Campbell Law School recognizes Class of 2021 achievements

RALEIGH — Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law conferred 166 Juris Doctor degrees on May 7, 2021, at Red Hat Amphitheater during its 43st hooding and graduation ceremony. Dean J. Rich Leonard also  bestowed 11 Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees on behalf of the Nottingham Law School, United Kingdom.

“Today is the culmination of a seemingly endless amount of hard work, preparation and sacrifice,” Leonard said. “We celebrate your accomplishments to date, and we look forward to watching as you launch your new careers.”

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) was the commencement speaker. In his speech, Cooper addressed the struggles students have faced throughout the pandemic. “I know you’ve had other challenges, for some of you it’s been sickness, for some caring for parents, for some caring for children, for someone it is experiencing a death close to you, but now you are here and have made it,” he said. “You have plowed through the hardship.”

He added the graduates should find their purpose as well as find ways to do good in the community. You can watch CBS 17’s coverage at this link and the recording of the Livestream here.

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.

• Carter Benjamin Cole of Cary

Third-Year Academic Achievement Award is awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic average in his or her third year.  

• Matthew Grayson Parker of Carthage

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.

• Erin Marie Barker of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 

Jessie and Elizabeth Leonard Valedictorian Award established by Dean J. Rich Leonard for the graduating valedictorian, named in honor and memory of his parents.

• Matthew Grayson Parker of Carthage

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.

• Megan E. Mathews of Charlotte

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.

• Kelsey C. Myers of Durham

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.

• Kenya Marie Glover of Fayetteville

Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake Jr. Constitutional Law Award is presented to the student who has demonstrated excellence in constitutional law by writing an award-winning paper. The award was created and endowed by the I. Beverly Lake Family.

• James Harold “Trey” Ferguson III of Greensboro

International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award is awarded for distinguished achievement in the student advocacy program.

• Daniel Alexander Wynton Nelson of Goldsboro

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:

• Carter Benjamin Cole of Cary
• Alayna Marie-Poole Elmore of  Lewisville
• Lauren Ashley Wilson of Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Calhoun Advocacy Award is awarded for the best performance in the trial and appellate advocacy program. Established by M. Jean Calhoun, Class of 1980.

• Jordan Ariana Arroyo of Holly Springs

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.

• Savannah Singletary of Raleigh

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 demonstrating an interest in representing victims of domestic violence.

• Michael Taylor Logan of Richmond, Virginia

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.

• Adam Michael Miller of New Bern

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.

• James Harold “Trey” Ferguson III

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.

• Hannah Renee Eller of Chapel Hill 

The Order of Barristers

Membership in the national society recognizing outstanding performance in the art of advocacy. Professor Zachary Bolitho presented the newest members of The Order of Barristers.

• Jordan Ariana Arroyo
• Summer Loren Combs
• Kenya Marie Glover
• Ian Matthew Hobbs
• Kelsey C. Myers
• Daniel Alexander Wynton Nelson
• Savannah Singletary
• Joshua R. Steedly
• Macy Brianne Stutts
• Chelsey Leigh Wilson

Order of Old Kivett

Awarded for exemplary representation in advocacy competitions while maintaining the highest ethical standards. This year’s inductees to the Order of Old Kivett were presented by Professor Shawn Fields.

• Benjamin Thierry Aydlett
• Daisha Marie Barnes 
• Miller Freeman Capps
• Oumayma El Hamzaoul
• Lawrence Dale Graham Jr.
• Brandon DeVon Irabor
• Sarah Izzell
• Kathleen Leah Miller
• Madison Brook Sides
• Rebecca Keating Skahen

Summa Cum Laude is awarded for a degree earned with highest distinction.  The recipients of this honor are:

• Erin Marie Barker
• Matthew Grayson Parker

Magna cum laude is awarded for a degree earned with great distinction.  The recipients of this honor are:

Cum laude is awarded for a degree earned with distinction.  The recipients of this honor are:

ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW

Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law 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 4,300 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2021, Campbell Law is celebrating 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 12 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.