COMMENCEMENT Claude W. Pettit College of Law
One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Year May 8, 2021
OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT Claude W. Pettit College of Law Dial-Roberson Stadium Saturday, May 8, 2021 9:00 a.m.
President Daniel A. DiBiasio Presiding
Instrumental Prelude ...... Symphonic Band
Academic Procession (Audience please rise.)
Invocation ...... The Reverend Dr. David E. MacDonald University Chaplain
National Anthem...... Ms. Deanna Cira
Trustees Welcome...... Dr. Daniel B. Walker, BSCE ’71, Hon.D.’19 Chairman, Board of Trustees
Remarks by Graduating Students ...... Mr. Gabe Rastatter & Mr. Scott Smith
Special Music...... Symphonic Band Dr. Charles Bates, Professor of Music, Conductor, Symphonic Band
Remarks by Dean of the College of Law ...... Dean Charles H. Rose III
Conferring of Juris Doctor Degree ...... President Daniel A. DiBiasio
Investiture of Juris Doctor Hoods ...... Dean Charles H. Rose III
Presentation of Diplomas ...... President Daniel A. DiBiasio
ASSISTING IN THE PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS AND HOODS
Juliet K. Hurtig...... Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles H. Rose III...... Dean, Pettit College of Law Lauren A. Newell...... Associate Dean, Pettit College of Law Wilson Turner...... Registrar of the University
TENURED PROFESSORS, COLLEGE OF LAW
Professor David W. Raack Professor Nancy A. Armstrong Professor Bruce P. Frohnen Professor Stephen C. Veltri Professor Liam S. O’Melinn Professor Rick A. Bales Professor Joanne C. Brant Professor Scott D. Gerber Professor Lauren A. Newell Professor David C. Crago Professor Bryan H. Ward Professor Jean-Marie Kamatali Ohio Northern University Hymn...... Ms. Deanna Cira
Ohio Northern, we love thy name; Ohio Northern, long live thy fame! We sing thy glory, sound forth thy praise For all that gladdens our dear college days. Ohio Northern, we will be true, Loyal forever to dear ONU.
Spoken Benediction...... The Reverend Dr. David E. MacDonald
Recessional...... Symphonic Band
Audience please rise. Faculty recesses. Graduates do not recess. The audience is requested to remain in place until all faculty members have recessed.
COLLEGE MARSHALS
Professor Nancy A. Armstrong Professor Stephen Veltri MUSICAL SELECTIONS
Interlude Land of the Healing Waters Rossano Galante
Academic Procession Pomp and Circumstance Edward Elgar
National Anthem Star Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key
Special Music A Childhood Remembered Rossano Galante
Recessional Fanfare for the Dessert Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Daniel B. Walker, BSCE ’71, Hon.D.’19 The Claude W. Pettit College of Law Class of 2020 Master of Laws
Erxhan Erman Abdullahi Nishat Binte Kadir Floridin Jetmir Osmanaj LL.M. LL.B. LL.B. University of Pristina Leading University Sylhed University of Prizren “Ukshin Hoti” 2017 2017 2018 Mitrovica, Kosovo Sylhed, Bangladesh Prizren, Kosovo
Verolinda Shefqet Berisha Fjolla Yll Koshi Ian Andrew Richardson LL.B. LL.M. B.A. University of Pristina AAB University Canisius College 2019 2017 2012 Pristina, Kosovo Gjakova, Kosovo Hamburg, New York
