spring 2022
T H E H I S TO RY A N D D I S T I N C T I V E Q UA LI T Y O F S O U T H T EXA S CO LLE G E O F L AW H O U S TO N Founded in 1923 as the first law school in Houston, South Texas College of Law Houston was organized by the YMCA to respond to the legal needs of a boomtown city. Working individuals needed a way to obtain a legal education part-time, and leading attorneys and jurists committed to teach after business hours. STCL Houston leaders connected need, opportunity and challenge, and the law school flourished as the city of Houston prospered. In the early days of the 20th century, the first class of 34 students was taught by 12 practicing lawyers. Now, STCL Houston’s 52 full-time faculty and 43 adjunct faculty teach more than 900 students each year in its full-time and part-time juris doctorate programs.
One of the most diverse law schools in the country (and in the most diverse city in the country), South Texas regularly is recognized as a “best school” for diverse students. South Texas students represent a wide spectrum of ages, races, interests, and personal and professional backgrounds. Students fresh from undergraduate universities learn alongside law students who are teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, police officers and corporate managers. An excellent faculty is central to the quality of a law school. In addition to having outstanding scholarly credentials, most professors at South Texas distinguished themselves in legal practice before becoming educators. From their career experiences as attorneys in government, corporations and private practice, the law school’s faculty members enrich the study of legal theories and principles with real-world perspectives. A professional education cannot be completed in the classroom. Along with the knowledge of legal doctrine, South Texas students acquire technical skills and develop professional judgment through nationally-recognized experiential learning programs including in-house legal clinics, advocacy and legal writing competitions, simulations and capstone courses, academic externships in a wide array of law practice settings, and a volunteer pro bono service program. These experiences ensure STCL Houston students are ready for success in the courtroom, the boardroom or the workplace when they graduate.
The law school’s nationally ranked Advocacy Program helps students develop the litigation skills required of successful lawyers. South Texas students have earned 136 national titles in mock trial and moot court competitions, twice as many as any other law school in the nation. The Frank Evans Center for Conflict Resolution teaches students negotiation, mediation and arbitration skills, and students in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program have won first place in 21 competitions.The Transactional Skills Center gives students firsthand experience completing complex business transactions. The 20-plus Randall 0. Sorrels Legal Clinics provide students the opportunity to practice law under the supervision of attorneys in areas much needed in our community, including family law, probate, guardianship, domestic violence, actual innocence, asylum and human trafficking, tax, trademark law, animal rights, landlord/tenant law, veterans issues and more.
Today, the law school’s 16,000-plus living alumni include highly respected law firm partners and associates, judges and justices, civil and criminal governmental attorneys, professors, business leaders, elected officials and entrepreneurs, throughout Texas and across the nation.
CO M M EN C EM EN T S P E A K ER - S P R I N G 2 0 2 2 U n i t e d S tat e s Di st r ic t J ud g e Geor g e C. Hanks, Jr.
Judge Hanks was appointed as a United States District Judge by President Barack Obama on April 22, 2015. Prior to his appointment he had served as a United States Magistrate Judge, a Justice on the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas and as the judge of the 157th District Court in Houston. In private practice, Judge Hanks specialized in complex commercial and medical malpractice litigation. Judge Hanks graduated first in his class from Louisiana State University, receiving the University Medal for Highest Academic Achievement and his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, summa cum laude. He attended Harvard Law School where he received the Legal Defense Fund/Earl Warren Scholarship and was an editor of the Harvard Blackletter Law Journal. Upon graduation, he served as a law clerk for United States District Court Judge Sim Lake. He later received his Master of Laws degree from Duke University School of Law. Judge Hanks is a member of the American Law Institute and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and on the Advisory Board of the Judicial Education Program at George Mason University. Judge Hanks is a published legal author and lecturer at continuing judicial education seminars throughout the country. He has served as a member of the Texas Judicial Panel for Multi-District Litigation and the Board of Directors of the Texas Bar College and the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas. Judge Hanks is passionate about public service and has served on numerous civic and charitable boards throughout his career. Judge Hanks is a licensed airplane pilot and master scuba diver. He is also an avid runner and has completed over 35 full marathons, including all six of the World Marathon Majors (Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin and Tokyo).
