Graduates encouraged to use the law as a force for change at graduation

On May 16, more than 140 graduates from the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law crossed the stage at Fifth Third Arena, marking the culmination of years of study and the beginning of careers dedicated to law, leadership, and service. During the College's 193rd Hooding Ceremony, graduates were celebrated not only for their academic achievements, but also challenged to use their legal education to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Inside the arena, more than 1,000 family members, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters filled the seats, their anticipation building as the ceremony honored a distinguished graduating class. That class included nine Master of Legal Studies (MLS) students, 17 Master of Laws (LLM) graduates representing countries across the globe, and 116 Juris Doctor (JD) candidates ready to begin careers that will shape communities and institutions alike.

The ceremony carries a deep sense of history and tradition. Over the centuries, those garments evolved into powerful symbols of academic achievement. At UC Klekamp Law, each hood—lined in vibrant red for the University of Cincinnati and purple to represent the legal discipline—signifies not only accomplishment but a lifelong commitment to learning and justice.

As each graduate crossed the stage and received their hood, they followed in a tradition years in the making, one that acknowledges the transition from student to professional. For many, this moment represented the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance, and growth.

University leaders and student representatives offered reflections that captured both the pride of the moment and the responsibility ahead. Dr. Rudolph Buchheit, executive vice president and provost, reminded graduates that the ceremony was more than a conclusion. “Today  is not just an ending; it is a moment to pause, reflect, and recognize all that has brought you here—your journey, your sacrifices, and the legacy you now carry forward,” he said.

Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi, who had begun his tenure alongside this JD class, spoke with a sense of shared experience. Addressing the graduates, he acknowledged the unpredictable road ahead. “Challenges may sometimes feel like setbacks, but they often reveal themselves as turning points,” said Dean Hamoudi. His advice was simple yet powerful: keep moving forward, even when the path changes, because it will ultimately lead somewhere meaningful.

The ceremony’s distinguished speaker, Alphonse A. Gerhardstein, brought a powerful perspective rooted in a lifetime of civil rights advocacy. Known for his role as lead counsel in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, as well as his work on major civil rights reforms and high-profile cases, Gerhardstein challenged graduates to use their legal training with purpose. He urged them not to remain passive practitioners, but to question injustice and uphold the principles of equality, due process, and freedom of expression. His message was clear: the law is not just a profession—it is a tool for change.

The makeup of the graduating class reflected the global reach and mission of the College of Law. LLM students brought perspectives from Colombia, Italy, North Macedonia, Brazil, France, Nepal, Haiti, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Ukraine, enriching the academic community with their experiences. Meanwhile, MLS graduates—many of them working professionals—demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning by strengthening their ability to apply legal knowledge in fields ranging from business to public service.

For the JD class, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter. They now enter a wide array of careers: law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, corporate roles, and judicial clerkships. Each path, though different, carried the same foundation of legal education and ethical responsibility.

Student leaders also contributed their voices, reflecting on shared experiences and the bonds formed throughout their time at UC Klekamp Law. Their remarks captured the camaraderie, resilience, and dedication that defined the class.

As the ceremony concluded and the final graduates were hooded, co-chair of the UC Klekamp Law Student Government, Annabelle Fisher, left her peers with a challenge, “You have the power within you to do amazing things, and your legal education has gifted you with a brand new set of tools to build something important, just like lawyers and law school graduates have through history… So if I can make one final ask of my fellow graduates, it's that you take those three years of law school and all the lessons they've given you, and do something to make the world a better place.”

Lead photo: UC Klekamp Law students pose for photos at the recent Hooding ceremony. Photos taken by Joseph Fuqua II. 

Story written by Rudy Trejo, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Community Engagement