David Braun Miloš Kovačević Norma Karina Sánchez Valdez B.A. Magister Abogada The Ohio State University University of Belgrade National Autonomous University of Honduras 2017 Faculty of Political Science 2019 Jackson Center, Ohio 2015 Tegucigalpa, Honduras Belgrade, Serbia Brianna Rose Brothag Ikpenmosa Uhumuavbi B.S. Martino Mario Madouak Lual Ph.D. Shawnee State University LL.B. University of Bolton 2016 University of Juba 2018 Cortland, Ohio 2007 Manchester, United Kingdom Juba, South Sudan Eymi Kristel Díaz Rodríguez Maria Goretti C. Ukattah Abogada Lungile Masuku M.A. National Autonomous University of Honduras LL.B. Webster University 2019 University of Zimbabwe 2013 Tegucigalpa, Honduras 2005 Greensboro, North Carolina Harare, Zimbabwe Aida Hadri Raven Danielle Venegas LL.B. Kushtrim Morina B.A. European School of Law and Governance LL.B. Walsh University 2019 University of Pristina 2017 Pristina, Kosovo 2019 Lima, Ohio Prizren, Kosovo Emily Ellyn Hudson B.A. Genc (Mustafë) Nimoni The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill LL.M. 2013 University of Pristina Greensboro, North Carolina 2013 Peja, Kosovo Albesa Daut Humolli LL.B. Nickson Mayieka Oira University of Pristina LL.B. 2018 Moi University Pristina, Kosovo 2014 Eldoret, Kenya
t Dual degrees † Graduated at the end of Summer 2020 †† Graduated at the end of Fall Semester 2020
Cum Laude (3.30 – 3.59) Magna Cum Laude (3.60 – 3.89) Summa Cum Laude (3.90 – Above) Names of graduates and honors are accurate as of noon Friday, April 23, 2021. Changes made after this date could not be incorporated into the Commencement program. Juris Doctor
Charlyne Lorraine Adams †† Nathan Bunch Alan G. Embree B.A. B.A. B.A. Saint Vincent College The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Brigham Young University – Idaho 2016 2014 2016 Carmichaels, Pennsylvania Raleigh, North Carolina Rexburg, Idaho
Sara LeeAnna Adkins Shandiya N. Jones Bynum Brian A. Fletcher B.A. B.S. B.A. Morehead State University Peirce College Brigham Young University – Idaho 2017 2010 2015 New Boston, Ohio Bordentown, New Jersey West Jordan, Utah
Matthew T. Aldridge Joshua Michael Carp Shelby Savannah Gawley B.S. B.A. B.A. Western Michigan University Taylor University The State University of New York at Buffalo 2017 2015 2017 South Bend, Indiana Lima, Ohio Lackawanna, New York
Irene Akendita Amoro Jason Christian Conrad Paige Justine Heneghan B.A. M.A. B.S. Kwame Nkrumah University Grace College and Theological Seminary University of Cincinnati of Science and Technology 2011 2017 2015 Simi Valley, California Cleveland, Ohio Accra, Ghana Joseph Michael Cossins Emily Ellyn Hudson Erica Lynn Bishop B.A. Magna Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Carnegie Mellon University B.A. B.A. 2017 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The Ohio State University Cincinnati, Ohio 2013 2017 Greensboro, North Carolina New Washington, Ohio John R. Cummings, IV B.A. Christopher Austin Jackson David Braun Robert Morris University B.S. Cum Laude 2017 Wilmington College B.A. Tampa, Florida 2016 The Ohio State University Ostrander, Ohio 2017 Jacob W. Diviney Jackson Center, Ohio Cum Laude Evan David Joseph B.A. Cum Laude Brianna Rose Brothag Juniata College B.S. Magna Cum Laude 2017 The Ohio State University B.S. Altoona, Pennsylvania 2017 Shawnee State University Powell, Ohio 2016 Haley Marie Dotson Cortland, Ohio B.A. Margaret Elizabeth Kimmel Muskingum University Cum Laude Alex Brown 2017 B.A. B.A. Piqua, Ohio Ohio Northern University Ohio Northern University 2017 2017 Anthony Matthew Edwards Kenton, Ohio Convoy, Ohio Cum Laude B.A. Georgetown College 2016 Urbana, Ohio Cuiyun Li †† Ashley L. Roberts Maria Goretti C. Ukattah B.A. B.S. M.A Fudan University Bowling Green State University Webster University 2016 2017 2013 Tiantai, China Springboro, Ohio Greensboro, North Carolina