CO M M EN C EM EN T S P E A K ER - FA LL 2 0 2 1 E p hrai m del Poz o ’ 97
Ephraim del Pozo ’97, a partner with Porter|Hedges, serves as a member of the South Texas College of Law Houston board of directors. His practice focuses on energy finance and includes a broad range of corporate transactions. He regularly assists clients with onshore, offshore, upstream and mid-stream operations, including the acquisition and divestiture of energy-related assets and much more. He earned his J.D. degree magna cum laude from STCL Houston in 1997 and his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from the University of Houston in 1993. Mr. del Pozo received recognition as one of the Best Lawyers in America, Banking and Finance Law from 2015 to 2022. He was a featured speaker during Hispanic Heritage Night, hosted by the STCL Houston Hispanic Law Students Association in October 2021. He also is the published author of “I Wish I Could Thank Them All,” The Texas Lawbook Publication (2020). Mr. del Pozo is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association. He served as a director and former president of the Mexican American Bar Association, and is a member and former director of the Hispanic Bar Association.
OR DER O F EX ERC I S E
Processional................................................................................................................... Stanley Fontenot, Jr. Bagpiper The audience will rise for the processional and national anthem in accordance with the dignity of the occasion. In consideration of other guests around you, we appreciate your silence during the ceremony.
National Anthem..................................................................................... Led by Helen Bishop Jenkins Professor & Exec. VP Emeritus, South Texas College of Law Houston
Welcome and Introduction...................................................................................... Michael F. Barry President and Dean, South Texas College of Law Houston
Greetings from Student.............................................. Eric Bertrand Williams II, May 2022 Presentation of Class Gift....................................................................... Edward Julius Michel Student Bar Association President Greetings from Alumni Association............................................ Catina Haynes Perry ’06 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
Commencement Address................................................................................. George C. Hanks, Jr. United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas
Presentation of Graduates............................................. Ted L. Field and Cherie O. Taylor Assoc. Deans and VPs South Texas College of Law Houston
Conferring of Doctor of Jurisprudence Degrees............................ Michael F. Barry President and Dean, South Texas College of Law Houston
Faculty Hoodmasters............................................................................................................. Professors Josh Blackman, Richard Carlson, Daniel Correa, Helen Bishop Jenkins, Joseph K. Leahy, Katerina Lewinbuk, Shelby A. D. Moore, Njeri Mathis Rutledge Closing Remarks........................................................................................................... Michael F. Barry President and Dean, South Texas College of Law Houston
Recessional................................................................................................................ Stanley Fontenot, Jr. Bagpiper
The audience will be seated during the recessional.
