UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS SCHOOL OF LAW COMMENCEMENT
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024 MINNEAPOLIS, MN
FROM THE DEAN
Welcome to the University of St. Thomas School of Law commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024.
Today we celebrate the achievements of our graduates. We acknowledge each individual for their hard work and accomplishment of arriving at this day, but we also know that alongside and behind each person are a host of supporters. No one arrives at this day alone – so we thank you as family members, spouses, loved ones, and friends for your part as well. Today’s graduates join thousands of St. Thomas alumni who are making a positive impact on the world through their work, their service, and their lives. This is the 21st graduating class since the opening of the law school. From the beginning, the law school has remained centered on our mission of integrating faith and reason in the search for truth through a focus on morality and social justice. Today’s graduates have excelled in their studies – but they also have served their communities, built lasting friendships with each other and faculty and staff, and prepared themselves to make a difference in people’s lives for years to come. It has been our joy to share this time with them, and we are so excited to see what lies ahead for them. On behalf of the faculty and staff, who have worked so hard with our students during their time in school, we congratulate each and every graduate.
We are honored you’re with us on this special day.
Joel A. Nichols Interim Dean and Mengler Chair in Law
SCHEDULE
PROCESSIONAL
WELCOME Joel A. Nichols Interim Dean and Mengler Chair in Law
INVOCATION Rev. Daniel Griffith Wenger Family Faculty Fellow of Law and Director of the Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing
STUDENT REFLECTION Emily L. Toms J.D. Class of 2024
KEYNOTE ADDRESS Gaye Adams Massey, J.D. Retired CEO, YWCA St. Paul
DISTRIBUTION OF HOODS David A. Grenardo Professor of Law and Associate Director of the Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions Professor of the Year
CONFERRING OF DEGREES Robert K. Vischer President, University of St. Thomas
RECESSIONAL
ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE MASTER OF STUDIES IN LAW CLASS OF 2024
Andrew M. Arnold B.A. University of St. Thomas
Donald Asleson B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Rileigh M. Batteiger B.A. Ohio University
Olivia K. King B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Elain O. Kolaru B.A. St. Cloud State University
Katherine Kraus B.A. Winona State University
Derek S. Le B.A. Augsburg College M.B.A. St. Cloud State University M.S. University of St. Thomas
Blaire A. Rodenbiker B.S. University of St. Thomas
Bethany E. Wilmes B.A. St. Cloud State University
Sara L. Zehr B.A. University of Iowa
LL.M. IN U.S. LAW CLASS OF 2024
Salma Ahmadyar Aria University
Badr Alnamie Taif University
Claudia Z. Álvarez Valencia Universidad Católica San Pablo
Abeer Aseeri Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
Gerardo Dávila Shiosaki Universidad La Salle
Ariadne M. de Andrade Vieira Centro Universitário Christus
Paola E. Domínguez Barrera Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara
Mohammed N. Gobena Addis Ababa University
Tamara Alejandra Hagen Díaz Universidad de los Andes
Isabella del Carmen Larco Vega Universidad de Las Américas
Andrés López Alvarado Universidad de Las Américas
Nednah K. Maraga Moi University
Nadia A. Mayen González Universidad del Istmo
Oriana I. Pamphil Blanca Universidad de Carabobo
LL.M. IN U.S. LAW CLASS OF 2024
María Inés Pérez Guzmán Universidad Rafael Landívar
Zayra P. Pérez Puebla Universidad de Las Américas
Ana Rebeca Rodríguez Ramírez Universidad Panamericana Mexico City
Jazminne Sánchez Monterroso Universidad Rafael Landívar
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Consuela M. Abotsi-Kowu B.S. Oakwood University M.P.H. University of California - Los Angeles
Edward E. Almeida B.S. Nova Southeastern University
Carrie Anderson B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha M.S. University of Nebraska - Omaha
Norah E. Anderson B.A. Augsburg College
Courtney Annakin B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Lena K. Atchan B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Emma M. Baker B.A. Macalester College
Maxwell D. Becker B.A. Texas A & M University - College Station
Alexis R. Bernhardt B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Micayla Bitz B.A. Concordia College - Moorhead
Katherine Bogart B.A. American University
Louisa C. Botten B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Tyler J. Bowman B.A. Concordia College - Moorhead
Olivea L. Boyer B.S.W. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Sadie R. Buckel B.A. University of St. Thomas
