May 2006 Commencement Exercises, Reception and Speaker's Remarks

Remarks of Speakers

Photograph: Students in procession outside Lee Arena.

Washburn University School of Law held its 100th Commencement on May 14, 2006 at Lee Arena in Petro Allied Health Center on the Washburn University campus to recognize the Class of 2006. The Juris Doctor (J.D.) was conferred upon 148 graduates during the ceremony. The J.D. is the first earned law degree indicating graduation from a law school with three years of post-baccalaureate study. Prior to the commencement exercises, graduates were led in procession by the Kansas City St. Andrews Pipes and Drums outside Petro and into Lee Arena.

James C. Slattery, Class of 1974, gave the commencement address. In his address, Mr. Slattery had seven suggestions for the graduates: be a servant, as law is a profession characterized by a spirit of public service; pursue justice because it is the lawyer's highest calling and the driving force of the American experiment; pursue truth; discourage litigation and encourage compromise whenever possible; know what you know and know what you do not know; accept responsibility and be prepared for accountability; and, treat others as you would like to be treated.

The Honorable Sam A. Crow was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws. The citation on Judge Crow's degree reads:

Be it known, that inasmuch as honorary degrees are awarded to men and women who, because of scholarly contributions, meritorious public service, or other noteworthy achievements, have come into universal high regard, the Board of Regents of Washburn University does therefore confer upon The Honorable Sam A. Crow the degree of Doctor of Law with all the rights, privileges, and insignia pertaining thereto. In testimony whereof, this diploma is issued with the signatures of the President and Chair of the Board of Regents and the seal of the University affixed at Topeka, Kansas on this 14th day of May 2006.

The graduates recognized Professor Gregory Pease as Professor of the Year and Ronald P. Pope as Adjunct Professor of the Year.

Photograph: Members of the podium party congratulating a Washburn Law graduate.During commencement, each graduate in the Class of 2006 was presented and called to the stage by name by Associate Dean Bill Rich. Faculty assisted with hooding the graduate, and each graduate was personally congratulated by Washburn University President Jerry Farley, Washburn Law Dean Dennis Honabach and other members of the platform party. Washburn Law School Association President D. Duke Dupree presented each graduate with a commemorative paperweight on behalf of the Assocation to mark the occasion.

Following the program, graduates, their families, and other attendees joined faculty and staff for a reception at the Bradbury Thompson Center.

Senior Address by Jake T. Henry III, 2006 Class President

Photograph: Jake Henry.President Farley, Dean Honabach, professors, members of the administration and staff, distinguished alumni, parents, significant others, siblings, children, families, friends, on-lookers, spectators, protestors, revelers, and last, but definitely not least, my fellow classmates, the 100th graduating class of the Washburn University School of Law, it is my pleasure and an honor to speak to you this afternoon, and on behalf of the Washburn Law Class of 2006, I welcome you all to our celebration.

When each of you received your loved one's invitation to these commencement exercises, I'm sure some of you were relieved, excited, and maybe even surprised. You may have thought to yourself that "it's finally over", that "little Kendall is finally done", or "Nicole has finally completed school." The term commencement is somewhat counterintuitive, as graduation suggests an ending. We are not here to celebrate the end of three years of frustration, fighting the undergrads for parking, or getting no sleep toward the end of each semester. As we all know, commencement means a beginning, or a new start, and we are here to celebrate just that— the beginning; the beginning of a new career, and a new life.

While speaking with a number of my fellow classmates about our commencement exercises, there was one thing that we all seemed to agree on— we all hoped that we could get our degrees and get out of here. I'm going to do my part to make that a reality. Before I go, I would like to say a few things to my fellow graduates. On August 13, 2003, we embarked on a journey together. We set out on an intellectual challenge, in order to understand the law, analyze the law, and remember whatever we could about the law. We now have the privilege of taking what we have learned, and using it so that others may benefit from the knowledge that Washburn Law has instilled upon us, and I'm confident that we will all use that knowledge to make our own impact in the world. While I know that everyone may not practice law, I urge each and every one of you to be passionate about whatever career path you choose to pursue. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know all of you, and I thank you for the memories. I wish all of you the best, and while law school may be over, remember, this is just the beginning, and that education lasts a lifetime.

