PENN STATE DICKINSON LAW CELEBRATES 2025 COMMENCEMENT IN CARLISLE AND UNIVERSITY PARK
May 2025 — Penn State Dickinson Law’s commencement exercises, held on May 10 in Carlisle and on May 17 in University Park, recognized more than 400 J.D., S.J.D., and Master of Laws (LL.M.) candidates.
Both ceremonies featured honored guests, speakers with deep ties to Penn State Dickinson Law, and student speeches that brought the members of the Class of 2025 to their feet.
Carlisle ceremony: ‘Lawyers are the most important professionals in society’
The Carlisle commencement ceremony took place at The Forum in Harrisburg. The event opened with a greeting from Penn State Dickinson Law Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway, who urged friends and family of the graduates to celebrate loudly throughout the ceremony to honor their outstanding achievements.
She then introduced LL.M. student speaker Ama Oduma Annan ’25 LL.M., who practiced law for four years in Ghana before coming to Carlisle. “While the journey was not without moments of doubt, I found strength in perseverance and in the inclusive, welcoming community at Penn State Dickinson Law,” said Annan. “This journey has not only enriched my knowledge but has also deepened my resilience, broadened my worldview, and reaffirmed my commitment to effecting meaningful change through law.”
Delivering the commencement address, Catherine A. Christian ’88, a partner at Liston Abramson in New York City, delivered a powerful message highlighting the critical role of lawyers in upholding justice and the rule of law. “Lawyers are the most important professionals in society, in our democracy. I'm a fan of doctors and CPAs, especially my own,” Christian said. “But is the lawyer who ensures the fair administration of justice in our society.”
Robert J. Tribeck, Esquire, a member of the Board of Trustees, conferred the degrees, which were presented by Jeffrey A. Dodge, associate dean for academic affairs, assistant professor of law, and Joseph H. Goldstein Faculty Scholar.
Then Ely S. Ross ’11, president of the Penn State Dickinson Law Alumni Society, delivered alumni association remarks and welcomed the 11 LL.M. and 95 J.D. graduates into the alumni society.
Maxwell Allanson-Dundon ’25, the J.D. student speaker, closed the ceremony on an optimistic note. “When a big case, important trial, closing argument, or major assignment comes along, we won't all just become grand lawyers. We will fall back on our training and preparation and experiences we gained here at Penn State Dickinson Law to get the job done,” said Allanson-Dundon.
View candid photos from the Penn State Dickinson Law, Carlisle Graduation Ceremony.
University Park ceremony: ‘Penn State Dickinson Law has helped each of us achieve at least one of our dreams’
The University Park commencement ceremony took place at Eisenhower Auditorium. The event opened with the national anthem, sung by Brandan Christopher Parks ’25, followed by a welcome and introduction from Victor Romero, interim dean of Penn State Dickinson Law and the School of International Affairs, and Distinguished Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law Maureen B. Cavanaugh.
Penn State University Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Tracy Langkilde then offered remarks before LL.M. student speaker Rushana Sadullaeva ’25 LL.M. took the stage. “We have learned not only from our textbooks and professors but from each other as well, about different cultures, legal systems, and ways of thinking,” said the Uzbekistan native and first-generation lawyer. “I truly believe that Penn State Dickinson Law has helped each of us achieve at least one of our dreams.”
Christie B. Tillapaugh ’02, president and CEO of Dentons, Cohen & Grigsby, delivered the address. She urged graduates to consider what they wanted to bring to the next chapter of their lives and careers. She also encouraged them to have a healthy relationship with mistakes. “We all make them. Own them, fix them quickly and speak up. Remember, the bad news does not get better with time,” said Tillapaugh.
Interim Provost Langkilde and William F. Oldsey, a member of the Board of Trustees, conferred the degrees, which were presented by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Jud Mathews.
After Romero presented the Class of 2025, J.D. student speaker Temidoyin Olusa ’25 delivered his remarks to a standing ovation. “When we all retire in 50 years, and we have to confront the world we played a role in shaping, I don't want any of us to look back on it with regret. I want to tell my grandchildren that I did something when I saw evil in the world,” said Olusa.
Erika Uebelhor ’25 sang the alma mater as the ceremony closed. Then the 128 J.D. and 167 LL.M. graduates exited in a recessional.
View candid photos from the Penn State Dickinson Law, University Park Graduation Ceremony.