Cortney M. Buesgens B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Katharine L. Byrne B.A. Carleton College
Dallas Campbell B.A. North Park University
José Germán Cavazos Treviño LL.B. Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey LL.M. Tulane University L.M.A Tulane University M.B.A. University of Chicago B.B.A. International University of Geneva
Davis W. Cheney B.A. University of St. Thomas
Kesang T. Chomor B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Matthew K. Christianson B.A. Augsburg College
Trysten J. Cisney B.S. Texas A & M University - College Station
Erika R. Clyma B.A. Iowa State University
Daniel J. Condon B.A. Bryn Athyn College
Maxwell P. Congdon B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Hallie S. Cooper B.A. University of Colorado - Boulder
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Natalie R. Crepeau* B.A. Hamline University
Marina L. Cruz B.A. College of Saint Benedict
Claire M. Cullen B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Noor Dastagir B.S. Montclair State University
Sarah A. Davidson B.A. Luther College
Hanna C. Day B.S. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Malcolm Deisz B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Morgen M. Dempsey B.A. University of Portland
Troy J. Dobbs B.A. Saint John's University
Natalie Donato B.S. University of Houston
Ajang N. Ekinde B.S. North Dakota State University - Fargo
Maximillian X. Erickson B.A. Saint John's University
Arianna A. Fjelstad B.S. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Paul D. Formiller B.A. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Sunny L. Gaughen B.A. Vassar College
Andi Gayner B.S. Mayville State University M.S. Pepperdine University
Colton Giammanco B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Aubrey A. Giesen B.A. University of St. Thomas
Maria D. Golberg B.A. University of St. Thomas
John P. Golbranson B.A. University of Puget Sound
John A. Greniuk B.A. University of St. Thomas
Alfonso L. Gunaratnam B.A. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Stella M. Haberman B.S. Rochester Institute of Technology
Skyler Halbeck B.F.A. Rhode Island School of Design
Isabel A. Hansen B.A. Grinnell College
Matthew Q. Hebl^ B.A. University of St. Thomas
Chelcee Hew B.A. Long Island University - Post Campus M.S. Long Island University - Post Campus
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Abdiasis M. Hirsi B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis M.A. Augsburg College
Pamela E. Hjelmgren LL.B. Universidad de Lima M.A. Universidad Carlos III LL.M. University of St. Thomas
Toni S. Hoffer B.A. University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Kenya L. Holderbecker B.A. Bethany Lutheran College
Justin J. Holm B.A. Augsburg College
Hannah E. Holmberg B.A. University of Minnesota - Duluth
Liesl F. Holum B.A. Concordia College - Moorhead
Olivia Huddleston B.A. Pace University New York
Mohamed A. Ibrahim B.A. Augsburg College
Anna K. Johnson B.B.A. Creighton University
Alexander E. Kautza* B.A. Winona State University
Marshall Kelner B.A. University of Southern California
Zophia S. Kindrachuk B.S. McGill University
Shaylma S. Klasen B.A. Hamline University
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Samantha Kleiser B.S. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Stephanie M. Kletscher B.A. Luther College
Elizabeth A. Knypstra B.A. University of California - Irvine
Marin Kolstad B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Keanu P. Krech B.A. University of Northwestern - St. Paul
Kyla Krohn B.A. University of St. Thomas
Wyatt Kruse B.A. University of Missouri - Columbia
Anna S. Kuehn B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Tobi Z. Ladipo B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Sabrina H. Le B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Ashley Lewis B.S. Grand Canyon University
Jiayuan Li B.A. University of St. Thomas
Peter D. Linder B.A. Saint Olaf College
John W. Lucke* B.A. University of St. Thomas
Claire C. Mancheski B.A. Williams College
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Danielle R. Marshall B.A. Creighton University
Johnathon C. McClellan** B.A. Metropolitan State University
Sean M. Meginness B.S. North Dakota State University - Fargo
Benjamin J. Meyer B.A. John Carroll University
Megan J. Miller B.A. Concordia College - Moorhead
Deqa Mohamed B.A. Macalester College
Katheryn E. Mohn B.A. University of St. Thomas
Mirtha Montoya-Lopez* LL.B. Pontifical Catholic University of Peru LL.M. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Salma Muftah* B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Joshua J. Muntifering B.A. Gustavus Adolphus College
Gabrielle Murphy* B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison M.A. Gonzaga University
