D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams will address graduates of the GW Law School later this month, highlighting ceremonies for individual schools.
Williams, sworn in as mayor earlier this year, will maintain tradition by addressing law school graduates.
“I think he’ll bring a different perspective,” Law School Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs John Jenkins said. “He will bring with him a vision of the District of Columbia, which is our home.”
Previous law school speakers have included Supreme Court justices, state judges and politicians. Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder addressed graduates last year.
“You don’t want the same thing every year,” Jenkins said.
The law school will hold its celebration May 30. All other GW schools will hold individual celebrations next weekend, with many ceremonies will featuring student speakers.
Students selected Professor Bernard Reich, who teaches political science and international affairs, to speak at the ceremony for the Columbian School of Arts and Sciences. Students Miriam Seldin and Aaron Berkowitz will address the graduates Saturday afternoon at the Smith Center.
David Rowley, a professor of chemistry and forensic sciences who serves as the celebration’s coordinator, said the event provides an opportunity for the school to honor each graduate separately.
“It’s the one opportunity for students to be recognized as individuals,” Rowley said. “On the Ellipse, they are recognized in mass.”
The School of Business and Public Management will have its ceremony after the Ellipse Commencement Sunday. Emily Salisbury will represent undergraduates and Julie Helm will speak on behalf of graduates, said Margaret Vann, SBPM’s director of special events and information services.
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development’s Saturday ceremony, which will honor 362 graduates, will include four student speakers.
The Elliott School of International Affairs will hear from GW alumnus Admiral Joseph Pruer. The Elliott School, which moved its ceremony to Friday afternoon, also will hold a reception on the Quad this weekend.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of Public Health and Health Services will hold their celebrations Saturday. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences graduates will be honored Sunday.
