As the Georgia State University College of Law Class of 2024 celebrated the end of their successful law school journeys, graduates shifted their focus to new beginnings.
Families, faculty and friends gathered on Friday, May 10, 2024, for the college’s Spring Commencement & Hooding Ceremony to mark the culmination of the graduates' hard work and dedication to achieving their dreams.
College of Law graduates attend the 2024 Commencement & Hooding Ceremony.
In his remarks to his classmates, Student Bar Association President Carson Kuck (J.D. ’24) recalled conversations with his peers about when their dream of becoming a lawyer first began. For Braden Pressman (J.D. ’24), it was 2020; for Joy Hong (J.D. ’24), it was 2009; for others like Katie Hardison (J.D. ’24) and Angela Flores (J.D. ’24), it was as long ago as 2001.
“Everyone before me has had the dream of becoming a lawyer whether it be for 30 years or 3…. but now it’s time for a new dream,” said Kuck.
As the graduates take their first steps toward new careers, Kuck encourages them to remember the accomplishments they’ve reached so far and to set new goals for the future. “The good thing about a chapter closing is that you get to start over and do what you want… That list of accomplishments will keep growing as we all start to set new goals and fight for our new dreams,” said Kuck.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Linda Dunikoski (J.D. '93) addresses the Class of 2024.
Commencement Speaker Linda Dunikoski (J.D. '93)—best known for prosecuting the Atlanta Public School Cheating Scandal and the 2021 trial of the three men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery—didn't always dream of going to law school.
Graduating from Indiana University with a political science degree, her first job out of college was as a secretary in the trade show exhibit industry. Even after graduating from law school in 1993, her career in trade show sales held strong for another nine years.
It wasn’t until the rise of internet commerce which changed the face of her industry that Dunikoski returned to the practice of law. She served as an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County for 13 years and has been a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Cobb County for the last five years.
She recalled the hard work and long weekend hours of her years in prosecution and stressed the importance of preparation through experience.
“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents,” she said quoting Sir Winston Churchill. “...What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”
Following a path that began at Georgia State Law, Dunikoski's years of experience prosecuting homicide cases in Fulton County prepared her for her finest hour: bringing closure and justice to Ahmaud Arbery’s family.
“I found fulfillment in the profession in being the voice for victims as a prosecutor,” she said, assuring the graduates that they would each find their own calling as well.
She encouraged the Class of 2024 to use the ways that Georgia State Law has taught them to maintain the integrity of the profession as they transition into their careers. “Being a lawyer is an honor, a privilege and a responsibility,” she said. “As you pursue your professional goals, remember you are in service to others.”
Associate Dean Courtney Anderson recognized the hard-working students who have already started building their legacy of service, by receiving honors and distinctions while still in law school. In the Class of 2024, seventy-three students graduated with academic honors and 44 students were recognized for volunteering 50 or more hours of pro bono and public service work.
The College of Law honors Director of Facilities York Singleton for 38 years of service.
Associate Dean Anderson presented a posthumous degree to the family of Nick Lambros and the graduates honored their late classmate by dedicating his favorite study table to his memory.
The college also honored Director of Facilities York Singleton for his 38 years of service to GSU in a special farewell tribute.
“The students here are the ones who kept me young,” said Singleton as he was recognized. Knowing that the graduates are preparing to take the bar exam, he encouraged them to imagine themselves attending the College of Law’s Swearing-In Ceremony: “You’ve got to believe in yourself. Y’all can do this! You’ve got to be one and done!”