Taylor Nachtigal B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Catherine J. Nardi B.A. University of St. Thomas
Ryan S. Neigbauer B.S. University of Wisconsin - Madison
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Delaney Nelson B.A. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire M.Ed. Arizona State University
Bibi N. Neumann B.S. St. Cloud State University Ph.D. University of St. Thomas
Sophia G. Newcomb B.A. Concordia College - Moorhead
Ugochi R. Nwachukwu B.S. Minnesota State University - Mankato
Thomas M. O'Brien B.A. University of St. Thomas
Kaylah E. O'Dea B.S. University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Shannon I. O'Rourke B.A. College of Saint Benedict
Caroline A. Osborne B.A. College of Saint Benedict
Stephanie R. Pavelko B.S. United States Military Academy
Colton E. Peltier B.M. The Juilliard School M.M. The Juilliard School
Maria del Carmen Pérez Loaiza LL.B. Universidad Católica San Pablo LL.M. University of St. Thomas
Jesse C. Peterson B.A. Oglethorpe University
Michael H. Peterson B.A. St. Cloud State University
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Michael A. Petschel B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis M.B.A. University of Colorado - Denver
Skylar M. Peyton B.A. College of Saint Benedict
John M. Pouchot B.A. Christopher Newport University
Bo Raymond-Iaquinto B.B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Jared M. Rhaburn B.A. Saint John's University
Giovanni Rios B.S. University of Illinois - Urbana
Jezebel A. Ristow B.A. Hamline University
Eline J. Rodsjo B.A. University of Denver
Morgan E. Rosser B.S. Illinois State University
Abigail M. Rud B.A. Bethel University
Arianna Rwaki B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Marissa A. Sandrock B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Sydney R. Saunders* B.A. Lee University B.L. Nottingham Trent University
Kayla M. Sayner B.A. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
William D. Schlicht B.A. University of St. Thomas
Michael A. Schuller B.S. St. Cloud State University
Isaac D. Schumacher B.A. University of Missouri - Columbia
Molly Schwandt B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Andrea Schwartz* B.S. Minnesota State University - Moorhead
Matthew M. Schwenk B.A. Augustana University
Joseph B. Scott B.A. University of Hawaii at Hilo
Abigail M. Seeley B.A. University of Minnesota - Duluth
Adam R. Seward B.S. University of Northwestern - St. Paul
Samantha D. Shobe B.A. St. Cloud State University
Jonathan P. Sime B.S. University of North Texas
Annika B. Soderborg B.A. Brigham Young University - Hawaii
Abigail J. Sokolowski B.A. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Isabella P. Spence B.A. Bethany Lutheran College
Lauren E. Sporleder B.S. Crown College
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Ellen M. Steiner B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Ella S. Stromme B.A. St. Olaf College
Esha Godishala Syal B.A. St. Olaf College
Emma E. Theis B.A. University of St. Thomas
Nathan J. Thomas B.A. College of William and Mary
Dylan C. Thorson B.A. University of St. Thomas
Jack Thram B.A. University of St. Thomas
Theodore R. Tiffany+ B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis M.A. University of St. Thomas
Emily L. Toms B.S. South Dakota State University
James W. Vandenbergh^ B.S. University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Thomas M. Vettukallel B.B.A. University of San Diego
Phillip H. Wagner B.B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Grant Walsh^ B.S. St. Cloud State University
Hafsa A. Warsamee B.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
J.D. CLASS OF 2024
Sara E. Weber B.S. Marquette University
Lauren M. Wenaas B.A. Concordia College - Moorhead
Madeline L. Woodward B.S. Miami University Oxford
Tyler J. Wright B.S. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Mai Tong Yang B.A. College of Saint Benedict
Gabriel R. Zempel B.S. North Dakota State University - Fargo
Lauren E. Zimbeck B.S. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis
Morgan B. Zuehlke B.B.A. Belmont University
^ earned joint J.D./MBA degrees + earned joint J.D./MSW degrees * December 2023 graduate ** December 2024 graduate
GRADES AND HONORS
Summa Cum Laude Micayla Bitz Tyler J. Bowman Cortney M. Buesgens Trysten J. Cisney Megan J. Miller Skylar M. Peyton Isabella P. Spence Dylan C. Thorson Magna Cum Laude Carrie Anderson Louisa C. Botten Alexander E. Kautza Marshall Kelner Samantha Kleiser Danielle R. Marshall Emily L. Toms Phillip H. Wagner Cum Laude Lena K. Atchan Sadie R. Buckel Davis W. Cheney Malcolm Deisz Aubrey A. Giesen Kenya L. Holderbecker Liesl F. Holum Kyla Krohn Benjamin J. Meyer Ryan S. Neigbauer Delaney Nelson Theodore R. Tiffany Gabriel R. Zempel
These honors are tentative. The final determination of honors will be based on a graduate’s entire academic record.
