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Trust In Yourself and the Law Rovner Tells John Marshall Graduates
United States Court of Appeals Judge Ilana Diamond Rovner received
an honorary degree from The John Marshall Law School on May 22, 2011, after
delivering the commencement address to the graduates at the Sheraton Chicago
Hotel and Towers.
During the 3 p.m. ceremony the law school awarded 286 JD
degrees; nine MS degrees, and 24 LLM degrees.
“I see you…and I’m filled with hope for you,” Rovner told the
graduates. “The universe now awaits you.” She knows all new graduates have
anxieties of what’s ahead. “All things are uncertain to you. How I wish to tell
you these are unrealistic worries” because at The John Marshall Law School they
received a “gift of excellence” in preparation for a career in a noble profession.
“You know better than anyone your education…has been an
achievement. It has changed you. The
disciplines of thought are deeply ingrained,” she added.
“I am hopeful you will remember one message: Merely to have
survived is not an index of excellence. We must strive to be more than mere
survivors” and use the gifts given to each of us, Rovner stressed.
As life goes on, each of us changes. Our views of self and life change, Rovner
said. “I hope you will find a comfort zone in the legal profession. Do not try
to be someone else as a lawyer or in life and be yourself because only you can
bring your gifts to society.
She urged graduates to “Trust in yourself and in your respect
for the law.”
Associate Dean Ralph Ruebner
prepares to place the hood over U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Ilana Diamond
Rovner as she receives an honorary degree from The John Marshall Law School
during the May 22 commencement. Leonard
Amari (left), president of the John Marshall Board of Trustees, prepares to
present the degree as Dean John E. Corkery (right) looks on.
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