Thank you!

Welcome to Washburn Law School Association by D. Duke Dupre

Photograph: Duke Dupre.Good afternoon—

Today is the end to three challenging years and the beginning of your career as a Washburn Lawyer.

You are the 100th Washburn University School of Law graduating class. The centennial class.

From today on, no matter where you live, no matter what your position, one thing will identify you — you are a Washburn Lawyer.

You will find that, as a lawyer, you will be looked to for knowledge, for integrity, and for leadership.

As a lawyer many challenges await you.

Your professional career will be filled with challenges — challenges that Washburn Law has given you the legal education to meet.

Your response to those challenges — your courage and integrity to meet those challenges — are what will distinguish you in your professional career.

Talent and hard work will get you to the top, but it is integrity that will keep you there.

Washburn Law graduates have distinguished themselves in every discipline of the law. They have met the challenges of private, corporate, and governmental practices.

Whether in the courtroom, a conference room, an office, or a classroom, Washburn Law graduates have met their clients' needs and expectations with distinction.

With challenge comes opportunity. And many opportunities await you. But remember that whatever path you travel, wherever your legal career takes you, it began here at Washburn University.

You and only you have control of your legal career, but your legal opinions and decisions can and will impact the lives of others.

In the past your opinions affected mostly just you, your family and friends. As a lawyer you have the responsibility and authority to act for and legally bind others.

That responsibility and authority should be exercised with knowledge, respect, honesty and the utmost care.

Among the many challenges that will be with you every day in every aspect of your professional life is the challenge of time.

Time will soon become an ever present and constant concern to you.

My hope is you always find time for your family, your community, and your law school.

I hope you will find time to be a part of helping Washburn University School of Law move ahead to meet the challenges of this century.

You entered this building as a law student, you leave as a lawyer.

As president of the Washburn Law School Association it is my pleasure to welcome you into the legal profession.

Remarks By Dean Dennis R. Honabach

Photograph: Dennis Honabach.Let me begin by joining in welcoming everyone to today's glorious ceremony

We are at that part of the program listed as "Remarks of the Dean." That might strike you odd. Surely — you must be thinking — if I had any thing important to say to you, to the graduates — I would have said it by now! Indeed, I should have said it.

Nevertheless, one of the prerequisites of the Office of the Dean is to have one final moment with you just before you walk across the stage to receive your degree. I will not forego that opportunity but I shall be brief.

I have but two thoughts to share:

First remember that a commencement is more than just a time for celebration. It is also a time for gratitude, a time to acknowledge that you could not have made this long journey alone. Join me in recognizing the contributions of all who have made your journey possible — the faculty and the staff of the law school; your friends, and, most importantly, your loved ones — your spouses, partners, parents and children. They have been with you every step of the way.

Second: first — remember that you are special. You are members of the first graduating class of the new century.

What you do will set the bar for all who will follow you. The last few years have been a period of great growth for you. The future will be a time of even more change. Embrace that change. Do not be like those who are threatened by change — like those that no matter how evident the need for change they cower in corners, clinging to the ideas and myths of the past denouncing all who would challenge the smugness of their comfort zone.

In short be leaders, not obstacles. You hold the keys to your future.

In but a few moments you will be a Washburn Law lawyer. You will become a part of one of the great traditions of the legal profession. Be proud of your lineage! Serve your profession and our great law school well.

Introduction of the Speaker By Dean Dennis R. Honabach

It is one of the great traditions at our law school that the members of the graduating class select their commencement speaker. Today they have chosen a truly exceptional individual to address them.

It is my honor and privilege to introduce this year's commencement speaker, Congressman James Slattery.

Following his graduation from Washburn University with a degree in Political Science, Mr. Slattery entered law school at Washburn. He received his JD in 1974. He also studied at Netherlands School of International Economics and Business.