†† Kristopher Ralph Lowe Tiffany Rene Rosenhagen Raven Danielle Venegas B.A. B.A. Magna Cum Laude The University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of Virginia B.A. 2013 2014 Walsh University Mooresville, North Carolina Alexandria, Virginia 2017 Lima, Ohio Steven Patrick McCoy Marissa Marie Rossetti M.A. B.S. Christopher Sean Willett University of North Florida The University of Toledo B.A. 2011 2017 Oregon State University Jacksonville, Florida Akron, Ohio 2017 Port Orchard, Washington Amanda Yvonne Olson Tiffany R. Schaad B.A. Magna Cum Laude Jeffrey Williams Rockhurst University B.A. B.S. 2017 The University of Akron Utah State University Omaha, Nebraska 2014 2010 Orrville, Ohio Salt Lake City, Utah Milica Pavlovic B.A. Michael D. Shakley Shayne Wilson University of South Dakota B.A. Cum Laude 2016 Westminster College B.A. Belgrade, Serbia 2017 West Virginia University Butler, Pennsylvania 2015 †† Brian Douglas Pyle Wheeling, West Virginia B.S. Matthew D. Sharp Purdue University B.A. Eric R. Winnert 2000 Ohio Northern University B.A. Mentone, Indiana 2016 The State University of New York at Buffalo Bellville, Ohio 2017 Lindsey Marie Ray Buffalo, New York Cum Laude Terry Lynn Simson B.A. B.S. Marshall University Eastern Michigan University 2016 2014 Charleston, West Virginia Van Wert, Ohio
Ian Andrew Richardson Katrina Carolyn Sutherly Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude B.A. B.S. Canisius College Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne 2012 2017 Hamburg, New York Casstown, Ohio
Hannah Marie Richmond Julie L. Tucker B.A. M.B.A. Saint Mary’s College Liberty University 2014 2015 Spencerville, Ohio Findlay, Ohio The Claude W. Pettit College of Law Class of 2021 Juris Doctor
Aubrie Anne Allen Nicholas Scott Cote Nicholas Kerr B.A. Cum Laude B.A. The Ohio State University B.A. Cleveland State University 2016 Capital University 2018 Centerburg, Ohio 2017 Bellevue, Ohio Johnstown, Ohio Matthew Bazeley Allison Marie Kesler B.S. †† Ashley R. Doty B.C.J. University of Cincinnati Cum Laude Tiffin University 2016 B.S. 2017 Cincinnati, Ohio Franklin University Upper Sandusky, Ohio 2010 Taylor Rene Beckley Wapakoneta, Ohio Katerina Maria Linz B.S.B.A. B.S. West Virginia University Morgan V. Ellis Ohio Northern University 2018 B.A. 2018 Parkersburg, West Virginia The University of Findlay Wooster, Ohio 2016 Michaela Berardi Kenton, Ohio Thomas D. Maurer B.S. B.A. West Liberty University Dominic John Fimbianti Bowling Green State University 2017 B.S. 2018 Sistersville, West Virginia Indiana University Bloomington New Bremen, Ohio 2017 Ben J. Bilimek Dyer, Indiana Sofia Neda McDaniel B.A. Cum Laude Ashland University Natalie Tess Frandsen B.A. 2018 B.A. George Mason University Van Wert, Ohio Stetson University 2018 2017 Haymarket, Virginia Plantation, Florida Troy Michael Brinkman Seán Christopher McDowell B.A. B.A. Ohio Northern University Cassidy Faith Galbreath University of Nevada, Reno 2018 Cum Laude 2018 Lima, Ohio B.A. Reno, Nevada Notre Dame College 2019 Austin C. Buchholz Rachael Marie Mourey Sugarcreek, Ohio B.A. Cum Laude Bluffton University B.A. 2018 Karsyn Gayle Havens Wright State University Holgate, Ohio B.A. 2016 Indiana University-Purdue University Paulding, Ohio †† Thomas Riddell Clark Indianapolis B.A. 2018 Centre College Fort Wayne, Indiana 2007 Dayton, Ohio Savannah Lillian Murphy Callie J. P. Ray †† Felicia Washington Magna Cum Laude B.S. M.L.S. B.A. The Ohio State University Washington University in Saint Louis East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 2016 2018 2018 Wadsworth, Ohio Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Nazareth, Pennsylvania