Law Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Students and Faculty
May 11, 2026
The University of Toledo College of Law held its commencement celebration on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in the Student Union Auditorium, where 82 law candidates and graduates were recognized. University of Toledo President James Holloway conferred degrees. The livestream recording is available to watch on demand on the College of Law website.
Keynote Speaker
Brian Goldberg '85 was the commencement speaker and delivered remarks. Brian is a native of Cincinnati,
Ohio, who grew up there and graduated from Walnut Hills High School. He then attended
the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in political
science. Upon graduating, he attended The University of Toledo College of Law, earning
his Juris Doctorate in 1985.
Upon graduation, Goldberg passed the Ohio Bar Exam and began practicing in Cincinnati
with a small Law Firm, specializing in creditors’ rights. After 3 years of practice,
Goldberg started his own practice, concentrating on Baseball Player Contract Representation.
He was very fortunate to represent a high-impact player at the outset - 1987 #1 overall
pick Ken Griffey, Jr. He had earlier become friends with Ken Griffey, Sr. at The University
of Cincinnati, when he was a freshman, and Griffey, Sr. was taking classes in the
offseason during his Cincinnati Reds career.
Since then, Brian has represented, and continues to represent, numerous Major League
Baseball Players, and still represents Ken Griffey, Jr in his post-playing career
endorsements and business endeavors.
Student Awards
Valedictorian Award
Nicholas Walters received the Valedictorian Award and served as the student speaker.
Nicholas Walters is graduating from Toledo Law summa cum laude. He distinguished himself academically by earning the highest rankings in courses including Torts, Contracts II, Constitutional Law–Rights, Federal Income Tax, Criminal Procedure–Investigations, Employment Law, Family Law, and Organizations. In addition to his academic achievements, Walters serves as Executive Editor of Law Review, demonstrating his commitment to legal scholarship, leadership, and professional excellence. Nicholas will be joining Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick as an associate attorney upon graduation.
“Everyone here decided to go to law school and become lawyers for a reason— whether that reason was to make a difference in your community, be a voice for the voiceless, create and build your own business, or be a resource for friends and family— whatever that reason was, let’s never lose sight of it as we go forward,” said Walters. “I’ll leave you with these words: Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.”
Dean's Award
Nev Johnson received the Dean's Award, which honors the graduate who has made a significant contribution to the college while maintaining high academic performance.
Nev graduated from Toledo Law with a strong record of leadership, service, and academic achievement. During her time in law school, she served as Student Bar Association President, advocating for student needs, strengthening communication among the student body, and fostering a more inclusive and engaged campus community. She also served as Mock Trial Captain, where she led team strategy, refined advocacy skills, and guided her team in developing persuasive courtroom performance and trial preparation. Following graduation, Nev will be returning to the field of criminal law, where she intends to continue building her career in advocacy and courtroom practice.
“To the class of 2026, I want to say this. If you came here carrying doubt, you proved it wrong. If you came here feeling like an outsider, you created your place. If you came here after having to rebuild parts of your life, you showed what perseverance really looks like,” said Johnson. “To my classmates, thank you for letting me serve you. To our families, friends, and mentors – thank you for walking this journey with us. I cannot wait to see the impact you all will have on this profession and on the world.”
Faculty Awards
Outstanding Professor Award
Graduating students selected Clinical Associate Professor Eugenio Mollo, Jr. as the recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award for Dedication to Legal Education.
Beth Eisler First Year Teaching Award
Associate Professor Glenys Spence won the Beth Eisler First Year Teaching Award, which is chosen by the first-year class.