While a law student, he campaigned for and was elected to the Kansas State House of Representative, beginning a career in public service that would take him from the statehouse to the United States Congress in 1983, where he would serve the State of Kansas and the country for 12 years.

Upon leaving the house, Congressman Slattery entered private practice, joining the Washington D.C. law firm of Wiley, Rein & Fielding L.L.P. where he specializes in matters of international trade.

Congressman Slattery is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations, and serves of the Board of Directors of Translation Genomics Consortium, the Aerospace Corporation and the Washburn Endowment Association.

Congressman Slattery has been a long-time supporter of our law school. He has received numerous awards, including being named an Alumni Fellow by the College of Arts & Science in 2001.

All of us at the School of Law are proud indeed to call Congressman Slattery one of our own. You should be especially proud that you selected him to be your commencement speaker.

Please welcome your commencement speaker, Mr. James — Jim — Slattery!

Commencement Address By James C. Slattery

Photograph: James Slattery.Honored graduates, distinguished faculty, parents, spouses and friends of the graduates.

It is an honor to share this special day with you. Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work that probably intensified in college when you realized how difficult it would be to gain admission to Washburn Law School. You have spent countless hours reading, researching and studying the law, and today you have earned the coveted juris doctor degree. This is a great achievement and it is one to be proud of. I am happy to congratulate you!

Behind every law school graduate stands a financially depleted, exhausted parent, spouse or supporter. Today is the day to thank those who have helped make this day a dream come true! Let's give them a round of applause!

I am mindful that I am the only thing that stands between you and a well earned celebration. On such occasions brevity is strongly advised.

I heard this story about four ministers who used to get together to encourage each other. On one occasion they decided they would talk about the most difficult sin they were struggling with. The first minister said he was always preaching against the sin of alcohol but he would go home after services and have several shots of bourbon. He felt awful. The second minister said he preached against gambling but he gambled and felt like a hypocrite. The third minister said that is nothing compared to what he was struggling with. He said he was always preaching against the sins of sex but he was having an affair and he felt like a terrible hypocrite. The fourth minister said "I don't know quite how to tell you guys this but I'm a terrible gossip and I can't wait to get out of here!" I'm sure many of you feel like that fourth minister.

I heard another story about the law student who was writing his last exam and in a flurry of exuberance wrote: "Professor, if I had only one hour to live I would like it to be spent in your class." The professor puffed up with pride when he read this. Then he noticed on the next page that the student wrote, "because only you can make an hour seem like an eternity." I'm going to take just a few minutes and it will hopefully not seem like an eternity.

On these occasions it is challenging to say something meaningful in a few minutes. As I was thinking about my message I couldn't get around the elephant in the living room (no political pun intended). I am referring to the fact that the legal profession is held in "minimum high regard" by the public. I am reluctant to report that among professions only the media is trusted less according to recent polling data.

There is nothing new about this. Recall the line in Shakespeare's play, "first, let's kill all the lawyers." I think the public recognizes that lawyers have powers in our society that the average person lacks. The lawyer is respected for this but is also feared.

The real issue is how will you use the powers of analysis, of articulation and of draftsmanship that you have learned at Washburn Law school to better serve your clients, your community and our profession, and in the process enhance the public's respect for lawyers?

I have seven simple suggestions.

#1 - Be a servant!

That's right, think of yourself as a servant. But you are thinking, "I am graduating from law school, I am on my way to being a big shot. What do you mean?"

The law is a profession that should be characterized by a spirit of public service. Serve your clients and serve your profession and please devote a period of time to serving your community. Congressman John Lewis, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, is fond of saying, "We can't all be famous, but we can all be great because we can all serve!" Public service can take many forms. You can participate in pro-bono legal work, like a partner of mine who led the successful effort to persuade the Governor of Virginia to commute a wrongfully imposed death sentence.

I hope some of you will consider running for elected public office. Most of you no doubt can't imagine such a distasteful undertaking. I must tell you that when I decided to run for the Kansas House of Representatives while I was a 23-year-old, first-year law student, most of my professors thought I had taken leave of my senses. Most of my fellow students thought I was an insufferable egomaniac. They were both partially right! I will never forget going door to door campaigning and knocking on Professor Bill Treadway's door. He was teaching me Corporations. After telling me he was a conservative Republican he made a generous contribution to my campaign! That was a campaign highlight!