BOA R D O F DI R E C TO R S
Executive Committee
Chairmen Emeritus
Genora Kendrick Boykins ’85, Chairman J. Kenneth Johnson ’86, Immediate past chair Hon. Theresa W. Chang ’96 Stewart W. Gagnon ’74 Chris Hanslik ’95 Michael W. Milich ’97 Randall O. Sorrels ’87 Ruthie Nelson White ’96 Michael S. Hays ’74, ex officio Don D. Jordan ’69, ex officio
Michael S. Hays ’74 Don D. Jordan ’69
Members Darryl M. Burman ’83 Michael E. Cokinos Aparna Dave ’02 Ephraim del Pozo ’97 Randy R. Howry ’85 Nicholas J. Lanza, Jr. ’89 Joseph K. Lopez ’78 Mary-Olga Lovett ’93 Hon. Debra Ibarra Mayfield ’99* Catina Haynes Perry ’06 Andrew Sommerman ’86 James D. Thompson III ’86
*Deceased
Advisory Directors Larry Baillargeon ’74 Hon. Robert A. Eckels ’93 Imogen S. Papadopoulos ’84 Gordon Quan ’77
T H E FAC U LT Y
Full-Time Faculty Members Michael Barry President and Dean John H. Bauman Debra Berman Josh Blackman Vanessa S. Browne-Barbour Catherine Greene Burnett Elaine A. Carlson Richard R. Carlson Amanda Harmon Cooley Geoffrey S. Corn Daniel Correa Elizabeth A. Dennis W. David East Matthew J. Festa Ted L. Field Derek Fincham
Sharon G. Finegan Robert Galloway Pamela E. George Maxine D. Goodman Helen Bishop Jenkins R. Randall Kelso Christopher S. Kulander Joseph K. Leahy Katerina Lewinbuk Betty J. Luke Njeri Mathis Rutledge Bruce A. McGovern Shelby A. D. Moore James L. Musselman Ryan Nelson Francesca Ortiz Phillip E. Page James W. Paulsen
Amanda J. Peters Jean Fleming Powers Scott Rempell Jeffrey L. Rensberger Charles W. “Rocky” Rhodes Val D. Ricks Gary S. Rosin D’Andra Shu Mark R. Siegel Andrew T. Solomon Mark E. Steiner Dru Stevenson Cherie O. Taylor Katherine Vukadin Kenneth A. Williams John J. Worley Kevin M. Yamamoto Lisa Yarrow
Chairs and Professorships Josh Blackman Elaine A. Carlson Amanda Harmon Cooley Geoffrey S. Corn
Robert Galloway R. Randall Kelso Amanda J. Peters Jeffrey L. Rensberger
Charles W. “Rocky” Rhodes Dru Stevenson
T H E FAC U LT Y
Adjunct Professors and Fellows Ben A. Aderholt James Joseph Alfini Kimberly Ashworth James Biel Roy Bertolatus Gerald Birnberg Charles H. Brownman Carlos Calderon Walt Champion Dan Chapman Lisa Dahm Daniel M. Downey Phil Fenley Ben Fleming Jeffrey Gold
Vinh Ho Andrew Ingram Annette E. Johnson Carolyn Johnson David R. Keyes M. Ryan Kirby Tenley Krueger Eric Kwartler Leela Madan Aimee Maldonado Colleen Manning Douglas McNabb Roy L. Moore Antony Ng Derek Pershing
Robert Rice Geoffrey Riddle Randall K. Sadler Fred Shuchart Peter J. Shurn Amy Taylor Morgan Thomas Robert Todd Crystal Washington Heidi Weelborg Michael Whitmire Vanessa Winton Tony Zamora
H O N O R S C A N D I DAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
2021 Fall Honors Graduates Summa Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Cum Laude
(with Highest Honor)
(with High Honor)
(with Honor)
Bryan K. Bennett
Davis Stewart
Mai P. Bayless
Alexis Phipps Boyd
Natalia Magdalena De La Garza
Ethan Szumanski
Nolan B. Wleczyk
Amy Danielle Henson Nicole L. Langeberg
Chelsea Dawn Parker
H O N O R S C A N D I DAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
2022 Spring and Summer Honors Candidates Summa Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Cum Laude
(with Highest Honor)
(with High Honor)
(with Honor)
Haley M. Bernal Dillon A. Breazeale Martin Cohick Graciela Elena Garcia Sarah Jessica Givens Thomas R. Grover Stephen E. Holombek Baker Nicole Howry Allison E. Knopp Makenzi Coy McDonald Alexandra Marie Naismith José Pablo Salas Lorena Del Pilar Valle Eric Bertrand Williams II
Rebecca Joy Bombard Timothy Earl Bond Jr. Richard Logan Boughal Laura Peyton Chesser Brigette Antoinette Dechant Maci L. Edwards Allyson Marie Heiner Torie Lynn Huddleston Emily Claire Little Nicolas John Maggio Shruti Modi Monique Nadkarni Christopher Stratton Paxton Shelby N. Payne Myles I. Shaw Lacey Lynn Spears Meredith L. Spillane Elias M. Yazbeck
Gisela A. Aguilar Reagan Edward Bibb Lane Marie Brown Raymond Reid Carrillo Caitlin Diane-Marjhan Coleman Montana Catherine Cortez Heather Lynne Cosper Marie-Audrey Margaux Defretin Krissa Lynn Denning Connor P. Dorsey Anthony M. Esparza Faryn Rhett Fort Alexandra R. Furey Vanessa Garza Cienna Brynne Hancock Victoria Paige Hardin Joitza Priscilla Henriquez Mandie Kay Lee DiMartino Catherine Venessa Luetge Josephine Marie Mares Moses Eugene Mason Edward Julius Michel Rachele Arriaga Miller Alexandria Law Monroe Pressley Shyann Nicholson Gavin W. O’Brien Billy R. Robinett Anutida Lexus Srilamsingha Erin Jane Svetlik Seth Joseph Toups Giancarlo Adan Vega Nidia Ventura Molina Chanae Cadalla Williams David T. Williams Cameron J. Wilson
