The University of Baltimore School of Law celebrated the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony, honoring academic achievement, service, and the enduring sense of community that defines UBalt Law. The ceremony featured remarks from university leaders, distinguished guests, student speakers, and award recipients who reflected on perseverance, purpose, and the responsibility that comes with a legal education.
Dean LaVonda Reed praised graduates for navigating the challenges of law school and encouraged them to approach the next chapter with confidence and discipline. “You made it through all the cold calls, many late nights and early mornings, outlines, exams, internships, clinics, and everything else law school threw your way,” Reed told graduates. “This is your moment.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Anthony G. Brown, Maryland’s 47th Attorney General, was recognized for his leadership in public service, civil rights advocacy, and commitment to justice. Brown said to the graduates,
We are witnessing an assault on universities, the media, and the legal profession itself. Law firms and the attorneys general who defend individual rights and state sovereignty are being targeted for taking on clients and causes opposed by the federal government. When our colleagues are punished by those they represent, what’s legal risks becoming whatever those in power say it is. The America I believe in doesn’t punish lawyers for doing their jobs, universities for educating students, or people by detaining them in ways that strip them of dignity. In times of chaos, those who know the difference between what is legal and what is right become the last line of defense between tyranny and justice.
The law school also recognized several faculty members and students for exceptional achievement. Angela Vallario received the university’s highest faculty rank, Distinguished University Professor, while José Anderson received the President’s Faculty Award for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Among the student honorees, William Cellitto, Paige Lauenstein, and Brady McCormick were named presumptive valedictorians, while Erin Danecker was recognized as salutatorian. The prestigious Law Faculty Awards were presented to Alexa Thomas and Andrea Artman for their outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the law school community.
Student speaker Tania Boh delivered heartfelt and humorous remarks that reflected on resilience, advocacy, and the power of community. “We made it through the stress, uncertainty, and moments we questioned ourselves,” Boh said. “And somehow, despite all of it, we are still standing.”
Valedictorian speaker Brady McCormick encouraged classmates to reject self-doubt and lead their careers with kindness and compassion. “The most passionate advocate, the most capable legal professional, and the kindest soul in the room can all be the same person,” he said.
Alumna Krystle Sanders, vice president of the law school alumni board and an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, reminded graduates that UBalt Law would remain their “forever home” and urged them to remain connected to the community throughout their careers.
The ceremony concluded with Reed reminding graduates that commencement marked not an ending, but the beginning of the next challenge: preparing for the bar exam. “Focus, break it down into small pieces, and believe in yourself as we believe in you,” she said.
For more highlights from the ceremony, watch our Commencement video on Instagram.
