May 26, 2005

Durbin addresses law graduates

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois — the second highest-ranking Democrat in the Senate — addressed graduates at the School of Law convocation May 15.

The Class of 2005 included 253 candidates for JD degrees and 17 candidates for joint JD-MBA degrees from the School of Law and the Kellogg School of Management. There were also 82 candidates for LLM degrees, 19 for the LLM degree and certificate in business administration from Kellogg, and 29 for LLM degrees in taxation. Three students were candidates for the joint masters of science in journalism and master of studies in law degrees from the School of Law and the Medill School of Journalism.

Durbin began his speech by congratulating the graduating class on its achievements and commenting on its diversity.

“(The extent of your diversity) shows how far we’ve come as a country,” he told graduates, who represent every state and almost 20 countries.

He ended his remarks by encouraging the group to bring integrity into the work place and commit to helping society.

“Go now, with the inspiration and education that you’ve received, confidently in the world of an attorney,” he said. “If you do, you’ll make more than a living; you’ll make a difference.”