2021 FA LL G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Alaa J. Abu-Tair BS University of Texas - M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Wajih Ahmed Choudhury BS Vanderbilt University MA Northeastern University
Julianna Ajayi BA Florida A&M University
Rey Ulisses Davila BA University of Houston
Efosa J. Asemota BA John Jay College of Criminal Justice - CUNY
Kathleen Ivey Day BAJ University of North Texas
Dylan W. Bass BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Nevin Denise Day BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Mai P. Bayless BS University of Houston - Clear Lake
Natalia Magdalena De La Garza BA University of Texas - Austin
Bryan K. Bennett BA Texas A&M University - College Station MS Mountain State University
Brandon B. Elledge BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Alexis Phipps Boyd BA Texas A&M University - College Station MS Texas A&M University - College Station Andrew Michael Broad BA Northern Illinois University Kimberly Rene Bronson BA University of Houston - Clear Lake Kevin D. Burns Jr. BS Lamar University MPA Texas Southern University Antuan Cano BA University of Houston Angela N. Chavis BS McNeese State University MLA University of St. Thomas - Texas
Ruben Franco III BS University of Maryland - College Park Matthew C. Graham BA Baylor University MA Baylor University Mohsin M. Hammad BBA Lamar University Amy Danielle Henson BS Texas A&M University - College Station Demetrious L. House BS University of Houston Rebecca Kathryn Jensen BM University of Texas - Austin MME University of North Texas
2021 FA LL G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Nicole L. Langeberg BBA University of Texas - Arlington
Mitchell J. Oppenheim BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Jonathan M. Lantz BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Leslie A. Ortiz BA University of Texas - San Antonio
Jessica Kali Lappin BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Nicholas Ottati BA SUNY at Buffalo
Katelyn Paige LeCompte BS Sam Houston State University
Chelsea Dawn Parker BA Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi BS Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Michael E. Loessin BAAS Midwestern State University MS Mountain State University
Lindsay J. Parker BS University of Houston
Aby Babu Lukose BA University of Texas - Arlington
Kellie Sagastume Patel BA Baylor University
Tanner C. Luna BA Houston Baptist University
Tam Ngoc Pham BS Sam Houston State University
Mailin Yaret Maldonado BA Sam Houston State University
Nancy A. Reyes BS University of Houston
Blesson Mathews BS Manhattan College MBA Long Island University Post
Deanna Lee Rodgers BA University of Oklahoma
Joshua M. McGee BBA University of Houston Robert Matthew Meredith BA University of Houston
Blake Andrew Simons BA Ashford University Xavier D. Stafford BA University of Texas - Austin
Jamie Elaine B. Modelo BBA Dallas Baptist University
Davis Stewart BS University of Houston MPA University of Houston
Elizabeth Christina Moran BS University of Houston - Downtown
Maria D. Sukhlani BS University of Houston
2021 FA LL G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Ethan Szumanski BS Thomas Edison State University Kathryn Gaviola Tavakoli BS University of Houston Kyle Tohdacheeny BA University of Houston Dezinea Lashay Washington BA Stephen F. Austin State University Lauren Andrea Wilman BBA University of Houston - Clear Lake BBA University of Texas - San Antonio Nolan B. Wleczyk BBA Angelo State University
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Rouba Aasar BA Indiana University - Purdue University
William Grant Bitner BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Gisela A. Aguilar BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Rebecca Joy Bombard BA University of Texas - Austin
Ricardo Espiridion Alexander Jr. BS Texas A&M International University
Timothy Earl Bond Jr. BBA Wichita State University
Richard Kaul Ammons BBA Texas State University - San Marcos
