College of Law

Law Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Students and Faculty

June 4, 2021

The University of Toledo College of Law held an in-person commencement celebration on Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Savage Arena, where 75 law candidates and graduates were recognized. The number included those from both Class of 2021 and Class of 2020, who were invited to return to campus to celebrate. University of Toledo Trustee  Richard Walinski '69 conferred degrees. The livestream recording is available to watch on-demand.

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Keynote Speaker

Recently retired Judge Connie Zemmelman '81 was the commencement speaker and delivered remarks. She retired on March 31 as a judge of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division. Before taking the bench, she worked 25 years in private practice focusing on family issues, including juvenile law, adoption and surrogacy law, and probate law. Judge Zemmelman is known for extensive knowledge about human trafficking of juveniles. She helped write the Safe Harbor Act and has spoken nationally on the topic. She was honored last year with the 2020 YWCA of Northwest Ohio Milestones Award.

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Student Awards

Valedictorian Award

Alia Kadri received the  Valedictorian Award and served as a student speaker. Before coming to Toledo Law, Kadri earned both a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in public health from The University of Toledo.

"Alia excelled in her clinical work not just because of her intellect, but because of her ability to connect to people with sincerity and empathy," remarked Rob Salem, assistant dean for diversity and inclusion and clinical professor of law. "She will go far in this profession and will serve her clients with distinction."

Kadri served as executive editor of Law Review and was a member of the Night Student Association. After graduation, she will continue as an associate at Spengler Nathanson law firm in Toledo, practicing employment law and civil litigation.

"One of the most special things about Toledo Law is the strong sense of community," said Kadri. "We all come from different backgrounds but share the same passion for law. I really enjoyed getting to know and learning from all my classmates, who each have their own unique perspective on how to approach and resolve issues. There is a genuine camaraderie among the students that we will carry into our professional careers, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone as we move onto the next chapter of our lives."

Dean's Award

Hayley Mise received the Dean's Award, which honors the graduate who has made a significant contribution to the college while maintaining high academic performance. Before coming to Toledo Law, Mise earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature from The University of Toledo.

"Hayley is a remarkable person, and she is going to be a remarkable lawyer," noted Dean D. Benjamin Barros. "I've enjoyed seeing her progress from her first day in Property class through commencement. She has achieved wonderful things in her time at the college, and I can't wait to see what she does in the coming years."

Mise is a first-generation high school, college, and now law school graduate. She was the Law Review symposium editor and coordinated this year's virtual symposium titled "Emerging National Security Issues in 2020 and Beyond." Mise served as president of Delta Theta Phi International Law Fraternity, secretary of the American Constitution Society, fundraising chair of the International Law Society, and was a class representative of the Student Bar Association. After graduation, she plans on commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps upon passing the bar.

"Toledo Law has taught me the high importance of community and compassion," said Mise. "Every single person that we know is going through their own personal struggles, and it is imperative that we as legal professionals be cognizant of that fact. By learning and working in a small community like Toledo, I have learned that a simple exercise of compassion for others, such as your client, opposing counsel, or even a stranger, does a great amount of good for the community."

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Faculty Awards

Faculty members were also honored at the virtual commencement ceremony for their contributions to teaching and scholarship.