UND School of Law Celebrates Class of 2024
The University of North Dakota School of Law conferred the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) during a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Chester Fritz Auditorium in Grand Forks.
Sixty-five candidates completed the requirements for the degree of Juris Doctor. An additional 15 members of the Class of 2024 completed degree requirements in December 2023. Seventy-three candidates participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony was officiated by UND President Andrew Armacost and UND School of Law Dean Brian Pappas. Remarks were given by Dr. Casey Ryan of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and ,at the request of the Class of 2024, Assistant Professor of Law Paul Traynor, delivered the commencement address.
Professor Traynor shared several words of wisdom and advice with UND School of Law’s newest alumni. “An education is the one achievement no person or government can take away from you,” he said. Second, “As a lawyer, we are called to serve our communities.” He shared his personal story of working pro bono for the Minnesota AIDS project (MAP) in the late 1980s. He shared that it was the most emotionally exhausting work he has ever done in his career and also the most rewarding. “Lawyers are called to donate our personal and professional education and attention to serve the greater good, to improve our communities, and the quality of life for all people.”
Traynor challenged each member of the Class of 2024 to answer the call. “Find how best to use your education to serve a community that needs your guidance and intellectual skills,” he said. “What defines a successful legal career is how you have used the education you have earned to improve the lives of other people.”
Each member of the class crossed the stage and received their doctoral hood from Professor Julia Ernst and Professor Michael McGinniss as well as a diploma cover from UND President, Andrew Armacost. Assistant Dean for Student Services, Brad Parrish, acted as proctor.
Four members of the class completed the joint J.D./MBA program and one member of the class completed the joint J.D./MPH program.
After the ceremony, graduates and their guests attended a brunch at the Memorial Union hosted by UND School of Law.
“This is a memorable day, not only for our graduates, but for the entire UND Law community” said Dean Pappas in his remarks. “We are proud of our graduates, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the future.”
