School of Law graduates urged to embrace unexpected opportunities with honor and humanity
School of Law Commencement 2025
Addressing the 123 new graduates from the lectern at M&T Bank Arena on Friday evening, McLean referred to himself as “an accidental lawyer in an atypical career” who developed an unexpected passion for the law. A native of Rutherford, New Jersey, McLean dedicated his professional life to driving the exploration, protection and improvement of the world’s oceans.
McLean began his career as a uniformed officer in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps in 1981 and served for nearly 25 years aboard oceanographic and hydrographic vessels. He retired from the last of a series of leadership roles at NOAA in 2021, the culmination of a 40-year career that epitomizes the critical role of legal expertise in addressing complex environmental challenges.
He said he was partly inspired to pursue a law degree by his brother, who decided to become a lawyer at a young age, unlocking a pathway McLean might not have otherwise explored. Thus began a professional journey marked by exploring frontiers — both in the legal realm and at unimaginable ocean depths. In addition to his research, he took part in several exploration missions, including a 2004 return to the Titanic with renowned explorer Bob Ballard.
“Be ready for these surprises that may come to you,” McLean said. “Your opportunities will rock and they will roll you and astound you. Never underestimate what you can do, or what you will have an opportunity to do — jump at it. Volunteer. Distinguish yourself among the many. But do it with honor, not sharp elbows. Believe in yourself and be willing to try. Rely on the sense of reasonableness that has gotten you this far. Prepare for your issues and cases vigorously and thoroughly but remember your humanity.”
President Judy Olian encouraged the graduates to “carry with you the life experiences of the last few years that have shaped you into the person you are today, that have exposed you to innovative ways of thinking, to different ideas, to different people and cultures.” The ceremony marked the end of a “banner year” for the Quinnipiac School of Law, she said, noting that applications are up nearly 40% from last year and at their highest levels since 2012.
“When I look at this class,” said Olian, “I see a group of graduates who came to the law from a variety of backgrounds: aircraft mechanic, coaches, university residential life, high school teacher, legal assistants, pharmacy tech, research coordinator, software developer and seven of you who were 3+3 accelerated dual-degree students here at Quinnipiac.”
Making his first Commencement address as dean of the School of Law, Brian Gallini thanked the graduates for welcoming him into the Quinnipiac law community.
“Though this is my first year serving as your dean, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many of you through hearing about your classes, career discussions, over donuts or pizza and some truly invaluable hallway conversations,” Gallini said. “Throughout our interactions, I’ve been consistently impressed by your dedication to the law and your vision for how you might contribute to it.”
Gallini implored the graduates not to overlook “one critical attorney skill rarely discussed that will determine how effectively you uphold the rule of law: being where your feet are.”
He added: “In my view, being present is being your best self, right where you are, even when — especially when — things get hard.”
Catherine Bailey, JD ’25, president of the Student Bar Association, delivered the student address.
“Now it’s our turn to make someone’s life a little bit better,” said Bailey. “Whether you’re heading into a courtroom, a boardroom or a room you haven’t left because of bar exam prep — you’ve got this. Thank you to the professors who challenged us, the friends who kept us sane and the mentors who showed us the way. And if you ever need a laugh, come find me. First round of legal jokes is on me.”
Retiring Professor Carolyn Wilkes Kaas was recognized by Gallini and received a hearty round of applause before introducing McLean. Also recognized were former dean Brad Saxton and professor of the year Jeffrey Cooper, who delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech.
“On behalf of a faculty who is so very proud of you — all you have become, all you’ve grown, all you’ve accomplished — thank you,” Cooper said. “Thank you for the gift of letting us spend the last few years with you. And for me personally, thank you for the profound honor of speaking to you today.”
Provost Debra Liebowitz began the proceedings with the call to Commencement before Kassidy Planas, JD ’27, sang the national anthem. Adam Swanson, JD ’08, president of the law alumni association, concluded the ceremony by welcoming the new graduates into the community of Bobcat alumni.
