RALEIGH — Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law conferred 145 Juris Doctor degrees on Friday during its 45th hooding and graduation ceremony at the J.S. Dorton Arena.
“Today is a transitional point in your lives,” Dean J. Rich Leonard told the graduates. “For the rest of your days, no matter what you are doing, whether you are a prosecutor or a public defender, a civil litigator or criminal defense attorney, a judge, a corporate officer, a government official, or a parent at home raising children, when the question is asked, ‘What do you do?’ you are entitled to proudly answer, ‘I am a lawyer.’”
Nottingham Law School Deputy Dean Matthew Homewood on behalf of Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, bestowed four Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees to Heidi M. High of Hankasalmi, Finland, Erin Leigh Basinger of Kannapolis, LeAnne McAbee of Wilkesboro and Judge Donna Elizabeth “Beth” Tanner of Kinston. “Enjoy every part of this day and take a moment to reflect on what you have achieved,” Homewood said. “It’s amazing.”
Campbell University Board of Trustees Chairman Gene Lewis III ’94,’ 97 told the Class of 2023, who began their law school journey during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge. “You are our future … your tool chest is full and, with what you have learned during the pandemic, your class is best equipped to transform the legal profession … seize your future and do great and good things.”
North Carolina’s First Lady Kristin Cooper ’82 was the commencement speaker. In her entertaining and inspirational speech, Cooper encouraged the graduates to break out of their comfort zones and continue to challenge themselves by learning new things and seeking out those with whom they fundamentally disagree. “Your law degree gives you options,” she explained. “I encourage you to go on to have lives that are not just about making money but finding joy. Don’t fear failure. Seek justice and love mercy. You are all going to shine like diamonds. I can’t wait to see what you are going to do.”
Valedictorian Sofia Peri Baneth told her classmates that just .4 percent of the U.S. population works as a lawyer, making it a privilege that also comes with responsibilities, including explaining the law, working hard for clients, solving problems and continuing to support each other while representing the Campbell Law School community. She wrapped up her remarks with, “Guess what? Y’all, we did it!,” which was received with a huge round of applause.
Student Bar Association President Taylor Pulliam, who gave the invocation, remembered former classmate John Kuzora, who died unexpectedly halfway through his second-year of law school.
Find more photos of the ceremony on the law school’s Facebook page at this link and watch the graduation ceremony’s Live Stream recording at this link.
As part of the graduation ceremony, the following awards were announced:
The Howard Memorial Christian Citizenship Award is awarded to the individual whose citizenship and leadership exemplify the Christian character and aspirations of the School of Law. Established by the Howard Memorial Christian Education Fund in memory of Barry Howard.
- Mary Catherine Coltrane of Rockingham
Third-Year Academic Achievement Award is awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic average in his or her third year.
- Sofia Peri Baneth of Raleigh
Richard A. and Nikki A. Lord Outstanding Graduate Award is awarded to the individual who excels academically as well as in additional endeavors thereby contributing fully to the School of Law, his or her peers, and the legal profession. This award, which recognizes overall excellence, was established by Campbell Law Professor Emeritus Richard A. Lord.
- Mollie Ann Grose of Jamestown
Jessie and Elizabeth Leonard Valedictorian Award established by Dean J. Rich Leonard for the graduating valedictorian, named in honor and memory of his parents.
- Sofia Peri Baneth of Raleigh
Dean’s Outstanding Improvement Award is awarded to the individual exhibiting the most outstanding academic improvement over his or her law school career. The recipient is selected by the Dean and Associate Dean.
- Christopher Stock of Raleigh
Robert A. Jenkins Award is awarded to the individual whose work in various competitions or other areas best represents the School of Law to the community, the profession and the public.
- Adia Grace McLaughlin of Pinehurst
National Association of Women Lawyers Award is awarded to an individual based on academic achievement, motivation, and potential to contribute to the advancement of women in the profession.
- Rebecca Simone Pierce of Fernandina Beach, Florida
Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake Jr. Constitutional Law Award is awarded to the student who has demonstrated excellence in the area of constitutional law. Established by The Honorable I. Beverly Lake Sr.
- Sofia Peri Baneth of Raleigh
Norman Adrian Wiggins Estate Planning Award is in memory of Dr. Norman Adrian Wiggins, the late president and chancellor of Campbell University, in recognition of the best performance in the estate tax and planning area.
- Virginia Ann Walker of Clemmons
Student Bar Association Service Award is awarded to the individual who provides unusual service to the student body and the School of Law.
- William Taylor Pulliam of Kernersville
International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award is awarded for distinguished achievement in the student advocacy program.
- Christian Scott Fraley of Lexington
North Carolina Advocates for Justice Student Advocacy Awards
These awards are presented to the students showing the most significant improvement during their required Trial Advocacy performance sections as evidenced by their performance and grade; leadership endeavors; academic success; and collegial respect and work ethic. These awards are sponsored by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. This year’s recipients are:
- Sofia Peri Baneth of Raleigh, Kyle Anthony Conway of Wilson and Christian Smith-Bishop of Greenville, South Carolina
Calhoun Advocacy Award is awarded for the best performance in the trial and appellate advocacy program. Established by M. Jean Calhoun, Class of 1980.
