St. Mary’s School of Law Dean Stephen M. Sheppard, J.S.D., implemented a new tradition for incoming first-year students that he hopes will create a sense of unity and purpose in the class. The new event, which Sheppard calls the Matriculation Ceremony, was held in the Bill Greehey Arena on the first day new law students were on campus.

“The Matriculation Ceremony will help each student initiate a commitment to pursue the best. Hopefully, the experience will also forge a group that will help one another as they all seek a common goal.”

Each entering law student was administered the new Law Student Pledge, before signing a book marking their commitment. The pledge was recently adopted by St. Mary’s law faculty, and developed under the leadership of Sister Grace Walle, F.M.I., D.Min., and Assistant Dean Ana Novoa.

The incoming class was joined by many members of the law faculty, as well as Professor and Judge Patrick Higginbotham, Judge David Ezra, (J.D.’72) and The Rev. Timothy Eden, S.M., Ed.D., who observed the inaugural administration of the pledge by Judge Grady Jolly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

St. Mary’s School of Law Pledge
I will engage in the diligent study of law, always acting in an honest, moral, and professional manner;
I will be guided by the spirit of hospitality, collaboration, mutual support, and scholarship, which are the ideals of a Marianist university; and
I will be trustworthy, honorable, and professional in all aspects of my life.

Photos of the Matriculation Ceremony

Back to top