Please keep in mind that politics is still the substitute for violence in our society! If you are unwilling to get bruised in the political arena, who do you expect to take your place?

If you run for public office I trust you will do so because you want to serve the people. Because you want to be a servant leader. We have too many people in public office who want to be somebody, but they don't have a clue what they want to do.

The need for talented, well informed public servants in local, state and national office has never been more urgent. Whether the issue is:

our society faces great legal challenges.

The legal profession must step up and help lead the national discussion about these issues. New laws and rules will be needed to help society navigate the rapids ahead! Law makers will be debating these issues, and writing the rules that our society will live by and you must be involved in this effort.

I spent 18 years in elected public office grappling with the issues of the day. It was at times frustrating, always enlightening and ultimately very rewarding. I sincerely hope that I am speaking to a group of future public servants.

#2 - Pursue Justice.

I believe the pursuit of justice under the rule of law, is a lawyer's highest calling. No one is above the law and everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law. This was a radical thought 200 years ago and every lawyer in America today should be dedicated to this principle.

The pursuit of justice has been a driving force in the American Experiment since our revolution. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote of King George, "he has obstructed the administration of justice and has...been deaf to the voice of justice..."

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States reminds us that the Constitution was ordained to "establish justice." The great success of the experiment the world calls "America" is the progress we have made in the pursuit of justice.

145 years ago Kansas was engaged in a civil war that was fundamentally about ending the scourge of slavery. But it took another 100 years to end legally sanctioned racial segregation and integrate public facilities and public schools.

We should all draw inspiration from the historic work of three young Washburn Law School graduates, Charles Scott (Class of 1948), John Scott (Class of 1949) and Charles Bledsoe. They had the courage and vision to file the Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education case that led to the Supreme Court unanimously ordering a ban on school segregation in 1954. They changed our country for the good because they were committed to the simple pursuit of justice.

The struggle for equal rights for women is about justice. The labor movement has historically been a painful struggle for economic justice. The growing financial disparity in our country between the rich and the poor is sure to ignite a new debate about economic justice. Today we are engaged in divisive debates about the rights of immigrants and gays and lesbians that will challenge all who are committed to justice.

So the struggle for justice goes on. We cannot be spectators in this struggle, we must be participants!

Because we know that if we want peace in our communities and in our land, we must pursue justice.

#3 - Pursue Truth.

Essential to the pursuit of justice is the pursuit of truth. There will be no justice without truth. Our adversarial system, with roots in English common law, is a cherished and revered process designed to yield the truth. This process is not perfect but is the best yet devised. All lawyers have the responsibility and duty to insure that the adversarial system serves truth and justice. Legal combat is not an end in itself. The objective is truth, then justice!

As lawyers we must always stand for truth and have the courage to follow the facts. I have always admired the courage of Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, who grew up in segregated, rural Alabama and was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. But he had the courage to pursue truth in the Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education case. He decided with the majority to make the opinion unanimous in overturning Plessy vs. Ferguson. Justice Black was later burned in effigy by segregationists in his home state of Alabama. But he left a legacy for courage and truth.

Permit me to observe that the much maligned and misunderstood contingency fee arrangement, used by plaintiff's lawyers, is an important tool for justice and truth in our legal system and it must be preserved. Our law firm recently settled a historic case that would not have been possible without a contingency fee arrangement.

#4 - Discourage Litigation.

Our most famous prairie lawyer, Abraham Lincoln once wrote "Persuade your neighbor to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser — in fees, expenses and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man."

Even though he was a litigator, Lincoln wrote, "Never stir up litigation. A worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this." This was excellent advice 150 years ago and it still is.

I have concluded that respect for the legal profession and justice are the twin victims of overzealous irresponsible litigation.

#5 - Know What You Know, and What You Don't Know.

Work hard to master an area of the law about which you feel passionate and stay current in this area. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know, but I will find out." This has become one of my favorite lines.

