On a day traditionally celebrating mothers, a different milestone was recognized in Emory University's Woodruff Physical Education Center. Two hundred and fifty-four aspiring legal minds crossed the stage as the 107th graduating class of Emory University School of Law. The commencement ceremony, held on Mother's Day, was presided over for the first time by Richard D. Freer, first-year dean and Charles Howard Candler Professor of Law.

The academic procession was led by Faculty Marshal Andrew Jennings, guiding the faculty into the ceremony. The students were led by Student Marshal Brandon Dodds 25L, the graduating student with the highest grade point average, proudly carrying the Emory Law gonfalon.

Beyond the recognition of degrees—which were officially conferred by President Greg Fenves the following day— the ceremony highlighted outstanding achievements within the law school community. Assistant Professor of Law Alex Zhang was honored with the Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Education. Nominations praised Zhang's engaging teaching methods, diverse instructional approaches, and his remarkable ability to demystify complex legal concepts. Students lauded his dedication to understanding their individual goals and providing invaluable academic and career guidance. "Emory is lucky to have him," one nomination stated.

The prestigious Most Outstanding Professor award was bestowed upon Kamina A. Pinder, director of academic excellence and professor of practice. Pinder, a nationally recognized Barbri lecturer and author, has been a beloved figure at Emory Law since joining the faculty in 2016. Her numerous accolades include two previous Black Law Students Association Professor of the Year honors and a Georgia Governor’s Teaching Fellowship. In her heartfelt remarks, Pinder shared an anecdote about a first-year student grappling with uncertainty, offering a message of hope and optimism for the graduating class. "But as I look at you," she affirmed, "I can confidently say, ‘yes.’ I am indeed optimistic about the future.”

The Most Outstanding 3L Student award recognized Lili Song 25L, who brought a unique perspective to her legal studies after earning a PhD in engineering from Columbia and serving on the faculty at Georgia Tech for a decade. Song, who will be joining Alston & Bird and subsequently clerking for the Honorable Jill Pryor of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, shared her inspiring journey of a mid-career pivot. "Emory Law became my new home," Song expressed, emphasizing the supportive community of classmates and faculty who celebrated every step of their legal education.

Welcoming the graduates into the alumni community was Emily Baker 01L, president of the alumni board. The ceremony concluded on a traditional note with Professor of Law George Shepherd leading the attendees in singing the alma mater.

In his closing remarks, Freer offered words of wisdom and encouragement to the newly minted lawyers. He urged them to "believe in yourself" while cautioning against self-doubt. He also emphasized the importance of gratitude, encouragement, and intentionally prioritizing personal values alongside their professional pursuits. "You are responsible for setting your own priorities. Do not set them by default," Freer advised.

As the graduates embark on their legal careers, they carry with them not only their Emory Law degrees but also the inspiring examples of their professors and a lasting tether to the broad and deep Emory University community.