Cinthia A. Bonilla BA The College of New Jersey
Daniel B. Armentor BBA University of Houston
Mackenzie J. Bramlett BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Rachel Layne Barlow BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Jack W. Brasher BA Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Douglas John Eric Bassin BA University Of California - Davis
Dillon A. Breazeale BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Tanner William Beckwith BS Arizona State University
Lane Marie Brown BS Miami University
Joseph Allen Beeler BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Paige Elizabeth Brown BA University of Houston
Anthony Danial Bennett BS University of The Pacific
Luiza Valadão Browning BA Texas State University - San Marcos
Haley M. Bernal BS University of Texas - Austin
Robert William Bunch BBA University of Houston
Preston L. Bethea BA Texas State University - San Marcos
Peyton G. Burton BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Reagan Edward Bibb BA Baylor University
Amanda M. Capozzelli BS University of Colorado - Boulder
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Brandon James Carlton BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Caitlin Diane-Marjhan Coleman BA Texas State University - San Marcos
Raymond Reid Carrillo BA Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Virginia M. Collier BA University of Missouri – Columbia
Jaila Michelle Carter BS Howard University
Cassidy Robb Coon BA University of Houston
Joanna M. Chan BA University of Houston
Michael Edward Cooper BA University of Houston - Clear Lake
Marissa Christine Chapa BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Cody Lee Corcoran BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Miguel David Chapa BS University of Texas - Austin
Montana Catherine Cortez BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Zian Vincent Cheng BA University of South Carolina - Columbia
Heather Lynne Cosper BBA University of North Texas
Esabelle A. Cherry BA University of Illinois – Urbana
Alyssa Marie Croft BA Austin College
Laura Peyton Chesser BA Sam Houston State University
Dearl F. Croft III BS University of Houston
Alejandra Paola Cisneros BA SUNY at Buffalo
Allison T. Darwin BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Noah D. Clark BA Southwestern University
Catherine Davalos BS University of Texas - Austin
Nico A. Cognasi BA Texas Tech University
Diana Laura Davila BS University of Houston
Martin Cohick BS United States Military Academy
Colin Gates Davis BA University of Texas - Austin
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Brigette Antoinette Dechant BPA Texas State University - San Marcos
Anthony M. Esparza BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Marie-Audrey Margaux Defretin BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Michael Christopher Fertitta BS University of Mississippi
Megan Paige Dellorto BS University of Evansville
Charles Denver Fesmire BS Texas Christian University
Emily Blake Demeris BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Anthony John Fesniak BS Arizona State University
Krissa Lynn Denning BBA University of Central Oklahoma MBA Baylor University
Trevor Finster BS University of Houston - Victoria
Mandie Kay Lee DiMartino BS University of South Florida Trenton Duane Doddy BS Baylor University Connor P. Dorsey BA Florida State University Catherine Hardy Dunn BS University of Houston Ashley Marie Eaves BS Stephen F. Austin State University
David Tate Foor BA University of Texas - Austin Caitlin Alexandra Forest BS Alderson Broaddus College Faryn Rhett Fort BS Texas A&M University - College Station Max Evan Fry BS Texas Christian University Taylor R. Fuechec BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Maci L. Edwards BBS Hardin-Simmons University
Viktorija R. Fuhrman BS Lamar University MS Lamar University
Michaela Renee Ellis BA University of Texas - Austin
Alexandra R. Furey BBA Texas A&M University - College Station
Sara El-Loubani BBA University of Houston
Alan Cameron Galloway BS Prairie View A&M University
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Taylor Renea Gamboa BA Texas State University - San Marcos
Victoria Paige Hardin BA University of Texas - Austin