PUBLIC SERVICE
Each of today’s J.D. graduates has completed at least 50 hours of community service work as part of their legal education at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. The public service requirement is fashioned on the belief that all lawyers – and for that matter all people – have an obligation to share the gifts with which they have been blessed. The class as a whole completed more than 11,050 hours of community service work. For the students listed below, public service is clearly more than a requirement for graduation. The number of service hours each recorded over their three years of law school is inspiring and extraordinary. It is fitting that their accomplishments should be recognized today.
500-599 Hours Carrie Anderson Kenya Holderbecker
400-499 Hours Emma Theis
100-199 Hours Edward Almeida Kate Byrne Andi Gayner Anna Johnson Mana Kleiser Keanu Krech Wyatt Kruse Danielle Marshall Bibi Neumann Mike Petschel Molly Schwandt Abigail Seeley Dylan Thorson James Vandenbergh Leah Weitz
MINNESOTA JUSTICE FOUNDATION SERVICE
The J.D. graduating class of 2024 performed more than 3,100 hours of law-related public service, which benefited nearly 860 clients, during their time at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Of the 160 graduates, 27 students completed more than 50 hours of law-related public service.
300-400 Hours Carrie Anderson Emma Theis 150-200 Hours Kate Byrne Mana Kleiser Danielle Marshall Lauren Zimbeck 100-149 Hours Keanu Krech Peter Linder Molly Schwandt
50-99 Hours Consuela Abotsi-Kowu
Emma Baker Micayla Bitz Erika Clyma Hanna Day
Aubrey Giesen Isabel Hansen Toni Hoffer Zophia Kindrachuk Shaylma Klasen Elain Kolaru* Tobi Ladipo Sabrina Le Bibi Neumann Ugochi Nwachukwu Marissa Sandrock Annika Soderborg Ted Tiffany
*Master of Studies in Law Graduate
MISSION AWARDS
The University of St. Thomas School of Law, as a Catholic law school, is dedicated to integrating faith and reason in the search for truth through a focus on morality and social justice. To advance this mission, each member of the law school community is dedicated to promoting excellence in professional preparation, scholarly engagement and societal reform, and service and community. Each year, St. Thomas Law celebrates involvement and leadership in activities that support the school’s mission through its annual Living the Mission Awards. One member of each class who best exemplifies the mission, both in and out of the classroom, is presented with an overall Living the Mission Award. Awards are also presented for Excellence in Professional Preparation, Scholarly Engagement and Societal Reform, and Service and Community. Congratulations to the members of our 2024 graduating classes who have been honored with Mission Awards during their law school careers.
Service and Community Noor Dastagir
Scholarly Engagement and Societal Reform Tyler J. Bowman
Living the Mission Consuela M. Abotsi-Kowu Micayla Bitz Mohammed Nure Gobena Gabriel R. Zempel
Excellence in Professional Preparation Tyler J. Bowman Trysten J. Cisney Anna K. Johnson Michael A. Petschel
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
The University of St. Thomas School of Law recognizes and thanks the generous donors who paid it forward, establishing pivotal scholarships for access, excellence and impact. As we thank family, friends and others for their gifts, we recognize the important role philanthropy plays in supporting our students, our community and our mission. Archbishop Flynn Law Scholarship Ballard Spahr Law Diversity Scholarship Bassford Remele Scholarship Black Law Students Association Annual Scholarship Board of Governors Scholarship Class of 2004 Annual Scholarship Class of 2005 Annual Scholarship Class of 2006 Annual Scholarship Class of 2007 Annual Scholarship Class of 2008 Annual Scholarship Class of 2009 Annual Scholarship Conlin & Goetz Endowed Scholarship D. Donald and Angela W. Wozniak Scholarship Delta Theta Phi Annual Scholarship Dorsey and Whitney Endowed