Kayla Lauren Reis-Kelly Claire Loree White Zachary Daniel Padden B.A. B.A. Magna Cum Laude The University of Findlay The Ohio State University B.S.B.A. 2019 2018 Ohio Northern University Tiffin, Ohio Van Wert, Ohio 2018 Cambridge, Ohio † Antone Ryan †† Grace Noelle Williams B.A. B.S. Gabrielle Marie Pepple Spelman College Johnson & Wales University B.A. 2015 2015 Marian University Atlanta, Georgia Cranston, Rhode Island 2018 Elkhart, Indiana Scott H. Smith Joseph Alexander Williams Magna Cum Laude B.A. Kyle J. Phillips B.S. Ohio Northern University B.A. The Ohio State University 2018 The University of Toledo 2017 Plymouth, Ohio 2018 Findlay, Ohio Kenton, Ohio Margaret R. Thompson Alexander Scott Prillaman Cum Laude Cum Laude M.B.A. B.S.B.A. Saint Francis University The Ohio State University 2018 2018 Altoona, Pennsylvania Libertyville, Illinois Elena Tierney Ryan Publiski B.L.S. B.A. Indiana University Bloomington University of Michigan 2018 2018 Grand Rapids, Michigan Carleton, Michigan Katherine E. Tierney Robert Eugene Putman B.A. B.A. Hanover College Ohio Northern University 2017 2018 Avilla, Indiana Delaware, Ohio Anthony J. Wahlie Michael C. Radavich B.A. B.S. Bethany College University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 2018 2017 Wapakoneta, Ohio Milwaukee, Wisconsin Benjamin Earl Waldron Gabe Douglas Rastatter Cum Laude B.A. B.S. Ohio Northern University The College of William & Mary 2018 2018 Springfield, Ohio Elyria, Ohio Law Faculty and Professional Staff
CHARLES H. ROSE III DALLAN F. FLAKE MELISSA L. KIDDER Dean and Professor of Law Associate Professor of Law Director of Legal Clinics and Externships B.A., Indiana University at South Bend B.S., Brigham Young University Assistant Professor of Law J.D., University of Notre Dame M.S., Brigham Young University B.F.A., Ohio Northern University LL.M., The Judge Advocate General’s School J.D., University of Michigan J.D., Ohio Northern University
NANCY A. ARMSTRONG BRUCE P. FROHNEN ALLISON A. MITTENDORF Director of Law Library, Professor of Law Director of Legal Research & Writing Professor of Law B.A., California State University Instructor of Law A.B., Vassar College M.A., Cornell University B.A., University of Toledo J.D., Boston College Law School M.A., University of California J.D., University of Toledo M.S., Drexel University J.D., Emory University School of Law Ph.D., Cornell University LAUREN A. NEWELL RICK A. BALES Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Professor of Law SCOTT D. GERBER Professor of Law B.A., Trinity University Professor of Law B.A., Georgetown University J.D., Cornell Law School B.A., College of William and Mary J.D., Harvard Law School J.D., University of Virginia JOANNE C. BRANT Ph.D., University of Virginia LIAM S. O’MELINN Professor of Law Professor of Law A.B., Cornell University DUSTIN A. JOHNSTON-GREEN B.A., University of California J.D., Case Western Reserve University Reference and Electronic Resources Librarian at Santa Cruz Assistant Professor, Law Library J.D., Columbia Law School DEANNA M. CIRA B.A., Ohio Wesleyan University Ph.D., Yale University Director of Law Administration J.D., State University of New York, Buffalo and Student Services M.L.I.S., State University of New York, Buffalo LIANNIE PARAHOO B.S., The Ohio State University Staff Attorney; Assistant Director of MICHELLE HUNT Legal Clinics DAVID C. CRAGO Interim Director of Academic Success University Title IX Coordinator Professor of Law B.A., The Ohio State University B.S., Union College A.B., Duke