Many paths, one community: Celebrating ASU Law’s Spring Class of 2026

On Monday, May 11, graduates of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University gathered alongside their loved ones to celebrate the Spring 2026 Convocation. As the students arrived for their big day at the Arizona Financial Theatre, an excited buzz filled the room. Adorned in their regalia, the graduates were all smiles as they checked in. Photos were snapped everywhere, hair and makeup received final touch-ups and  high-fives, hugs and laughter echoed through the crowd. Surrounded by so much joy and excitement, it was hard  not to feel that same giddiness. This was the moment these graduates worked so hard for: a final celebration of themselves, each other and everything they accomplished together.

For the first time in years, all five ASU Law degree programs, including the Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) and the Master of Sports Law and Business programs (MSLB), convened for a single ceremony, bringing together more than 400 graduates to walk the stage. Coming together for one celebration, it was fitting that themes of community, resilience and support were woven into every part of the ceremony.

During her opening address, Willard H. Pedrick Dean, Regents and Foundation Professor of Law Stacy Leeds reflected on the many paths that led students to come together at ASU Law.

“Some came to us in the pursuit of justice, while others found a new enthusiasm for nuanced legal knowledge along the way,” Leeds said. “We are so happy that your path led you to ASU.”

This graduating class included more than 520 graduates representing 45 states and 13 countries. Among them were first-generation graduates, military-affiliated students and online learners and graduates ranging in age from 21 to 63. For many of these graduates, the evening was also a celebration of the people who supported them throughout their journey in law school, whether that be their families, professors or fellow classmates.

“I’m very grateful to my daughter, son and wonderful wife, who were very supportive of me,” said Luis Fernando Parra, who returned to ASU Law after more than 25 years to earn a MSLB degree. “I’m also blessed to have had cohorts that were incredibly helpful and intelligent. I got to learn from them as much as they were able to learn from me.”

Alexandra Ramirez, who earned a MLS with an emphasis in sports law, said the ASU Law community played a major role in her success.

“Everyone was so helpful during this career and journey,” she said. “I would like to thank my parents especially and the professors for encouraging me throughout this whole law school career.”

The community at ASU Law also extends across online programs. Online MLS graduate Mynia Bogan, who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees online, spoke on the support she found throughout law school .

“I’m just so grateful for the online community at the school. I really am a fan of the program, they do an amazing job,” Bogan said. She also thanked her family and son.

The ceremony also recognized outstanding graduates from each degree program, including JD graduate August M. Butler, recipient of the John S. Armstrong Award. Butler delivered the evening’s student address, balancing humor with sincere and heartfelt reflections on identity, perseverance and purpose. Butler encouraged their fellow graduates to reflect on what makes them proud not only academically but personally as well.

“Be proud of who you are, even if — especially if — the world tells you you should be ashamed of it. You are not only enough, you are essential,” they said.

Butler also told their classmates to remain grounded in their values and to carry those values with them into their careers and communities, saying that they “may not always have the luxury of choosing their jobs, especially early on, but they can always choose to do it with integrity.”

To close the convocation, Leeds left the crowd with powerful words and reminders to compassionately lead and serve others.

“You are stepping into a world that needs your courage, your clarity and your compassion. Carry those with you. Lead boldly. Serve generously. And stay connected — because wherever you go next, you will always be part of this community,” she said.

As all the graduates crossed the stage to cheers from their families and friends, the evening marked the start of a new chapter for the newest group of alumni. Though they now go their separate ways, the community that they built together at ASU Law will follow them long after convocation.