2009 Commencement

Questions regarding commencement should be directed to Liz Hobbs lhobbs@lclark.edu or (503) 768-6648.

Commencement for the law school will be held at Griswold Stadium at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2009. A short reception for graduates and guests will be held on the Law School Campus immediately following commencement. Graduates must be at Pamplin Sports Center at 9:30 a.m. No tickets are required for admission.

This year two honorary degrees will be awarded, one to Robert S. Bennett and one to Alter Wiener.

Robert S. Bennet is a nationally known trial lawyer, Robert S. Bennett, who has been described as one of the 100 most influential attorneys in America. He is the author of "In the Ring, The Trials of A Washington Lawyer" published in 2008.

Alter Wiener is a Holocaust survivor who has shared his life story with over 450 audiences. He is the author of an autobiography, "From A Name to A Number" published in 2007.

A reception at the law school follows commencement.

Questions about graduation should be directed to the registrar's office, 503-768-6614, lawreg@lclark.edu.

If any of your guests have special needs, please contact Reggie Raiford at 503-768-6621 or raiford@lclark.edu so arrangements can be made.

Cap and Gown Pickup

Caps and gowns can be picked up in the Student Lounge of the Law School on Wednesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 7th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and again at 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. You must pick up your regalia on one of these two days. If you are unable to pick up your regalia yourself, you may have somebody pick it up on your behalf. You need to provide that person with a written notice giving us permission to release your regalia to them. If it is impossible for you to get your regalia on either May 6th or 7th, you may also pick it up between 8:15 and 9:30 am. the morning of commencement at Room 126 of the Swimming Pavilion (adjacent to the Pamplin Sports Center).

Commencement Day Schedule

Graduates need to arrive at Pamplin Sports Center at 9:30 a.m.

PHOTOGRAPHS - 9:30 a.m.

Gather inside the Sports Center where a group picture will be taken. A commissioned photographer will take a group picture at 9:45 a.m. Students need to assemble and pose for the photograph at 9:30 a.m.

A picture will also be taken of each graduate on stage with Dean Klonoff.

FORMATION FOR PROCESSIONAL - 9:50 a.m.

This occurs inside the front of the Pamplin Sports Center, whether the ceremony is indoors or out. Graduates will be assembled in lines for the processional by faculty members serving as marshals. The marshals will check the list and cross off the names of anyone not present so that no one's name is called if they are not there. Associate Dean Spence will check pronunciation of all names. This takes one solid hour. Students who are not in line for the formation will not be on the list to be called at the ceremony.

THE PROCESSIONAL - 11:00 a.m.

Follow the instructions of the faculty marshals. The students lead the processional followed by the faculty and the platform party.

CONFERRING OF DEGREES

Following the commencement address, Dean Klonoff will "present" the class. He will ask all the graduates to stand and then the graduates will be asked to come forward to receive their degrees.

Graduates will come forward by rows. The faculty marshal will instruct each row when it is time to proceed toward the stage. Leave your caps on your seats as you will be hooded on stage. When you are the next to be called, stop at the bottom of the steps until your name is called.

As soon as your name is read, proceed up the steps to the faculty member who is hooding the graduates. Turn to face the audience and the faculty member will hood you.

Next, walk to Dean Klonoff who will shake your hand. A photographer will take your picture as the dean hands you your diploma. Next move on to President Hochstetter who will shake your hand. Proceed on across the stage to receive the congratulations of the commencement speaker and member of the board of trustees.

Finally, proceed down the steps at the far end of the stage where you will be directed to your seat by a faculty marshal.

When you return to your seat after receiving your degree, remain standing until all graduates have received degrees. At that time all the graduates will be seated.

RETURNING CAPS AND GOWNS

After the graduation ceremony, please return your cap, gown, and hood to the Jostens' representative who will be outside the Dean's office at the law school.

RECEPTION

A short reception will be held after graduation at the Law School. We hope that your family and friends will join you there.

Children's Commencement Ceremony

The Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the contribution of the time that your children donated to your education. We would like to honor the children in a very special commencement ceremony. The Children's Commencement Ceremony will be held immediately following the Law School Commencement.

Dean Klonoff will present the children with a personalized certificate thanking them for their contribution to your education. Please invite family and friends to attend the ceremony that will be held in Smith Hall, Albany Quadrangle. Please fill out the online Children's Commencement form by May 2 to be sure your children receive a personalized certificate at the ceremony. An invitation to the ceremony will be mailed to each registered child.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Alumni Relations if you have any questions regarding the Children's Commencement Ceremony.

Robin Jerke *Director of Alumni Relations *(503)768-6607 *lawalum@lclark.edu

Questions about graduation should be directed to the registrar's office, 503-768-6614, lawreg@lclark.edu.

Helpful Links

Graduation Requirements

Campus maps, Directions, Lodging, Airport Transportation

Important Dates

Announcement and Name Card Pickup
Available late March in Registrar's Office

Perkins Loan Exit Interview
Contact Susan Mako 503-768-7833 for more information

Stafford Loan Exit Interview
Contact Ashley Kikukawa 503-768-7092 for more information

Certification Application Deadline
Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Cap and Gown Pickup
Wednesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 7th, 2009
Student Lounge Near Bookstore

Clear Outstanding Accounts
Before Friday, May 22, 2009

Commencement 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009