Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 5-1-18

Local
Justice Quince Talks To Law School Grads About Professionalism
Ashley Bruner delivered the valedictory address.
Following the graduation ceremony at WMU-Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus on April 21, graduates gathered to celebrate the retirement of Professor John Scott. Scott taught at the law school for 40 years and was recognized for teaching more classes than other pro- fessor during the law school’s 45-year history.
and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications.’” She then noted the importance of the Creed of Professionalism and reminded the future at- torneys that the creed states, “‘My word is my bond.’”
During the valedictory re- marks, Bruner, who resides in Tampa, asked her class- mates to reflect on the five W’s of life while she quoted Malcom X by saying, “the
future belongs to those who prepare for today.”
Bruner then explained the importance of the words “who” and “where” from the five W’s from her perspective as a law school graduate.
“Who are you? Who you are is what makes you spe- cial. Do not change for any- one. Our actions must make a statement and send a clear message. Remember, to have civility and use your influ-
ence and your knowledge to better your community, the world, and the legal profes- sion,” said Bruner.
“Where there are choices to make, make the one you won’t regret. When your val- ues are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier. No matter where life takes you, from this moment forward, you have a choice to continue your success in the direction you take it.”
Constitutional Law Professor Brendan Beery was presented with the Stanley E. Beattie Award for Excellence in Teaching during WMU-Cooley Law School’s spring commencement. From left, As- sociate Dean Ronald Sutton, Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy A. Quince, keynote speaker; Beery, and WMU-Cooley President and Dean Don LeDuc.
Western Michigan Uni- versity Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus held its spring commence- ment, awarding Juris Doctor Degrees to 60 graduates on Saturday, April 21. During the ceremony at University of South Florida’s Marshall Center - Oval Theater, Florida Supreme Court Jus- tice Peggy A. Quince was the keynote speaker and Ashley Bruner presented the valedictory remarks.
During her remarks,
Justice Quince spoke to the graduates about the im- portance of professionalism while practicing law. She rec- ommended that, as new at- torneys, law school graduates should consider referencing the Bible, the Oath of Admission to the Florida Bar, and the Creed of Professionalism.
Justice Quince recited the Oath of Admission to the graduates, “‘To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity,
PAGE 4 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018