9 minute read
Events
GRADUATION 2021
BY TOM DANIEL
A NEW GROUP OF “JUSTICE WARRIORS” STEPS OUT INTO THE WORLD
Graduations are always milestone events at any educational institution. For students graduating from Stetson Law, it is truly the end of the preamble to their careers as lawyers.
On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Stetson University College of Law celebrated commencement ceremonies recognizing graduates from the December 2020 and May/August 2021 Classes. Four separate events were held outdoors in the Plaza Mayor Courtyard of the Gulfport campus in order to keep attendance limited and follow CDC guidelines on physical distancing. Dean Michèle Alexandre opened the ceremony, greeting the attendees and the soon-to-be graduates. She drew special attention to the classes’ commitment to serving the community. “The December 2020 and May 2021 classes volunteered more than 25,000 hours of community service,” Alexandre said. “Many of our graduates took our pro bono requirement to the next level by continuing to serve their communities and society after they had far exceeded the required number of hours.” She closed her remarks by encouraging the new graduates to use their skills to advocate for justice. “You have shown resilience, that Stetson Law grit, and a special breed of dogged commitment,” she said. “I am so proud of who you are as humans, scholars, and legal minds … you now have the tools to be change agents; justice warriors who can transform the world.” Stetson University President Dr. Christopher Roellke followed, noting that the graduates not only had to endure the usual rigors of law school, but also the challenges of attending Stetson Law during a worldwide pandemic. “You made it through lockdowns, online learning, virtual meetings, bad audio, lost internet connections, canceled bar exams, masks, hand-washing, and physical distancing,” he said. South African judge and human rights lawyer, Edwin Cameron, delivered the commencement address via prerecorded video from
16
You have shown resilience, that Stetson
–Michèle Alexandre, Dean and Professor of Law
–Dr. Christopher Roellke, Stetson University President
Johannesburg. He shared his very personal journey with the law and discrimination in South Africa, as he dedicated his career to social justice issues, particularly for LGBTQIA+ equality and destroying the stigma and unjust discrimination for those living with HIV/AIDS.
“As you enter the legal world today as bright, willing, and engaged young lawyers, my message to you is double,” Judge Cameron said. “First, use the law for good. And second, and more importantly, never lose faith in the capacity of the law to do justice. Use the law to defend, to vindicate, and to fight for the good.” Judge Cameron concluded with these inspiring words: “You can help ensure a beneficial role for the law, one that means the law is not used to secure narrow privilege and domination, but rather that the law offers dignity and humanity and opportunity for everyone. That is a life project and a life’s work that is a richly worthwhile undertaking.” The conferring of degrees followed Judge Cameron and concluded the ceremony.
–Edwin Cameron, South African judge and human rights lawyer
STETSON LAW INDUCTS TWO NEW HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Stetson University College of Law inducted Paul Marshall May and Thomas Bullitt McCoun III into its prestigious Hall of Fame on December 8, 2021. For the past 17 years, Stetson Law has honored distinguished luminaries in the legal and academic arenas at its annual Hall of Fame event. Traditionally a black-tie affair held in Stetson’s Great Hall, this year’s event was virtual and shared live on YouTube because of the pandemic.
Paul Marshall May, J.D. ’80
An enduring love of his alma mater led Paul Marshall May to spearhead efforts to take the Stetson Law Alumni Association from a practically nonfunctioning group to a robust organization. Dean Emeritus Bruce Jacob called him the “father” of today’s Stetson Law Alumni Association and attributed its long-term success to May’s work and commitment. He was president of the Alumni Association from 1986 to 1988 and created the Half Century Club for members who hit the 50-year mark. May practiced commercial litigation, including banking, real estate, and construction in South Florida with the firm of May, Meacham and Davell. He was an active member of the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar and was a driving force behind The Florida Bar’s Law Week in 1982. He was a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the American Bar Association, and Alpha Phi Sigma, a national criminal justice honor society. A devoted husband and father to his wife and four children, May was an active member of First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale. A gifted organist, he tirelessly contributed his musical talents not only to his congregation, but other churches throughout the state. May also served his community as the Bethany Christian School attorney and as a member of its Board of Directors, as well as volunteering with the American Cancer Society, Community Service Council, and Family First. May passed away on April 2, 1999, following a battle with cancer. Stetson Law created the Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award – designed to be bestowed on alumni who showed continuous support to Stetson Law through contributions of time and gifts in his honor.