Graciela Elena Garcia BA Sam Houston State University
Victoria E. Harmeyer BA University of Texas - Austin
Vanessa Garza BA Texas State University - San Marcos
Allyson Marie Heiner BBA Texas A&M University - College Station MS Texas A&M University - College Station
Briana Marie Gavito BA University of Texas - San Antonio Samuel P. Gillaspie BBA Baylor University Sarah Jessica Givens BA University of Houston Elizabeth Gonzalez BS Sam Houston State University Corbette Soria Greak BA University of Texas - Austin Thomas R. Grover BS Texas A&M University - College Station Faryal Gul BA University of Houston - Downtown Victoria Namnoume Haddad BA University of St. Thomas - Texas Cienna Brynne Hancock BS Texas A&M University - College Station Stuart Buitron Hansen BA San Diego State University
Joitza Priscilla Henriquez BSc University of Applied Sciences Leiden Haley Nicole Hernandez BA Texas Tech University MacDonald Graham Higbee BA Trinity University MA University of Oklahoma Brycen Cathlene Hinsley BA Texas State University - San Marcos Genevieve Ainsworth Hodges BA University of Texas - Austin Stephen E. Holombek BA University of Texas - Austin Gina Crystal Hong BS University of Houston Jacob N. Horton BS Abilene Christian University Baker Nicole Howry BS University of Georgia – Athens Timothy C. Huang BS Texas A&M University - College Station
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Torie Lynn Huddleston BA Fort Lewis College
Harrison Gunter Long BA University of North Texas
Samiya I. Jafri BS University of Houston
Josephine R. Lopez BA University of North Texas
Benjamin A. Jefferies BS Sam Houston State University
Alexandria Nicole Lora-Whitmer BA University of Texas - Austin
Holly Kathleen Johnston BSW University of Texas - Austin MSSW University of Texas - Austin
Catherine Venessa Luetge BS Texas A&M University - College Station MPH Texas A&M University - College Station
Lauren Anne Kickel BS Marietta College
Nicolas John Maggio BS Texas Tech University
Julien Stephen Klink BBA University Of Texas – Tyler
Morgan Alexandra Malouf BA University of Texas – Austin
Allison E. Knopp BBA Texas Tech University
Josephine Marie Mares BS Babson College
Louis Brooks Lachowsky BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Jose M. Martinez II BA The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Avery Leigh Larson BA Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Moses Eugene Mason BA Grinnell College MDiv Chicago Theological Seminary
Moises Liberato Jr. BS University of Houston
Madison Danielle Robins McAdams BA University of the South
Dena Jo Lipper BSW University of Texas - Austin MSW University of Houston
Haley J. McClure BS Morgan State University
Emily Claire Little BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Makenzi Coy McDonald BS St. Edward’s University
Jahlen Gavon Livingston BA University of South Carolina - Columbia
William Travis McGullam BS University of Houston
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Erika Yvonne Mercado BA University of Texas - Austin
Adam Snyder Nafaa BS Pennsylvania State University - University Park
Edward Julius Michel BS Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Alexandra Marie Naismith BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Geoffrey Cole Milburn BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Natalie Nicole Narro BS University of Texas - Austin
Rachele Arriaga Miller BA University of Houston
Amir H. Nazarian BS University of Houston
Samantha Nicole Miller BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Erin Elizabeth Newton BA University of St. Thomas - Texas
Shruti Modi BS Arizona State University
Pressley Shyann Nicholson BS Stephen F. Austin State University
Francisco J. Moncada BA Sam Houston State University
Paul Grayson Novak II BA Southern Methodist University
Alexandria Law Monroe BM Baylor University MBA University of Houston MS University of Houston
Sierra Latrece Nugent BA University of Missouri - Kansas
Joan Alexandra Moores BA University of Houston William A. Morphis BA Texas A&M University - College Station Christopher Shane Moutray BS Sam Houston State University Govindi Munasinghe BS University of Texas - Dallas Monique Nadkarni BS University of Texas - Dallas