Photo Gallery
Craig N. McLean, JD ‘93, assistant administrator of NOAA research, retired, delivered the keynote address. Dean Gallini bestowed a doctoral hood on McLean during the ceremony because he had missed his own Commencement ceremony as a law graduate.
Kassidy Planas, JD ‘27, sang the national anthem.
Watch the School of Law Ceremony
Watch the livestream recording of the School of Law Commencement.
Friday, May 9, 5 p.m.
Order of Exercises
Trumpet Prelude and Processional
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Call to Commencement
Debra J. Liebowitz, PhD
Provost
National Anthem
Kassidy Planas, JD ‘27
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Remarks
Brian Gallini, JD, LLM
Dean of the School of Law
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas, JD
Associate Dean of Experiential Education and Associate Professor of Law
Commencement Address
Craig N. McLean, JD ‘93
Assistant Administrator of NOAA Research, Retired
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Conferral of Hoods
Brian Gallini
Mark Schroeder, JD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate
Hooders:
-
Jeffrey Cooper, JD, LLM, Professor of Law, Professor of the Year
-
Robert Farrell, JD, Professor of Law
-
Neal Feigenson, JD, Professor of Law
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Remarks
Catherine Yvonne Bailey, JD ‘25
President, Student Bar Association
Jeffrey Cooper
Professor of the Year
Alumni Welcome
Adam Swanson, JD ’08
President, Law Alumni Association
Recessional
Craig McLean, JD ’93
Former director of research, NOAA
School of Law Ceremony | Friday, May 9, 5 p.m.
Craig McLean, JD ’93, is a distinguished leader in ocean and atmospheric science and law. He retired as director of research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2021, the culmination of a remarkable 40-year career.
A native of Rutherford, New Jersey, McLean dedicated his professional life to driving the exploration, protection and improvement of the world’s oceans. Along the way, he championed scientific integrity, diplomatic collaboration and marine conservation for the benefit of future generations.
His deep understanding of both the scientific and legal landscapes has enabled him to navigate intricate policy issues and advocate for evidence-based decision-making. In addition to his research, he took part in several exploration missions, including a return to the Titanic in 2004 with renowned explorer Bob Ballard.
McLean began his career as a uniformed officer in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps in 1981 and served for nearly 25 years aboard fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic ships. Prior to his time at Quinnipiac, he earned a Bachelor of Science in zoology from Rutgers University.
Greetings from President Olian
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 as you celebrate the culmination of three years of hard work and rigorous commitment. As whole lawyers who retain their personal values and sense of self while becoming skilled practitioners, you are well prepared to become leaders, not only in your chosen fields, but in your communities, too.
Over the course of your journey at the Quinnipiac University School of Law, you’ve been guided by outstanding faculty and dedicated staff who are proud to stand beside you today. All that you’ve learned—and the many ways in which you’ve grown — will serve you effectively as advocates, problem solvers, and counselors. In addition, you’ve gained new understanding and perspectives from one another during this profoundly transformative time in your lives. Stay connected to your Bobcat family, visit us often, and draw on the friendships and mentor relationships you’ve formed.
This day is shared with your families and friends — those who’ve supported you every step of the way. They’re bursting with pride on the milestone you achieve today. Savor this moment as you begin this next chapter and know we’ll be cheering for you as your Bobcat family.
Warmly
Judy D. Olian, PhD
A Message from Dean Gallini
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! As you stand at this momentous threshold, I am filled with immense pride in your accomplishments and the remarkable resilience you’ve demonstrated throughout your journey at Quinnipiac. You’ve navigated complex legal challenges, engaged in thoughtful discourse, and developed the critical skills that will serve as your foundation in the legal profession. During your time here, you’ve witnessed significant shifts in our national dialogue about justice and equality, all while mastering the intricacies of the law with determination and grace.
