Law Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Students and Faculty
By J Judson Lohman | May 12, 2025
The University of Toledo College of Law held their commencement celebration on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Student Union Auditorium, where 80 law candidates and graduates were recognized. University of Toledo Interim President Matthew Schroeder conferred degrees. The livestream recording is available to watch on-demand on the College of Law website. Photos are available on our Flickr album to download.
Keynote Speaker
David Beller '04
David was a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in Biomedical Science/Public & Environmental Health from Colorado State University, earned his law degree from Toledo Law, where he founded OUTLaw and the Latino Law Students Association, chaired Moot Court, and received the 2004 Dean’s Award. His dedication to justice and public service led him to work as a Colorado State Public Defender and later as a faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College. He has held significant roles including Vice-Chair of the Colorado Supreme Court’s Character and Fitness Committee, President of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association, and Commissioner for Denver’s public defender system. Recognized for his legal excellence, Beller was named one of Denver Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40,” Colorado’s Best Criminal Defense Lawyer by Law Week Colorado, and received national recognition for his federal antitrust litigation work. A frequent media legal commentator, he is now a partner at Recht Kornfeld, P.C., specializing in criminal defense, ethics, and internal investigations.
Student Awards
Valedictorian Award
Allison Gilbert received the Valedictorian Award and served as the student speaker.
Gilbert earned a B.Ed. in Special Education and Teaching from Bowling Green State University prior to coming to Toledo Law. She is graduating summa cum laude while also serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. Gilbert will be joining Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP as an associate following passage of the bar exam.
"As we all know, lawyers hold an incredible responsibility to seek and do justice – especially during a time when the rule of law is being undermined by those in power," said Gilbert. "This incredible responsibility holds weight. This weight will, inevitably, produce stressful situations – but it will also create extraordinary moments of pride knowing you, yes you, are the reason another human’s problems were resolved."
Dean's Award
Stacey Alphonse received the Dean's Award, which honors the graduate who has made a significant contribution to the college while maintaining high academic performance. Before Toledo Law, Alphonse earned a B.S. in Political Science and Government from Florida State University.
Alphonse has been a leader of her class in many ways and throughout her time at Toledo Law she has contributed to and strengthened the College of Law community. She has served as co-captain of the mock trial team, as articles editor for the Toledo Law Review, and president of the Student Bar Association, becoming the first black woman elected to that role. She has been an invaluable link between the students and the college, conveying concerns and interests and advocating for their well-being.
After graduation, and upon passage of the bar exam, Alphonse will move to Columbus to begin working as an assistant attorney general for the State of Ohio.
“I always say that it is a privelege to join the legal profession. It is a privelege to be part of something bigger than us,” said Alphonse. “It is a privilege to be able to help those who need it the most. It is a privilege to amplify voices that have been silenced. That privilege feels more urgent today than ever ... Be brave. Take up space. Speak up. And be great.”
Faculty Awards
Outstanding Professor Award
Graduating students selected Professor Joseph Slater as the recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award for Dedication to Legal Education.
Beth Eisler First Year Teaching Award
Professor Gregory Gilchrist won the Beth Eisler First Year Teaching Award, which is chosen by the first-year class.