University M.Ed., The Ohio State University J.D., Roger Williams School of Law J.D., University of Michigan J.D., North Carolina Central University DAVID W. RAACK KAYLAN ELLIS JEAN-MARIE KAMATALI Professor of Law Technical Services Librarian Director of the Center for Democratic B.A., University of Kansas Instructor, Law Library Governance and Rule of Law J.D., University of Missouri-Kansas City B.A., Florida State University Professor of Law LL.M., Columbia University M.L.I.S., University of Illinois B.S., National University of Rwanda LL.M., Temple University J.D., National University of Rwanda KATEE FENIMORE M.A., University of Notre Dame Director of Law Communications Ph.D., Institute of International Law and B.A., Ohio Northern University International Relations, Karl-Franzens M.A., Bowling Green State University Universitat-Graz, Austria REBECCA ROSENBERG STEPHEN C. VELTRI JANE A. WARD Associate Professor of Law Professor of Law Director of Law Career Services B.A., Bryn Mawr College B.A., University of Pittsburgh and Professional Development J.D., Harvard Law School J.D., Georgetown University B.A., University of Memphis LL.M.–Taxation, Georgetown University LL.M., Columbia University M.A., University of Memphis
HAILEY RUSSELL BRYAN H. WARD Director of Law Admissions Professor of Law B.S., Wright State University B.A., Ohio Northern University M.Ed., Tiffin University J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Law Adjunct Faculty
DARREL DAVISON JEFFREY FORT JUERGEN A. WALDICK B.S., Iowa State University B.S., United States Naval Academy A.A., Montgomery College J.D., Cornell University J.D, The Ohio State University B.A., American University J.D., Ohio Northern University JOHN DeSTEFANO RODNEY SALVATI B.S., University of Florida B.A., Syracuse University M.S., University of Florida J.D., Albany Law School J.D., University of Florida LL.M., University of Florida
Emeritus Faculty
DAVID J. BENSON RICHARD L. HAIGHT VICTOR L. STREIB WILLIAM L. EVANS KEVIN HILL DAVID R. WARNER, JR. HOWARD N. FENTON III LOUIS F. LOBENHOFER SHERRY A. YOUNG DANIEL S. GUY MARCIA K. SIEBESMA Academic Attire
Academic attire dates back at least to the 14th century. Its origin is attributed to ecclesiastical influence, to the need for warmth in unheated rooms used by medieval scholars, and to avoidance of “excess in apparel” by wearing a long gown. Ultimately, a system developed of distinctive caps, gowns and hoods denoting the institution that granted the degree, the field of learning in which the degree was earned, and the level of the degree — bachelor, master or doctorate.
American universities, unlike those of England and Europe, have adopted a standard code of academic costume in which the cut and material of the gown, the color of the tassel on the cap, and the pattern and colors of the hood all have special significance.
Bachelors’ gowns are closed at the throat and have long, pointed sleeves. Masters’ gowns may be worn open or closed and have long, oblong sleeves, square and closed at the end, the arms coming through slits near the wrist. Doctors’ gowns, worn open or closed, are faced with velvet and have full, bell-shaped sleeves. Each sleeve carries three bars of velvet, called chevrons. Trustees, presidents and marshals of colleges or universities may wear caps and gowns which are especially designed and colored.
Academic caps are usually mortarboards, though soft caps are also worn. The cap is black; the tassel is black or the color appropriate to the discipline or field of study, or for a doctor’s cap it may be gold.
