Welcoming Remarks | Columbia Law School

Welcoming Remarks: Synne Chapman ’16 and Lydia Deutsch ’16

Synne Chapman ’16

Good afternoon everyone! Welcome to the Columbia Law School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2016.

On behalf of my classmates, it is my honor to thank all of you for joining us today. Whether you took the subway or two planes and a train to be here, your presence with us today means the world.

Each of you knows better than most that law school is not an easy feat. Your support of us during these three years is immeasurable. We will never be able to repay you for getting us through. But no, we STILL can’t give you legal advice.

We would also like to thank the Columbia Law School faculty and administrators with us today. Your passion for teaching and dedication to Columbia Law School has provided us with a wonderful educational experience. Thank you for inspiring us and pushing us across the finish line.

We would be remiss not to thank former Attorney General Eric Holder for joining us today. As you all know, Mr. Holder is our keynote speaker for today’s festivities. On behalf of our classmates, and particularly our classmates of color, we would like to acknowledge your great accomplishments. We are entering a profession that doesn’t always look like us, and doesn’t always know what to do with us. Your courage and leadership have laid down the foundation for our own future success, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Finally, I would like to personally thank each and every one of my fellow classmates. You are my support system, my home away from home, and I cannot imagine a law school experience with another group of individuals. Today marks not just the end, but the beginning of an amazing chapter that I cannot wait to share with you.

It is now my honor to introduce Dean Gillian Lester, Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law and Dean of Columbia Law School.