College of Law

Law Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Students and Faculty

May 12, 2022

The University of Toledo College of Law held an in-person commencement celebration on Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Savage Arena, where 70 law candidates and graduates were recognized. University of Toledo Trustee  Stephen P. Ciucci conferred degrees. The livestream recording is available to watch on-demand.

---

Keynote Speaker

Kelly Goldstein '07 was the commencement speaker and delivered remarks. She worked in private practice at Snell & Wilmer's Phoenix office for over 14 years, including over six years as a partner at the firm. At Snell & Wilmer, Goldstein was a commercial litigator and a member of the firm's critical motions and appeals group, where she represented clients at all levels of trial and appeal, including before the Arizona Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. Goldstein recently transitioned to a new position as Bar Counsel for the State Bar of Arizona. She has held numerous positions with the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation, including co-chair of the Commercial & Business Litigation Committee, taught professional responsibility at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and co-chaired the 2019 Arizona State Bar Convention. Goldstein has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Southwest Super Lawyers. She was the valedictorian of her law graduating class and served as editor-in-chief of The University of Toledo Law Review.

---

Student Awards

Valedictorian Awards

Daniel Roy and Brigitte Schultz received the  Valedictorian Award and served as student speakers.

Roy served as executive editor of Law Review and was vice president and treasurer of Sports Law Association. He received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Colorado-Boulder prior to coming to Toledo Law. After graduation and the bar exam, he will be living and practicing in Toledo.

"I'm very glad that I chose to go to Toledo Law," said Roy. "The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and are always willing to go the extra mile for students."

Schultz graduated with a J.D./M.B.A. joint degree. She served as articles editor of Law Review, was a class representative of the Student Bar Association and was a member of Delta Theta Phi. She received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Michigan State University. She will be working with Semro Henry & Barga Ltd., in Toledo after graduation and the bar exam. 

"I had a great experience at Toledo Law and feel extremely prepared for anything my future legal career will bring," said Schultz. "I wouldn't have been able to succeed without all of the help from my fantastic professors and friends I have met at Toledo Law and the opportunities it has provided me."

Dean's Award

Maria Zirbel 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, Zirbel earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a business administration minor from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master's degree in experimental psychology from Villanova University. 

"Maria was an excellent student. She received awards for her public service and outstanding work in our clinic," noted Dean D. Benjamin Barros. "I also very much appreciated her presence and leadership during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I know she is going to go on to do great things as a lawyer."

Zirbel was a contributing articles editor of Law Review, vice president of the National Lawyers Guild and a member of the Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter and Women's Law Student Association. She was a Public Interest Law Fellowship recipient and received the Student Bar Association Involvement Award. 

"My best memories are of and with my classmates. I was accepted at Toledo Law without hesitation, made many friends and shared so many experiences. Our support of each other throughout our challenges of the last three years has been phenomenal," said Zirbel. "I have grown a tremendous amount, both professionally and personally, during my time here. It takes an entire village and I'm delighted to have been a member of it."

---

Faculty Awards