The hood gives color and real meaning to the academic costume. The color of the lining identifies the university granting the highest degree held by the wearer. The color of the trim indicates the field of learning in which the degree is received.
Colors of Fields of Learning
Arts, Letters, Humanities...... White Nursing...... Apricot Commerce, Business ...... Drab Pharmacy...... Olive Green Education...... Light Blue Philosophy...... Dark Blue Engineering...... Orange Physical Education...... Sage Green Fine Arts...... Brown Public Service ...... Peacock Blue Law...... Purple Science...... Golden Yellow Library Science...... Lemon Theology...... Scarlet Music...... Pink
Colors of Selected Institutions
Case Western Reserve University...... Brown and White Columbia University...... Light Blue and White Cornell University...... Carnelian and White Emory University...... Emory Blue and White Georgetown University...... Blue and Gray Harvard University...... Black and Crimson The Ohio State University...... Scarlet and Gray Temple University...... White and Cherry University of Michigan...... Maize and Azure Blue University of Texas...... Orange and White Yale University...... Yale Blue The Legacy of Commencement Awarding academic degrees to signify reaching a certain level in a branch of learning goes back at least eight centuries, even prior to the creation of universities. In the twelfth century, large bodies of students would gather together in one place, as they did in Paris and Bologna. In such a scholarly milieu, some naturally decided on a career in teaching. Their first step was to become baccalaureus, a status that then required the student to continue coursework under the direction of scholars. Following more years of study, the student was admitted to a select circle of teachers through a series of special initiation rites. The installation in a teaching post followed practices of Roman Law among students in Paris. Some vestiges of the ceremony are seen in today’s commencement exercises, namely the investment with a hood. The new master would embark upon his teaching career with his first lecture, his inceptio, meaning commencement. From these origins has come our commencement, a special academic ceremony for the purpose of awarding degrees, which begins and ends with an academic procession. As a descendant of clerical processions of the churches, it is carried out with great dignity and impressiveness. All participants wear the academic regalia appropriate to their highest degree. Faculty members process in order of their academic rank, with senior full professors first, followed by their colleagues of successively lower rank. The procession is formed in ranks of two except for special dignitaries or honorees who may walk alone. The entire procession is headed by a senior faculty member bearing an ornate institutional banner and another serving as grand marshal and carrying the institutional mace, a traditional emblem of authority of the bearer. The high point of the commencement program is the hooding ceremony and awarding of degrees. Placing a hood on the shoulders of the graduate is the time-honored gesture denoting the investiture of the degree. This practice is most often retained solely for advanced degrees in contemporary commencement exercises. Only a few institutions maintain the practice — as we do at Ohio Northern University — of the candidate receiving their diploma at the commencement ceremony. Evolving culture and customs have changed the details of awarding degrees. Yet it remains a rich and memorable experience for participants and witnesses, a ceremony sensitive to tradition and conveying great significance in the lives of the new Juris Doctors.
A Note to Guests Today will be many things — historical, fun, solemn, reminiscent, dignified, joyful, a repository of deep and long-lasting memories. Graduates will be honored by faculty and administration. Parents, relatives, spouses and friends will be stirred and warmed by the entire commencement experience. With this in mind, we ask everyone’s cooperation in making the day as smooth and orderly as possible. Following a few rules of courtesy will help ensure this. We ask that everyone limit talking, speak quietly, avoid walking in and out of the stadium stands while ceremonies are in progress, refrain from leaving early, and in general help maintain an atmosphere of polite decorum. We are honored to have you with us today and appreciate your cooperation in making this an especially enjoyable day for everyone involved. Thank you.
Photographs The University has arranged for each graduate to be photographed receiving the diploma. Graduates receive information from the photographer prior to the ceremony for ordering photographs. Guests are permitted to take photographs from their seats in the stadium stands. Guests are not permitted on the stadium field at any time.