge Marcia Del Rey, J.D. ’09 Pete L DeMahy Manny Diaz Gonzalo R Dorta Albert E Dotson, Jr. Katherine Fernandez Rundle Tomas F Gamba Maria D Garcia, J.D. ’08 Joseph J Goldberg, J.D. ’11 Carlos R Lago, J.D. ’09 Javier A Lopez
18
Florida International University
Carlos J Martinez Desmond Meade, J.D. ’14 Michael Mendez A. Sheila Oretsky, J.D. ’05 Abraham S Ovadia, J.D. ’09 Robert L Parks Judge Luis Perez-Medina, J.D. ’05 Trelvis D Randolph Jenna R Rassif Israel U Reyes Judge Jose Rodriguez Chanel T Rowe, J.D. ’14 Yolanda P Strader Robert Zarco
FIU Law Supporters 2020-2021 TORCH SOCIETY GOLD FLAME $1,000,000 & UP Greenberg Traurig TORCH SOCIETY SILVER FLAME $500,000 - $999,999 Vital Projects Fund, Inc. TORCH SOCIETY BRONZE FLAME $100,000 - $499,999 Abraham S. Ovadia, JD ’09 AccessLex Institute Dean Antony Page Tides Foundation SOCIETY OF FOUNDERS $50,000 - $99,999 M. Quinn Delaney Ruben Alvarez LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $25,000 - $49,999 Bilzin Sumberg Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Colson Hicks Eidson Jackson Lewis, P.C. Hunton Andrews PARTNER’S CIRCLE $10,000 - $24,999 Anthony Rionda, JD ’21 Elaine Bloom Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton, LLP Tomas Gamba Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, LLC
FRIEND’S CIRCLE $1,0000 - $9,999 Amaniac Design Corporation Andres Montero Aram Megerian Baker & Partners BDO USA, LLP Boyes, Farina & Matwiczyk, PA Broward County Hispanic Bar Association, Inc. Carlos Lago, JD ’09 Christopher Kokoruda, JD ’10 Fiduciary Trust International of the South Frandley Julien, JD ’17 FWD.us Education Fund, Inc. Gunnar Mandrisch, JD ’12 Holland & Knight, LLP Jeffrey Molinaro, JD ’10 Joseph Reyes Judge Jose Rodriguez Larry Leiby Leonard Strickman Maria D. Garcia, JD ’08 M.C. Mirow McLuskey, McDonald & Hughes, P.A. Pamela Fero Law, PLLC Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. Price Waterhouse Cooper Charitable Foundation, Inc. Price Waterhouse Coopers, LLP Robert Strongarone, JD ’15 Sequor Law, P.A. Scott Norberg Stewart Appelrouth South Florida ACFE The Café Group, LLC The Florida Bar Veerle Goudswaard Wolters Kluwer
PATRON’S CIRCLE $500 - $999 Alex Acosta Alexis Gonzalez, JD ’16 Andrew Balthazor, JD ’19 David Fassler Gray Robinson, P.A. Joëlle Moreno Judge Kevin Emas Megan Fairlie Mitchell Kitroser Nydia Streets Rosa Rodriguez Veritext Legal Solutions Thomas Baker TRANSFORMER’S CIRCLE Endowments C.A.M.P. 4 Justice Human Rights Endowment Law Professorship Endowment Ted – Rosalind Spak Law School Endowment Cuban American Bar Scholarship Endowment Judge Thomas C. Britton Law Scholarship Endowment Joseph A. Reyes Law Scholarship Endowment Mario P. Goderich Merit Scholarship Endowment The Louis A. Reitmeister Environmental Law Scholarship Endowment Rafael L. Diaz-Balart Scholarship Endowment Emma Tarafa Memorial Scholarship Endowment
2021 Law Commencement 19
20878_05/21
20
Florida International University
Florida International University is a vibrant, student-centered public research university committed to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. With nearly 59,000 students and 260,000 alumni, FIU finds strength in numbers — but it’s what these numbers have accomplished that truly tells the story of impact. We are a Top 50 national public university, according to Washington Monthly; a Top 50 Positive Impact University, according to Times Higher Education Impact Rankings; and top performer in social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report. Our alumni have risen to prominence in every field, producing real results. Real Triumphs.