CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2011!

Dear Alumni and Friends:

I write to tell you that we had a good ending to our academic year last week, much of it captured in the slideshow at this link. We managed to avoid the almost daily rain and celebrated Commencement on Friday, May 20, beginning with our class photo and attendance at the main Washington University ceremony, where Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel gave a moving address. We then processed as a group from Anheuser-Busch Hall to the large white tent on Mudd Field where we now hold our outdoor ceremony each year.

At our Law School Ceremony, we listened to an inspirational Welcome to the Legal Profession by Alumna and National Council Member Alicia McDonnell and a rousing speech by Joseph A. Litman, juris doctoris candidate, who served as the Voice of the Class. We also recognized graduates who received awards in honor of their scholastic and civic achievements, having earlier celebrated with members of the top 15 percent of the class at our Academic Excellence Reception. And, of course, we awarded diplomas to our graduating students, including the 304 JDs and 80 LLMs who made up the May 2011 list of graduates. We were particularly pleased to celebrate with members of our 50th Reunion Class who assumed a place of honor on stage.

Also during our two days of Commencement activities, we recognized our Public Service Honorees, including John Henry who was named Public Service Student of the Year. Additionally, we celebrated with our Class Gift Committee and Student Bar Association, as well as at our LLM Reception and Commencement Reception. Many thanks to the more than 40 percent of the class of 2011 who already made gifts and pledges.

I hope you will join me in congratulating each member of the Class of 2011 and welcoming them to the Law School's alumni community.

Best Wishes,

Kent D Syverud
Dean and Ethan A. H. Shepley University Professor
Associate Vice Chancellor of Washington, D.C. Programs