What impresses me most is not just your academic excellence, but your commitment to becoming compassionate advocates who understand that true legal expertise encompasses both intellectual rigor and genuine empathy. As you move forward into your careers—whether in courtrooms, corporations, public service, or pathways yet undiscovered—know that you carry with you not only our highest expectations but our deepest confidence in your abilities.
On behalf of everyone at Quinnipiac Law, I wish you fulfilling careers and lives of purpose and impact. We are forever connected through this shared experience and will always be in your corner should you need you ever need your Quinnipiac Law family.
Kindest wishes,
Brian Gallini, JD, LLM
Graduate’s Professional Oath
I am leaving the academic community of Quinnipiac University School of Law and embarking on a professional career. As a law student and future lawyer I understand that the study and practice of law carry both privileges and responsibilities. I willingly accept the responsibilities that accompany those privileges and the responsibilities that the faculty, the bench, the bar and the public entrust to me.
I promise to do my utmost to adhere to the ideals of the legal profession and to uphold the highest standards of professional honesty and ethical practice during my career. I will remember that my actions reflect not only on me, but upon Quinnipiac University School of Law, my fellow alumni and the legal profession.
To strengthen the legal community, I will conduct myself with dignity and civility and will treat all of my colleagues with kindness and respect.
I will conduct my professional and personal life so as to uphold the values and standards that are expressed in the Rules of Professional Conduct and the traditions of the legal profession.
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
The 12th and 13th centuries saw the formation of universities under the jurisdiction of the Church. Most students of the day were clerks in the Holy Order, monks or priests. Cowls or hoods adorned their habits and protected the young scholars from harsh weather and the pervading dampness of the stone buildings in which they studied. Hoods also served to cover tonsured heads before the use of the skullcap.
Today, the cap, gown and hood have taken on a symbolic meaning. Color and shape conform to an academic code signifying a university’s conferral of the degree and the nature of the degree conferred. Gowns for the doctoral degree carry velvet panels and three horizontal velvet bars on the upper arm of the full, round, bell-shaped sleeves.
Mace and Medallion
The mace — a symbol of authority — has antecedents in both Roman and Medieval history. The Roman mace (fasces) was carried by a lictor before the chief magistrate of the city, as well as before the legions. During the Middle Ages, the mace (mateola), a weapon of war, became first a symbol of victory and then a symbol of authority. The mace emblazoned with the Great Seal of England became a symbol of authority in Parliament by the end of the 13th century. It is this form of the mace that was the prototype of those symbols of authority, not only of legislative bodies, but also of cities and universities.
In 1246, following some 20 years of strife, the University of Paris was finally conceded the right to its own common seal. Since then, the use of the seal engraved on the mace has come to symbolize the authority of the academic community. In July 2000, Quinnipiac commissioned the noted sculptor Robert Meyer of Westport, Connecticut, to design and execute a new mace for Quinnipiac University. Cast in bronze, the mace incorporates elements of the university seal.
The medallion (medal of office), like the mace and the seal, is also a symbol of authority. It is possible that its roots may be traced back to the Roman “bulla” (a gold amulet of honor). The obverse of the medallion shows the seal of the office the wearer holds — in our case, the seal of the university. Not infrequently, the reverse would show the personal seal or coat of arms of the bearer. Since the High Middle Ages, the medallion has been worn by such officials as the chancellors of England, mayors of cities, and rectors of universities, and came to signify the high personal position such figures occupied in their respective governments. During the Renaissance, medallion design reached unique artistic heights, and in certain portraits the medallion was given particular prominence. The medallion is worn by the university’s president. The Quinnipiac medal showcases the university seal, sculpted in relief and cast in bronze.
In this Article
Read This Next
Stay in the Loop
Quinnipiac Today is your source for what's happening throughout #BobcatNation. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to be among the first to know about news, events and members of our Bobcat family who are making a positive difference in our world.
Sign Up Now