New York Law School Honors the Class of 2024 at 132nd Commencement Exercises

On Monday, May 20, the warm spring air buzzed with excitement as New York Law School’s Class of 2024 entered the historic Beacon Theatre. The theatre—which opened during NYLS alumnus Jimmy Walker’s tenure as New York City Mayor—came to life with the joyful chatter of the graduating class and the proud NYLS community members there to celebrate them.

Dean and President Anthony W. Crowell called the ceremony to order with a warm welcome to the graduates and their loved ones. He introduced Jennifer Vega ’24, who passionately sang a rendition of the National Anthem. Student Bar Association President Lindsay Kantor ’24 then took the stage to welcome her peers and commend their unwavering perseverance.

“It amazes me how much the Class of 2024 has accomplished,” Kantor rejoiced. “We have all shown a remarkable resilience and dedication to our community, but also to gaining knowledge of the law and upholding the rule of law.”

Dean Crowell returned to the podium to recognize honored guests, esteemed alumni, trustees, faculty, and this year’s honorary degree recipient and keynote speaker, The Honorable Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix.

In tune with the ceremony’s theme of “Public Service and Civic Fame,” Dean Crowell reflected on the School's rich civic history, commemorating the dynamic public service of several NYLS alumni who helped shape New York City into what it is today.

“Civic Fame” refers to the iconic gilded statue standing atop the Municipal Building overlooking City Hall. Depicting a woman holding a crown representing New York City’s five boroughs and a shield and laurel branch symbolizing victory, Civic Fame embodies the City government's commitment to public service and civic engagement.

Addressing the graduating class, Dean Crowell noted, “You follow 133 years of alumni who didn’t sit back, but instead jumped off the sidelines and took charge, shaped the city and world around them, and held each other accountable. You will soon have your moment to create real and enduring change. There will be setbacks, and timing is everything. But courageous leadership, unbreakable integrity, genuine empathy, and an appreciation for the long game will allow all of you to win out in the end. It is completely within your power if you are willing to work for it. As you go out these doors, be the leaders I know you to be.”

Then came the time to honor the exemplary Hon. Hinds-Radix, Corporation Counsel of the NYC Law Department. In addition to receiving an honorary degree, Hon. Hinds-Radix accepted the Civic Fame Award––presented by Center for New York City Law Director Ross Sandler––on behalf of the Law Department, honoring their courageous leadership through the immense challenges the City has faced throughout its history.

In her address to the graduating class, Hon. Hinds-Radix wisely advised: “Be mindful of the rule of the law. Guard it, for it is one of the pillars of our nation’s foundation. Be an advocate for your clients, and in your advocacy, always be honest, true, and ethical. The ethical positions that you take may not always please those around you, or the ones you’re giving it to, but it will reward you in shaping who you are.”

The ceremony then reached an interlude, during which violinist Grace Shim ’24 performed a captivating rendition of Bach’s Partita for Unaccompanied Violin No. 3 in E Major, Prelude.

The awarding of prizes followed, with Dean of Faculty and Professor William P. LaPiana presenting the Otto L. Walter Distinguished Writing Awards to authors of outstanding published work. This year's faculty winners included Professors Richard Chused, Shahrokh Falati ’08, Claire R. Thomas ’11, Heather E. Cuculo ’03, and F. Peter Phillips ’87. This year’s student winner was Melissa Rosenberg ’24.

The first student speaker Danielle Drugan ’24 then took the stage to deliver her remarks. She reflected on the challenges she faced as a first-generation student and noted how NYLS served as the “guiding compass” that helped her “navigate the uncertain path ahead with confidence.”

Dean LaPiana returned to the stage to award graduating finalists the Trustees’ Prize for the highest average. Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Matt Gewolb then presented the Alfred L. Rose Award for Excellence and the Joseph Solomon Award for Excellent Character and Fitness.

The second set of student remarks came from Konstantine Tettonis ’24 Evening, who spoke about his immigrant family, public service, and being mentored by Dean Crowell since he was a high school student. His speech underscored the paramount importance of guidance and support in legal education.

Following his mentee, Dean Crowell returned to the podium to present the President’s Medal Award to Benjamin DeCosta ’75, who received the honor a second time. DeCosta imparted three wishes for the graduates: 1) the vision to see beyond the horizon and anticipate future trends; 2) the power to adapt to cultural changes; and 3) the courage to stand firm, do the right thing, and always uphold the rule of law. He added a fourth, humorous wish: for all the graduates to pass the bar exam the first time.

Recipient of the Kathleen Grimm Medal for Distinguished Public Service Alexandra Ogunsanya ’24 then approached the podium to accept the honor. Ogunsanya reflected on why she chose to pursue law and shared the sentiment that ultimately led her to NYLS: “Becoming a lawyer is the path not only to my dreams, but to helping to build the dreams of others. I have never been more certain about a decision in my life.”

President of the Alumni Association E. Drew Britcher ’84 then welcomed the graduates to the alumni community before Associate Dean and Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Chief Development Officer Jeff Becherer introduced the legacy graduates. The ceremony reached its most heartwarming moment as the graduates shared their moment of achievement with their relatives who had also graduated from NYLS. The audience was particularly touched when graduating siblings James Kelly ’24 and Nora Kelly ’24 graced the stage together, presenting their diplomas to each other.

One by one, the remaining graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Dean Crowell, many of them flashing proud, twinkling smiles to their loved ones in the audience.

Finally, the moment arrived––Board of Trustees Chair Arthur N. Abbey ’59 conferred the degrees, officially marking the Class of 2024 graduates of law. Electrified by final congratulations and the dazzling starting notes of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” the Class of 2024 cheerfully rose from their seats. All eyes were on them as they stepped out into the bright city sunshine, empowered with the fierce dedication of budding leaders greeting the world that awaits their embrace.

Congratulations, Class of 2024!