Graduates Honored at 2021 Commencement Ceremony

W&L LAW CELEBRATED ITS 166TH Commencement on May 7, awarding 119 juris doctor degrees.

The event was the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that the Law School community was able to gather in person, although masks and social distancing were still in place for the ticketed event. The graduation ceremony was held on Wilson Field, a first for the university, as noted by President Will Dudley.

“The experience of the Class of ’21 has been historic,” Dudley said. “Your 3L year has been like none before it. Yet, at the same time, you share much with the law graduates who have preceded you. Your time at W&L has shaped you, as individuals and as a class. Together you have studied, argued and developed the habits of mind that characterize good lawyers. You have made lasting friendships that will give you pleasure and support wherever you may go.”

Brant Hellwig, dean of the law school, followed President Dudley to the podium.

“Thank you for the privilege of being a part of your development and growth over the past three years,” he said. “Thank you for being a part of our continuing education and growth as well. We have learned so much from our conversations and interactions with you — both in class and beyond.”

After the graduates were awarded their degrees, President Dudley introduced Dean Hellwig as this year’s Commencement speaker. Hellwig has served as dean of the law school since 2015 and will conclude his tenure this summer.

Hellwig organized his address around a song playlist, drawing out song themes and interweaving them with inspiring stories of some of the school’s alumni and advice for students. For example, the Bill Withers classic “Lean on Me” served as an opportunity to highlight the role of a lawyer in society.

“When you examine the role of a counselor and advocate with an eye toward the humanity of the position, a law license offers the potential to bring to others a sense of calm, comfort and even hope. To be the person your clients lean on. The ability to serve in that role is an incredible privilege and a tremendous responsibility.”

LEE S. BRETT

John W. Davis Prize for Law highest cumulative grade point average

HECTOR QUESADA

American Bankruptcy Institute Medal excellence in study of bankruptcy law

DANIELLE MELISSA POTTER AND PATRICK L. WRIGHT

Roy L. Steinheimer Jr. Commercial Law Award excellence in commercial law

HALEY CHRISTINA DOSS SANTOS

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Award effective trial advocacy

NORIYA SHAHADAT

H. McLeod-Ross Malone Oral Advocacy Award distinction in oral advocacy

REBECCA TAYLOR MITCHELL

Frederic L. Kirgis Jr. International Law Award excellence in international law

OLUWATITOMI AKINMOLA

Virginia Bar Family Law Section Award excellence in the area of family law

CHARLES LOUIS BONANI

Barry Sullivan Constitutional Law Award excellence in constitutional law

During his talk, Hellwig also shared the inspirational story of alumnus Edmund D. Campbell, who successfully represented the plaintiffs in James v. Almond, a decision which overthrew Virginia’s program of “massive resistance” and resulted in the racial integration of Virginia’s public schools.

“Both now and in the years ahead, you undoubtedly will have an opportunity to stand up for what you believe is right, and you will have the benefit of a law degree to enhance your ability to obtain those results for your clients and for society more broadly,” Hellwig said. “I hope you claim those opportunities and that when you do so, that you just keep on keeping on.”

Awards

MOLLY PAYNE PUGH AND MATTHEW TRENT WYATT

James W. H. Stewart Tax Law Award excellence in tax law

WARREN MICHAEL BUFF, MICHAEL HUNTER RUSH AND BROOKE ELIZABETH WILSON

Thomas Carl Damewood Evidence Award excellence in the area of evidence

LEE S. BRETT AND ESHALA CHANDELIA UNIQUE BUNCH

Criminal Law Award excellence in courses of criminal law

LUCY GENEVA DEMPSEY AND MORGAN LEE SEXTON Business Law Award excellence in courses of business law

RAMI ABDALLAH ELIAS RASHMAWI

Administrative Law Award excellence in courses of administrative law

JACK JAMES ANDRADE

Clinical Legal Education Association Award outstanding clinic student

EDUARDO ENRIQUE GARZA III

Clinical Legal Education Association

Outstanding Externship Award outstanding externship student

Following Hellwig’s remarks, third-year class officers Will Mallery and Aaron Hardy presented Hellwig with his very own walking stick, traditionally given to students at the awards ceremony preceding graduation.

Graduation festivities began Thursday with the annual awards ceremony, which was held in a virtual format. Three students graduated summa cum laude, 18 graduated magna cum laude and 18 graduated cum laude. Twelve students were named to the Order of the Coif.

The Student Bar Association Teacher of the Year went to Franklin Runge, and the Staff Member of the Year Award went to Dori Hamilton.

JULIA MARY KERR

Charles V. Laughlin Award outstanding contribution to moot court program

ANNA-MARIE CHIWANGA

Student Bar Association President Award recognition for services as president of the Student Bar Association

LLEWELLYN KITTREDGE SHAMAMIAN AND REBECCA TAYLOR MITCHELL W&L Law Women’s Law Award outstanding contribution to women in the law

CHANDLER HOPE GRAY, AARON RUSSELL HARDY AND ADENIKE OLUWATOSIN RENEE MILES-SORINMADE

Calhoun Bond University Service Award significant contribution to the university community

OLUWATITOMI AKINMOLA, ADENIKE OLUWATOSIN RENEE MILESSORINMADE AND NORIYA SHAHADAT

Randall P. Bezanson Award outstanding contribution to diversity in the life of the law school community

AUTUMN NICOLE DICKERSON AND NORIYA SHAHADAT

Professionalism and Service Award significant contribution of public service in the community