Scholarship Dwyer and Kanca Law School Scholarship Fish and Richardson Scholarship Gherty Family Scholarship Hank Shea Scholarship Hendricks Family Endowed Scholarship John D. Herrick Endowed Scholarship Judge Diana E. Murphy Scholarship Klos Family Endowed Scholarship Larkin Legal Scholarship Lathrop GPM Law Scholarship Law School Annual Scholarship Michael and Ann Ciresi Endowed Scholarship Nilan Johnson Lewis Scholarship Pio Cardinal Laghi Endowed Scholarship Quentin and Sara Hietpas Endowed Scholarship Robins Kaplan Scholarship School of Law Mission in Action Scholarship School of Law Professors Scholarship Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner Annual Scholarship Steve Tourek and Jake Marvin Scholars Endowment Stinson Annual Scholarship Stocks Family Endowed Scholarship Taft Annual Scholarship
Target Corporation Diversity Scholarship Thomas M. Mengler Endowed Scholarship Thomas P. Dolphin Endowed Scholarship Wheaton Endowed Scholarship
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Hon. Toddrick Barnette Maureen H. Bausch Barbara Burwell John L. Carr The Hon. Margaret H. Chutich Michael V. Ciresi
Christopher J. Dolan Robert J. Dwyer, Jr. Sara H. Gavin John W. Geelan, Jr. Judy L. Hallett Elizabeth D. Hartwell Kathleen Hayden Jack P. Helms
John D. Herrick Eileen M. Lach Jeremy S. Lane Thomas A. Letscher Robert C. Lux Kathleen MacLennan Susan I. Marvin Heather M. McElroy-Goerger Michael F. McFadden John M. Morrison The Hon. Susan Richard Nelson Kate Nilan Uding Catherine X. Pan-Giordano Brooks Poley Courtney Rogers Reid Melodie Rose
Patrick G. Ryan Ronald J. Schutz Ann Scovil Morris M. Sherman Eric J. Skytte Alexander C. Tittle Nick Weir Laura H. Witte
ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE ADVISORY BOARD
Michael Brennan Adam Briggs Chris Collin Michele M. Duncan Michael Duran Jim Fiebelkorn Robert L. Foehl Keri Grafing Shannon Hendricks Tony Heredia Jeffrey Johnson Dawn Kimmich Steve Koslow Jack Lenzi Laura Lonsdale Ash Mishra Joanne Mullen Laurie Olson Daniel R. Roach Ann Scovil Tara Shewchuck Tobi Tanzer Justin D. Windschitl Pamela K. Ziermann
FACULTY
Brenda J. Arndt Thomas C. Berg
Benjamin C. Carpenter Teresa Stanton Collett Jennifer L. Cornell Mariana H.C. Gonstead Mitchell Gordon David A. Grenardo Daniel F. Griffith Neil W. Hamilton Lyman P. Johnson Julie A. Jonas Wulf A. Kaal Robert A. Kahn Dennis L. Monroe Rachel Moran Joel A. Nichols Jerome M. Organ Julie A. Oseid Mark W. Osler Michael S. Paulsen Charles J. Reid, Jr. Laura Reilly Michael J. Robak Elizabeth R. Schiltz Rebecca H. Scholtz Henry J. Shea Gregory C. Sisk Susan J. Stabile Carl M. Warren Virgil O. Wiebe Amy Wildermuth Yohuru Williams
STAFF
Jill S. Akervik Becky Beerling Adam Bent Henry R. Bishop Lisa Montpetit Brabbit Cristina R. Calderón Phuong-Uyen T. Campbell Niki M.C. Catlin Julie Craven Sally P. Dahlquist Devin Donskoi Meghan Marrinan Feliciano Katie K. Flood Monica K. Gould Cari L. Haaland Felicia Hamilton Carrie B. Hilger Stefanie M. Hollmichel Michelle Huber Abigail Loyd Grace L. Magill-Cuerden Denisse Manivanh
Cindy McGrath Millet Mendoza Gloria S. Myre Chad Nosbusch Leonard Peoples, Jr. Treva Peters Taylor Praus-Singh Michelle E. Rash Judith M. Rush Monique Salvetti Debbie Shapiro Allison Shea Kelley Baker Siemon Ellie Speedling Derek Thooft Daniel J. Winterlin Piper Wold
A LAWYER’S PRAYER TO ST. THOMAS MORE
I pray, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, that I, with You, St. Thomas More, may be trustworthy with confidences, keen in study, accurate in analysis, correct in conclusion, able in
argument, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, ever attentive to
conscience. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients’ tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul. Pray for me, and with me, that my family may find in me what Your family found in You: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain—their good servant, but God’s first.
Amen.
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