"Everything you have gone through to get here, every late night, and every caffeine-fueled study session has prepared you for this,” said Georgia Supreme Court Justice Shawn LaGrua (J.D. ‘87), reminding the graduates of all they had gained during the challenging years of law school.
“You know how to solve real problems, think critically and navigate complex legal challenges because of your time here at Georgia State University College of Law.”
Justice LaGrua, who holds the distinction of being the first graduate of Georgia State University College of Law to sit on the state’s highest court, gave the address for the Spring Commencement and Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Justice LaGrua brought honesty to her reflections, acknowledging the difficult path the graduates had taken through cold calls, sleepless nights, legal writing assignments and the pressures of staying afloat under academic and personal strain. She emphasized that while their accomplishments were their own, they were also built on the support of family, friends and classmates who pushed them forward in moments of doubt.
Georgia Supreme Court Justice Shawn LaGrua (J.D. ‘87) emphsized the support of family, friends and classmates on the graduates' paths to success.
The support of family and friends was not lost on Student Bar Association President Aditya Krishaswamy (J.D. ‘25), who reflected on the journey they shared and the different paths ahead for each of them. His remarks celebrated the community that defined their time in law school and encouraged his peers to carry a sense of purpose into their careers.
“None of us got here alone,” said Krishaswamy. “It was the love, the lessons, and the belief of others that carried us to this day. Today is not just the end of a chapter. It is the beginning of everything we have been working toward. Because at its core, law is the power to advocate, to defend, to stand up for someone who cannot stand alone. We celebrate the beginning of using that power for everyone who needs someone to stand beside them as an advocate.”
Interim Dean Courtney Anderson honored the hard work, dedication and growth of the graduates, praising them for their commitment to excellence inside and outside of the classroom.
“The legal training you received has prepared you to meet and create innovative solutions to the next generation of societal challenges,” she said. “Your hard work has paid off, and it is our honor to welcome you into the legal profession.”
The Class of 2025 includes 188 Juris Doctor graduates and 18 LL.M. graduates, 73 of whom graduated with honors. The college also recognized 44 students who completed 50 or more hours of public service and pro bono work.
Dr. Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, provost and executive vice president of Georgia State University, conferred degrees on the grads, honoring their academic achievements and encouraging them to go out into the world with confidence, compassion and a commitment to justice.
Together, the voices of the ceremony conveyed a unified message: that while the graduates have completed some of the most challenging years of their lives, they leave with a mandate to serve, to advocate and to lead with purpose.