- Jacob Nathaniel Byrd of Morgantown
Safran Moot Court Award is awarded for outstanding contribution to the moot court program at the School of Law. Established by Perry R. Safran, Class of 1981.
- Rebecca Simone Pierce of Fernandina Beach, Florida
Rebecca Ann Phillips Memorial Award was established by the Class of 2011 in memory of their classmate. Awarded to the individual who exemplifies honorable ideals and demonstrates an interest in representing victims of domestic violence.
- Clare Leathersich Poston of Beverly, Massachusetts
ALI CLE Scholarship & Leadership Award is awarded to the individual who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership, the qualities embodied by the American Law Institute.
- Christian Smith-Bishop of Greenville, South Carolina
Pro Bono Publico Award is awarded to the individual whose demonstrated commitment to pro bono activities exemplifies the aspirations of the School of Law and the best intentions of the legal profession.
- Brigitte Claire Kelly of Holly Springs
Outstanding Clinical Student Award is awarded for excellence in clinical fieldwork and for exceptionally thoughtful, self-reflective participation in an accompanying clinical seminar. Sponsored by the Clinical Legal Education Association.
- Clare Leathersich Poston of Beverly, Massachusetts
Outstanding Externship Student Award is awarded for excellence in clinical fieldwork and for exceptionally thoughtful, self-reflective participation in an accompanying externship course. Sponsored by the Clinical Legal Education Association.
- Katie O’Neil Cottle of Charlotte
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Student Award is a cash award given to the graduating student who has exhibited the competency, ethics, and skills to elevate the practice of family law. It is sponsored by the North Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
- Mary Catherine Coltrane of Rockingham
The Order of Barristers
Membership in the national society recognizing outstanding performance in the art of advocacy. This year’s recipients are:
- Christian Scott Fraley of Lexington
- Jacob Nathaniel Byrd of Morganton
- Corey A. Goss of Roper
- Charles Wilson King of Winterville
- Niayai Liato Lavien of Charlotte
- Adia Grace McLaughlin of Pinehurst
- Samantha Faye Richardson of Kenly
- Christopher Stock of Raleigh
- Genesis Esperanza Torres of Raleigh
- Megan Elizabeth Von Canon of Sanford
Order of Old Kivett
Awarded for exemplary representation in advocacy competitions while maintaining the highest ethical standards. This year’s recipients are:
- Tiqeece Dyante Brown of Kings Mountain
- Mary Catherine Coltrane
- Christian Lunghi of Garner
- Elizabeth Bryan McGowan of Greensboro
- Emmanuel Alejandro Mijangos Lopez of Sanford
- Sarah Alexandria Mills of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Jernigan Thiere Newell of Landstuhl, Germany
- Trynity Lee Ojeda of Stafford, Virginia
- Tia Shanice Overway of Omaha, Nebraska
- Rebecca Simone Pierce of Fernandina Beach, Florida
Summa Cum Laude is awarded for a degree earned with highest distinction. The recipients of this honor are:
- Sofia Peri Baneth of Raleigh
Magna Cum Laude is awarded for a degree earned with great distinction. The recipients of this honor are:
- Mollie Ann Grose of Jamestown
- Adam Hopkins Brooker of Raleigh
- Carter Manley Jones Mt. Olive
- Dylan Henlee Bobbitt of Knightdale
- Cameron David Morris of Matthews
- Christian Smith-Bishop of Greenville, South Carolina
- Audrey C. Normandin of Titusville, Florida
Cum Laude is awarded for a degree earned with distinction. The recipients of this honor are:
- Kylie Marie Bouplon of Seagrove
- Jacob Nathaniel Byrd of Morgantown
- Kyle Anthony Conway of Wilson
- Alexa Rae Davis of Wilson
- Scott S. Donaldson of Wilmington
- Ryan Anastasia Feeley of Charlotte
- Kathryn Eager Glaser of Boone
- Corey A. Goss of Roper
- Evan Gerald Gungor of Apex
- Margaret Ann Gunn of Raleigh
- Maeve Grace Healy of Charlotte
- Christian Lunghi of Garner
- Rebecca Simone Pierce of Fernandina Beach, Florida
- Clare Leathersich Poston of Beverly, Massachusetts
- Jillian Louise Randles of Argyle
- Margaux Lucille Richardson of Wilmington
- Samantha Faye Richardson of Kenly
- Hartman Lee Saylor of Raleigh
- Sydney Christina Smith of Roseboro
- Anna Katherine Carey Somberg of Burlington
- Jacob Vinson Stewart of Clayton
- Sara A. West of Huntington Beach, California
- Sydney Marie Wheeless of Benson
Campbell Law congratulates each of you on your academic achievements!
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW
Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law School has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 4,700 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2023, Campbell Law is celebrating 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 14 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.