Thomas B. McCoun III, J.D. ’74
While he began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in the 6th Circuit of Florida, Thomas Bullitt McCoun III spent years in private practice as a trial lawyer working on both criminal and civil matters. Here, his daredevil personality and “no challenge is too tough” attitude made him a perfect fit for the work. He developed a reputation for excellence in advocacy and, as a result, was appointed to represent death row inmates awaiting execution. McCoun cared deeply about the underdog, believing that everyone has the right to proper representation and a fair trial. McCoun would go on to accept a position as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in February of 1994. He presided over high-profile and ordinary cases alike and was known for his humility, humanity, and humor.
His sense of duty and service extended beyond the courtroom. He strongly believed in the importance of giving back and did so through service as an adjunct professor and mentoring Stetson students in the Federal Judicial Externship. He also taught Sunday school for both youth and adults at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg. He was a dedicated member who participated in the building of homes for Habitat for Humanity, several mission trips with church youth, and preparing meatloaf dinners for hundreds of homeless individuals at the local nonprofit Pinellas Hope. McCoun finished three full terms on the bench and was still on active recall status to serve as needed when he died on August 27, 2019, after living 13 years with cancer. A special resolution written by his judicial colleagues noted, “much too soon, a tightly knit family lost a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, and the citizens of the Middle District of Florida lost an eminently fair and able magistrate judge who served his community for 25 years with unwavering dedication to the fair administration of justice.”
7 HONORED WITH SLAA AWARDS IN 2021
On June 10, 2021, the Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association (SLAA) recognized seven individuals who have made a positive impact in the community and supported Stetson University College of Law.
Ben Willard Award
This award recognizes alumni who strive for the benefit of Floridians and who have brought distinction to themselves and to Stetson Law. The award’s 2021 recipient, Hon. Pamela “Pam” A.M. Campbell, J.D. ’89, practiced law in St. Petersburg for 17 years prior to her appointment to the bench. She was appointed to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in 2006 by Gov. Jeb Bush. She has served in the Felony Criminal Division, Family Division, and Civil Division, and most recently began in the Probate Division in St. Petersburg, and has presided over more than 40 criminal jury trials and 90 civil jury trials. She is an active member of First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, former chair of Operation PAR, and former vice chair of the Florida Board of Medicine.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes alumni for excellence in their chosen profession, as well as for service to humanity. This year’s recipient, Donald “Don” Smith, J.D. ’78, is a partner with the Law Firm of Smith, Tozian, Daniel and Davis, P.A. In addition to his illustrious career as a litigator, he has served as a board member of the Boys & Girls Club for most of his professional career. Recently, in partnership with the local club and the Pinellas Community Foundation, he established The Don Smith Scholarship in Honor of Brian Smith at the College of Law. Endowed at the $50,000 level, it will be awarded to either a club member, volunteer, or employee who plans to attend Stetson Law.
Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award
Jeffery A. Smith, J.D. ’73, received this year’s Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award for showing continued support for Stetson Law through the contribution of both time and gifts. In addition to Mr. Smith’s legal career as a State Attorney and his private criminal law practice, he and his wife, Patricia, have been exceptionally generous in their giving to the College of Law. The couple have pledged more than one million dollars in support of the Advocacy Institute and established the Jeffery A. and Patricia F. Smith Scholarship Endowment.
Outstanding Alumni Representative Award
Clinton “Clint” Paris, J.D./M.B.A. ’00, received this award, which recognizes dedication and service to the Stetson Lawyers Alumni Association through involvement in local alumni activities, for his lead role in establishing and securing donations to fund the Professor Dorothea Beane Scholarship, and for his work planning the inaugural Black Law Student Alumni Reunion. He is a past president of SLAA.
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Paul Levine and Mrs. Susan Levine received this year’s Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to nonalumni of the College of Law in recognition of their contributions to Stetson Law. Dr. and Mrs. Levine established the Marc L. Levine Award in 2009 and have funded it annually since then. The award honors their son Marc’s accomplishments while at Stetson Law as well as those of graduating J.D. students who, like their son, demonstrated significant growth as a person and professional during their time on campus.
President’s Award
The President’s Award is presented to the outgoing president of the SLAA in recognition of their term of service. Kevin Iurato, J.D. ’00, was a dedicated leader during a tumultuous year. He handed the reins to incoming SLAA President Mitchell Schermer, J.D. ’15.
