April 17, 2025

Leaders in law, sports and public service to inspire ASU Law’s class of 2025

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is proud to announce a distinguished lineup of speakers for its three 2025 spring convocation ceremonies. This year’s keynote addresses will be delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname Robert J. Faucher, Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and award-winning sportswriter and novelist Marjorie Herrera Lewis – each an accomplished ASU Law graduate whose career exemplifies leadership and impact in law, public service and sports. Joining them are student speakers Rosemarie C. McCormack, Drew Schott and Neda Mirmesdagh, who will represent the graduating Juris Doctor, Master of Sports Law and Business and Master of Legal Studies classes, respectively.

 

 

Robert J. Faucher (JD, 1983)

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname

Juris Doctor and Master of Laws Convocation

 

Robert J. Faucher holds a BA, JD and MBA from Arizona State University, an LLM in European Community Law and an MS in national security studies.

 

He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor and has served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname since January 2023. His previous roles include Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations and Director of the Office of Western European Affairs. 

 

He has held leadership positions in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs and served in diplomatic postings across Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Faucher began his foreign service career in 1985 with his first assignment in Suriname. 

 

His state department experience includes serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at multiple U.S. embassies, as well as roles in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the legal adviser’s office.

 

 

George H. McCaskey (JD, 1983 and LLM, 2021)

Chicago Bears Chairman

Master of Sports Law and Business Convocation

 

George H. McCaskey is a three-time graduate of Arizona State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting in 1978, a JD in 1981 and an LLM with an emphasis in sports law in 2021. 

 

He has served as the chairman of the board of the Chicago Bears since 2011 and is the grandson of George Halas, the founder of the Chicago Bears and the National Football League. As someone who grew up immersed in the Bears organization, he was able to work part-time as an office assistant at the team’s headquarters and spent summers as a ball boy at training camp. 

 

In 2022, McCaskey began assisting Professor Eric Menkhus in teaching the online Business Organizations course at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

 

Marjorie Herrera Lewis (MLS, 2024)

Sportswriter, novelist and college professor

Master of Legal Studies and Master of Human Resources and Employment Law Convocation

 

Marjorie Herrera Lewis is a two-time Arizona State University graduate and holds three master’s degrees and a doctorate, including an MLS degree from ASU Law. She was recently named commissioner of the Global Flag Football League and now leads its inaugural season. She also co-hosts Journey Through Sports and Life, a weekly show on DBTV.

 

In the 1980s, Lewis became the first female sportswriter to cover the Dallas Cowboys for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, later continuing NFL coverage at The Dallas Morning News. Her debut novel, When the Men Were Gone, was named a best book by Sports Illustrated and is being developed by Mandalay Films. 

 

Since the 1990s, she has taught at Dallas College, UT Arlington, the University of Tulsa and the University of North Texas. She recently joined ASU Law as associate faculty.

 

 

Student speakers

 

Rosemarie C. McCormack

Candidate, Juris Doctor

Juris Doctor and Master of Laws student speaker

Rosemarie “Rosie” McCormack grew up in Montana and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2020 from Fordham University in the Bronx, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy. Before attending law school, she worked in the Conviction Integrity Program at the New York County District Attorney's Office, reviewing claims of innocence. While at ASU Law, McCormack externed for the Arizona Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court of Arizona. She volunteered with the Unhoused Legal Assistance Program, coached high school students through the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project and served as a teaching assistant for Professors Charles Calleros and Robert Miller. McCormack also served as blog editor for the Arizona State Law Journal and had her student comment published in the journal this year. After graduation, she will clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit before joining Osborn Maledon in Phoenix. She is the recipient of the ASU Law John S. Armstrong Award.

 

Drew Schott

Candidate, Master of Sports Law and Business

Master of Sports Law and Business Convocation student speaker

 

Drew Schott graduated cum laude from Northwestern University in 2022 with a double major in journalism and political science. He previously covered national college football recruiting for On3 before enrolling in ASU Law’s Master of Sports Law and Business program. During his time in the program, Schott served as a business development intern at USA Triathlon and as a compliance intern at the University at Albany from April to August 2024. After graduation, Schott will pursue his JD at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans. He is the recipient of the ASU Law Rodney K. Smith Award.

 

Neda Mirmesdagh

Candidate, Master of Legal Studies

Master of Legal Studies and Master of Human Resources and Employment Law Convocation student speaker

Neda Mirmesdagh is a first-generation graduate who will earn a Master of Human Resources and Employment Law degree with distinction from Arizona State University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and several SHRM certifications. As a dedicated employee of Cornell University, Neda will transition into the human resources department, where she will collaborate with the director of human resources to support recruitment, hiring and employee relations. Drawing on her education from the ASU Law, Neda is committed to ensuring legal compliance and ethical business practices while fostering positive change in corporate culture. She aims to create inclusive work environments where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered. Neda credits the faculty at ASU Law for challenging her to think critically and analytically, helping her navigate complex legal issues with confidence. She is the recipient of the ASU Law Outstanding Master of Human Resources and Employment Law graduate award.

 

Convocation Details: 

 

All events will be live-streamed

MSLB Convocation

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: Doors open at 3 p.m., Ceremony begins at 4 p.m. (Arizona time)
Location: Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, W. P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall, Beus Center for Law and Society

 

MLS and MHREL Convocation

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. (Arizona time)
Location: Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, W. P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall, Beus Center for Law and Society

 

JD and LLM Convocation

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. (Arizona time)
Location: Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Written by Crystal Jimenez