RALEIGH — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory explained the importance of hard work and determination to Campbell Law graduates today at the 35th annual hooding and graduation ceremony of the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, held at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Campbell Law School conferred 132 Juris Doctor degrees at the ceremony. The graduates of the Class of 2013 hailed from 47 different undergraduate institutions and represented more than 30 different undergraduate majors. In addition to the Class of 2013, four graduates who finished last December also participated in commencement exercises.
In his speech, McCrory urged each graduate to fight through and overcome adversity during times of great personal struggle. To emphasize his point, he spoke candidly on losing the 2008 gubernatorial election, only to rebound and campaign successfully in 2012.
“When forward progress seems impossible or simply not worth the risk, you will be tempted to quit, to give up, or let someone else carry the burden,” said Gov. McCrory. “Don’t give in to that temptation. Don’t be afraid to fail, and if you do fail, don’t just accept the failure. Try again.”
Interim Dean Keith Faulkner called Friday’s ceremony a joyous occasion for the school and its graduates.
“Today we acknowledge the result of not just three years of hard work at Campbell Law School, but of a lifetime of accomplishments to date,” Faulkner said. “More importantly, we celebrate new beginnings; the launch of new careers in the law and the possibilities and promise that each of these graduates possess.”
“Our world is in desperate need of people who seek professions that serve their fellow man,” added Dr. Jerry Wallace, Campbell University President. “I pray that you will give your life to ensure justice for individuals and all human life.”
View the graduation photo gallery on the Campbell Law School Facebook page.