PORTLAND — U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby was the keynote speaker at the University of Maine School of Law commencement ceremonies, held May 21 in Merrill Auditorium.
The student commencement speaker, Paul Brunetti of Lewiston, told classmates that as a result of their Maine Law education, “We now are better prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.” Brunetti, a graduate of Lewiston High School and Bates College, worked on state legislative campaigns and held a policy development position for the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
Ninety students were awarded J.D. degrees.
Awards presented at the 2011 commencement include:
Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award for outstanding academic performance in Environmental & Marine Law: Meghan Virginia Marie Ogren, Farmington.
American Bankruptcy Institute Medal for excellence in bankruptcy studies: Bodie Brier Colwell, New Sharon.
Upper Level Writing Project Award for the best Upper Level Writing Project done by a member of the third-year class, judged by a committee of faculty members appointed by the dean: Darcy Anne Mitchell, Durham, for her article, “Suspect Classifications and the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage: An Analysis of the Same-Sex Marriage Debate Under Current Fourteenth Amendment Jurisprudence.”
Faculty Award for Trial Advocacy for outstanding performance in advocacy courses: Darcy Anne Mitchell, Durham.
Gignoux Award for Appellate Advocacy, for graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in appellate advocacy skills through moot court, clinical practice or other curricular or extracurricular programs: Corey Scott Hadley, Durham.
National Association of Women Lawyers Recognition Award, awarded to a graduate who has contributed to the advancement of women in society and promoted issues and concerns of women in the legal profession: Bodie Brier Colwell, New Sharon.
Faculty Significant Achievement Awards, presented to members of the senior class whose academic performance and overall contribution to the school have been significant: Meghan Virginia Marie Ogren, Farmington.
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