#6 - Accept Responsibility

The simple willingness to accept responsibility is huge. Today, it is easy to find high flying celebrities who are mistakenly confused for heroes, but are unwilling to accept basic responsibility for their choices. They make you want to scream "grow up!"

We have seen too many examples of overpaid corporate executives and prominent political leaders who are quick to claim credit for the good news, but are the first to cut and run and blame someone else for their bad choices. We desperately need to hold leaders accountable!

So when you accept responsibility, be prepared for accountability. This will truly set you apart as a leader.

#7 - Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated.

I can't improve on the Sermon on the Mount! But I know if we simply treat our clients, our colleagues and fellow lawyers as we would like to be treated, you will never have to worry about losing your license to practice law and you will be a respected and successful member of the bar.

In the harvest season of your legal career, you will want above all else to be respected. Respect does not flow to the person with the biggest bag of money. It flows to the unselfish person who has served the community and in that process has made a contribution to something bigger than himself. So be a public servant!

Take a stand for truth and justice, and do it with humility and mercy. Then you will be a peace maker like Lincoln encouraged and it will be said of you in the words of the ancient Prophet Micah that you, "did justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with your god."

And you will be successful beyond your wildest dreams.

Thank you.

Congratulations!

Presentation of Doctor of Law to The Honorable Sam A. Crow

Photograph: Sam Crow.[Dean Dennis Honabach:] Today, in addition to honoring our graduates, we pay tribute to The Honorable Sam A. Crow, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Kansas, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Law degree.

Judge Crow received his bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas in 1949 and graduated from Washburn University School of Law in 1952, setting the stage for his more than five decades of service to not only his fellow Kansans but to his countrymen as well.

After graduating from Washburn Law, Judge Crow served in Korea before entering Judge Advocate General School at the University of Virginia. During the next 12 years while working in private practice, he completed the JAG basic course, advanced JAG course, JAG officer career course and military judge course certifications. In 1975, he completed the selective service military course in Washington, D.C., and received certification from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in National Security Management in 1977. Judge Crow served his country for more than 30 years, retiring at the rank of Colonel in 1986.

As I mentioned, Judge Crow served his country while working in private practice. In 1953 judge Crow joined the firm of Rooney, Dickinson, Prager & Crow in Topeka where he continued to practice law until 1975 arguing cases at the Kansas Supreme Court, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Army General Court Martial Courts.

In 1973 he was appointed part-time Magistrate Judge, becoming full-time in 1975.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Judge Crow to the federal bench. Fifteen years later, Judge Crow became the Senior Judge for the District.

Judge Crow shares his talents and knowledge with others in the legal community speaking at numerous venues across the country including here at Washburn University School of Law as well as at other law schools and bar associations and military law institutes throughout the United States.

In addition to serving on the Washburn Law School Association Board of Governors from 1994 to 1998, Judge Crow has volunteered his time for Boys Scouts of America Board of Review, Grace Episcopal Church, Shawnee County Historical Society, American Legion, Riverside Hospital Board of Directors, Topeka Council of Churches Board of Directors, Shriner's, various law and social fraternities and has served as Kansas Chairman of March of Dimes.

Judge Crow's professional associations are as numerous as are his awards and honors. In June 2000, Judge Crow received the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn University School of Law. He has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Topeka Bar Association in 2000, and was inducted into the Topeka High School Hall of Fame.

In 1997, the Topeka American Inns of Court in honor of Judge Crow changed its name to the Sam A. Crow American Inns of Court. Judge Crow was the organization's founding president from 1992 to 1995. The Sam A. Crow American Inns of Court emphasizes excellence in litigation, lawyering and legal ethics to improve the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar.

Judge Crow is a strong and loyal supporter of our law school. Each year he provides scholarships for students to join the Sam A. Crow American Inns of Court.

It is precisely the qualities exemplified by the Sam A. Crow American Inns of Court founder that have earned Judge Crow today's honorary Doctor of Law degree. It is my honor to present to you Judge Sam A. Crow.