20
EVENTS
On Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, Stetson University College
of Law celebrated three separate commencement
ceremonies recognizing graduates from three classes:
December 2019 Class, May/August 2020 Class, and the
December 2020 Class.
Commencement may have looked different this year, but the
staff at the College of Law worked hard to ensure students had
as close to a traditional ceremony as possible. The events were
held outdoors with limited attendance to follow CDC
guidelines on physical distancing. Other safety protocols
included a face-mask requirement for all attendees and wellness
screenings prior to entering campus.
In some ways, the changes were par for the course for the Class
of 2020. Rachel Wise, outgoing Student Bar Association
president, said their class – having begun law school during
Hurricane Irma and finished during worldwide shutdowns from
COVID-19 – had “become experts in adapting to change.”
“After perhaps one of the most memorable years in history, and
three years learning how to truly master change, we emerged
together today as graduates ready to enter the legal profession
and make positive change,” Wise said in a prerecorded speech.
Stetson University College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre said
the graduates showed resilience and grit as they dug deep to
overcome every hurdle placed in their path this year.
“I am so proud of who you are as humans, scholars, and legal
minds,” she said. “In answering the call to become an attorney, you
are beginning your purpose in life. You now have the tools to be
change agents and justice warriors who can transform the world.”
Lori Baggett, J.D. ’02, the managing shareholder of the Tampa
office of Carlton Fields, delivered the commencement address
during the 11:30 a.m. ceremony. She was also recognized with an
Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her award-winning legal
work, leadership in the community, and ongoing dedication to
the College of Law.
“I’m sure a lot of us feel like we’ve been bludgeoned by chance,”
Baggett said, but noted when graduates are faced with adversity,
they should look for things they can control.
“You have agency over your life.”
GRADUATION
Nearly 300 new graduates
recognized during December 2020
commencement ceremonies
Please add kindness to your practice.”
— President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke
I am so proud of who you are as humans,
scholars, and legal minds.”
— Dean Michèle Alexandre
From left, Stetson University President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke, Stetson University
Provost Dr. Noel Painter, and Stetson University College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre
during the socially distant graduation ceremony on Dec. 5, 2020.
Stetson University President Dr. Christopher F. Roellke Stetson University College of Law Dean Michèle Alexandre Commencement speaker Lori Baggett, J.D. ‘02