Gavin W. O’Brien BS Southern Methodist University Jay Edwin O’Bryant BA University of Texas - Austin Oruonye Margaret Odunze BSED Baylor University MPH UT Health Science Center Houston Christin Annelease Pacher BA Texas A&M University - College Station Vikesh N. Patel BS University of Miami MS University of Miami
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Christopher Stratton Paxton BA Baylor University
Thomas B. Robson BA Sam Houston State University
Shelby N. Payne BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Christopher James Rodman BA University of Texas - Austin
Jeremy Charles Peel BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Edna Carolina Rodriguez BA University of Texas - Austin
Pavel I. Petrov Jr. BA University of Houston
Xóchitl Pauline Rodriguez BA University of Texas - Dallas
Navin R. Pillai BA University of Texas - Austin
Roberto C. Rodriguez Zamudio BS University of Houston
Michaella R. Piro BA University of St. Thomas - Texas
Randall Jay Ross BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Sara Elizabeth Preston BS Utah Valley University
Sahel Saffari BBA University of Houston
Bryce N. Pringle BA Texas A&M University - College Station
José Pablo Salas BA University of Texas - Austin
Clayton Scott Quinn BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Marcos Alonso Saldivar BS South Texas College
Christopher Ulises Ramirez BA University of Houston
Spencer James Salvador BS Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Yansi Andrea Ramirez BA University of Houston
Gabriela Lena Sanchez BA University of Texas - Austin
Marissa V. Reyes BA Ohio State University - Columbus
Victor Adrian Santana BS University of Houston
Billy R. Robinett BS University of Houston - Downtown
Grecia Victoria Sarda BA Baylor University
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Collin M. Scovill BS Texas A&M University - College Station
Meredith L. Spillane BA University of Florida
Ashley Segura BA Sam Houston State University
Anutida Lexus Srilamsingha BS University of Texas - Austin
Myles I. Shaw BA University of Texas - Austin
Lauren Michelle Gibbons Stubbers BS Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
Justin C. Shults BS University of Houston
Jesus Suday BA Texas State University - San Marcos
Kinza A. Siddiqi BS University of Houston
Erin Jane Svetlik BA Texas A&M University - College Station
Elissa Danielle Silguero BA Seattle University
Colleen M. Tallant BS James Madison University MS George Mason University
Chance Grayson Siller BS Texas A&M University - College Station Matthew C. Sinclair BA Ouachita Baptist University Garrett L. Singleton BA Sam Houston State University Jenni Grace Sjolander Clark BBA Sam Houston State University MS Texas A&M University - College Station
James H. Taylor BBA Baylor University Bianca Claire Tom BBA University of Houston - Victoria Seth Joseph Toups BS Texas A&M University - College Station Bao Quoc Joseph Tran BA University of Texas - Austin
Trey Sloan BA Southern Methodist University
Karina Trujillo BA University of Texas - Austin
Greg William Souquette BBA Texas State University - San Marcos MBA Texas State University - San Marcos
Timothy Truong BS University of Houston - Downtown
Lacey Lynn Spears BS Pennsylvania State University - University Park
Hunter Nicole Tyson BS Stephen F. Austin State University
2022 S P R I N G G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Sameeha Ahmed Vaid BBA Houston Baptist University MA Houston Baptist University
Chanae Cadalla Williams BA Williams College
Lorena Del Pilar Valle BS Texas A&M University - College Station
David T. Williams BS University of Houston MBA University of St. Thomas - Texas
Luke Rayland VanNorman BBA Texas A&M University - College Station
Eric Bertrand Williams II BBA University of Houston
Julie Mary Varghese BA University of Texas - Austin
Nicole Williamson BA Texas State University BAIS Texas State University
Cesar Alejandro Vazquez BA Sam Houston State University Giancarlo Adan Vega BA University of Texas - Austin Nidia Ventura Molina BA University of Texas - Austin Jasmine Lynelle Vera BA University of Houston - Clear Lake Douglas Broce Wall BS Texas A&M University - College Station Jordyn Marie Weber BA Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge Meaghan E. Wehnes BS Sam Houston State University Daniel Z. Weisfeld BBA University of Houston Rachel Hannah Weisz BA Sarah Lawrence College
