Cardozo School of Law celebrated the Class of 2024 during their graduation ceremony at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center on June 3.
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The J.D. Class of 2024 began their law school journey after a year and half of a world-wide pandemic, and began their 1L year wearing masks, and the LL.M. class also had to overcome many obstacles to get to where they are now, such as coming from other countries and learning to study law in English.
“Each of you has certain talents and capabilities that should give you confidence for the future,” Dean Leslie said. “You have shown that you can face challenges, learn from them and emerge stronger than before.”
While celebrating all of their accomplishments, the graduates also took the time to celebrate those in the Cardozo community who helped them reach graduation day. At the ceremony, awards were presented to faculty and administrators who made an impact on their law school journeys by Gowri Cheepurupalli, the outgoing Student Bar Association president. The recipients of the awards were Stephen Iannacone for Outstanding Assistance to the Student Body, Jenn Kim for Best Administrator, Michael Pollack for Best 1st Year Professor, Brian Farkas for Best Adjunct Professor and Myriam Gilles for Best Professor.
The keynote speaker, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, told the graduates that, as a lawyer, they have the power to make the world better, both in their professional careers and personal lives. She spoke about how positive change can be made anywhere and have far-reaching impacts that you could have never imagined.
“Here’s my pitch: wherever you end up, aim to make things a little bit better,” Judge Abrams said. “You can do that just by being ethical, diligent, zealous and respectful. Be gracious to everyone around you, including colleagues above you and below you.”
That ideal was also echoed by the student speakers at the ceremony. Meriem Sennoussi, the LL.M. class speaker, told students that “kindness is not a suggestion. It is a way of life, a force or power to be able to bridge the divide and bring the light, even into the darkness of days. It’s the secret weapon that transforms strangers into friends, enemies into allies and dreams into reality.”
Polina Pittell, the J.D. speaker, spoke about how Cardozo’s community is known for their grit, but she believes that is a misnomer, and that the “grit” comes from a community that is engaged, compassionate and inclusive.
“I think it’s the Cardozo community where it is expected and essential that you rise to be your truest self that is our hallmark quality,” Pittell said. “We embrace the complexity of the human experience and recognize that true understanding requires more than just ego and fear. It demands empathy, creativity and a willingness to listen. I believe that inspires the grit we also need to share.”
In the crowd, 317 J.D.s and 78 LL.M. students were conferred, each carrying the speakers’ words with them as they embarked on their next chapters.
“Today is the end of your law school career, but more importantly, it is the beginning of a new chapter in your lives,” Dean Leslie told the graduates. “You will leave here today ready to make your mark on the world.”