Hartford mayor challenges School of Law graduates to seek different perspectives, ‘dream dreams of worlds yet to be’
May 10, 2024
Watch the livestream recording of the School of Law Commencement.
Friday, May 10, 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
Cameron Chaplen, JD ’24
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Remarks
Jennifer Gerarda Brown
Dean of the School of Law
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Jennifer Gerarda Brown
Commencement Address
Arunan Arulampalam, JD ‘14
Mayor, City of Hartford
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Conferral of Hoods
Jennifer Gerarda Brown
Kevin Barry
Associate Dean
Hooders:
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Stephen Gilles, Professor of Law, Professor of the Year
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Marilyn Ford, Professor of Law
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Stanton Krauss, Professor of Law
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Remarks
Matthew David Ventricelli, JD ‘24
President, Student Bar Association
Stephen Gilles
Professor of the Year
Alumni Welcome
Adam Swanson, JD ’08
President, Law Alumni Association
Recessional
Arunan Arulampalam, JD ’14
Mayor of the City of Hartford
School of Law Ceremony | Friday, May 10, 5 p.m.
Arunan Arulampalam, JD ’14, was sworn in as the 68th mayor of Hartford on Jan. 1 and immediately went to work on energizing the city he’s called home for a decade. A native of Zimbabwe born to Sri Lankan refugees, Mayor Arulampalam worked as an attorney at the Hartford-based firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C., before embarking on a career in public service. He went on to serve as CEO of the Hartford Land Bank, where he developed a first-of-its-kind program designed to rejuvenate blighted properties by turning residents into developers. Prior to his election, Arulampalam served in the Lamont Administration as deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. He lives in the Frog Hollow neighborhood of Hartford in a formerly blighted house with his wife, Liza, and their five small children.
A Message from the President
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 as you celebrate the culmination of three years of hard work and a steadfast commitment to your dream. As whole lawyers who retain their personal values and sense of self while becoming skilled practitioners, you are well prepared to become leaders in your community and to advance social justice — both within and beyond the sphere of your practice.
As graduates of the Quinnipiac University School of Law, you have learned from a distinguished faculty and a committed staff. You also have learned from each other during this transformative time in your lives. Please stay connected to the Bobcat community and continue to draw upon the many friendships and mentorships you have formed here.
Your talent, drive, and purpose are sure to impact many and to make the world a better and more equitable place. Enjoy this day with your families, friends, and others who have helped you reach this milestone. Together, we are cheering for you, with utmost pride.
Warmly
Judy D. Olian
A Message from Dean Brown
Congratulations to the Class of 2024. As you embark upon your careers, I’m confident that you’re graduating fully prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead, whether you’ll be working at a law firm, clerking for a judge, or lending your voice to the fight for social justice.
So much has happened during your time at Quinnipiac; collectively, we have dealt with significant changes in constitutional law here at home, and devastating destruction and loss of life in wars across the globe. Through it all, you’ve worked hard, you’ve mastered the law, and you have grown — emotionally and intellectually — to become “whole lawyers” who will serve your clients and communities effectively, ethically, and empathetically. I am honored to conclude my tenure as dean just as you are concluding your work as students. I hope we can all reflect back on this time at Quinnipiac Law as a period of growth, friendship, and joy in learning.
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff at Quinnipiac Law, I wish you long and meaningful careers and much success.
Kindest wishes,
Jennifer Gerarda Brown
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.