Cameron J. Wilson BS University of Houston Reid Frederick Wilson BA Baylor University Chase Winchester BA University of Texas - Austin McKensie Elyse Wren BBA Baylor University Elias M. Yazbeck BBA University of Texas - Austin Corey Alan Zajicek BS Texas Christian University Michael Lee Zamora BS University of Houston - Downtown Shaane Zehra BS University of Houston
2022 S U M M ER G R A D UAT E S Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree
Emma Sage Beckwith BA University of Houston Richard Logan Boughal BS University of Houston
William Travis Hookham BBA University of Houston MA Thunderbird School of Global Management
Colin J. Cameron BS Sam Houston State University
Heaven Philyse Smith BS University Of Southern Mississippi MSW Jackson State University
Robert C. Clanton BED Texas A&M University - College Station
Chelsea Crannie Wojcik BS Sam Houston State University
Lisa Ann Easter BS National Paralegal College
COM M ENCEM EN T R E G A LI A
In medieval times, members of professional guilds and early religious orders dressed in clothing similar to the black academic gowns worn by the participants in today’s ceremony. The regalia is now worn by anyone who has earned a college or university degree. The hood indicates the graduate has earned a doctoral level degree. Faculty members place the hoods on the candidates, recognizing their academic accomplishment and welcoming them to the fraternity of professionals. At South Texas College of Law Houston, the lining of the hood has navy on a gold background to represent the original college colors. Each faculty member who holds a degree from another college or university wears the colors of that school. The color of the velvet edging on the hood corresponds with the subject in which the wearer earned a degree. Purple represents Law. The doctoral costume also has velvet trim on the gown, including crossbars on the sleeve. The trimming may be black or may match the color of the hood edging. The tassel is on the left side of the cap, indicating an advanced degree.
T H E M AC E
At graduation, the senior faculty member leading the South Texas College of Law Houston academic procession carries the mace, a symbol of authority. The mace itself is an ornamental staff that takes its name from a medieval battle club used as a weapon. Use of the mace in academia dates back to the mid-1400’s. Today, its use at commencement indicates to all that the law school is determined to protect the integrity of education, the law, and the institution itself. In South Texas College of Law Houston’s earlier days, the law school borrowed a mace from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston for use in commencement ceremonies. Topped with an eagle, the mace featured the great seal of the medical school, discreetly covered with a gold disc when used by the law school. After three years of this practice, the law school began to search for a company to produce a custom-made mace. No such company was located, so the law school’s leadership decided to take on the task themselves. First, a five-foot wooden staff was obtained from an architectural antique outlet. Then a bronze eagle of proper dignity and proportion was procured and affixed to the top of the staff, mounted on a brass cap fashioned from a World War I artillery shell casing. The ornament at the base was provided by a Navy 40-millimeter shell casing of World War II vintage, and the final ornamentation was the college’s bronze seal, attached to the upper part of the staff. Symbolically, the mace represents South Texas College of Law Houston’s mission. The seal shows the scales of justice in balance, and the shell casings are from two of the nation’s most difficult struggles to defend the rule of law and justice. The eagle is reminiscent of the symbol of the United States and also reflects the magnificence of the eagle statue that currently graces the law school’s atrium.
South Texas College of Law Houston provides a diverse body of students with the opportunity to obtain an exceptional
legal education, preparing graduates to serve their community and
the profession with distinction.
Degree Program
Doctor of Jurisprudence
Colors
Navy and Gold
Motto
“Let Justice and Truth Prevail”
1303 San Jacinto Street Houston, Texas 77002