The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law held its 136th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 23. The Class of 2025 gathered with faculty, staff, family, and friends in the majestic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to celebrate this significant milestone—the completion of their professional legal studies at Catholic Law.
Katherine Gamelin Crowley, associate dean for administration and chief of staff, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, inviting Professor Emeritus Rev. Raymond C. O’Brien forward for the official invocation. This was followed by opening remarks from Dean Stephen C. Payne, who expressed immense pride in the graduates’ accomplishments and the milestones they achieved together during their time at Catholic Law. However, he reflected that these successes, while significant, would not define how the students are remembered. “What will endure is something simpler and deeper,” he said. “You will be remembered for the relationships you formed, for how you treated others…You'll be remembered for how you responded to pressure, how you showed compassion to others while they were down, for how you listened and smiled. In other words, you won't be remembered for the kind of law student you were, but for the kind of person you became under fire."
Peyton Smetana, a member of the Class of 2025 who was selected by his peers to speak, began his address by acknowledging Professor Heidi Mandanis Schooner as marshal and thanking her for her impact in the classroom. Reflecting on his law school journey, he noted, “Despite this feeling that we are pinned against one another, law school isn't just about competition. It's about resilience and growth, and most of all, community. And I believe community is among the things that the Columbus School of Law does so well at fostering."
The University proudly honored the Honorable Edward H. Meyers '05, of the United States Court of Federal Claims, as the 2025 commencement speaker, awarding him the Presidential Medal. Dean Payne introduced Judge Meyers, highlighting his distinguished career and enduring contributions to the legal community. Judge Meyers is a summa cum laude graduate of Catholic Law who earned the John L. Garvey Faculty Award for achieving the highest academic distinction in his class. His impressive career includes clerking for the court he now serves, excelling in private practice managing complex civil litigation, and being appointed to the federal bench in 2020. Throughout his career, Judge Meyers has been a steadfast supporter of Catholic Law, mentoring students, hiring graduates as clerks, and strengthening the vital connection between the classroom and the courtroom.
In his commencement address, Meyers emphasized the importance of listening, a skill often overlooked in today’s social media-driven world. “Young lawyers and quite candidly some not so young lawyers often come into court or go into depositions with a plan and a script, and they forget to listen to what people are saying." He added, "This isn't just for the law. Listen to the people you disagree with. Listen. They may not change your mind, but they'll make your arguments better.”
Following Meyers’ address, Dean Payne presented the Class of 2025 to University President Peter Kilpatrick for the Conferral of Degrees. As Class Marshal, Professor Schooner called the names of the graduates as they came forward to be hooded by Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Services and Registrar, Stuart Schept and to receive their diplomas from Dean Payne. Major award recipients were also recognized, with each award presented to students in both the day and evening divisions: for the John L. Garvey Faculty Award for students with the highest academic average, Gabriella Goodall (Day), and Jeffrey Davis (Evening); for the Michael F. Curtin Pro Bono Award, Adam Wambold (Day) and John Botto (Evening); and for the Alumni Association Award for academic excellence and service to the law school community, Gerald Sharpe (Day) and Alyssa Calcerano (Evening).
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Kilpatrick addressed the graduates with a thoughtful reflection, drawing a comparison between the legal profession and the recent conclave assembled to elect Pope Leo XIV. He observed, "Like the cardinals, lawyers must often shut out distractions to seek justice, truth, and the common good." Kilpatrick concluded by emphasizing that the graduates were more than just legal professionals—they were principled leaders who listen carefully, serve selflessly, and walk humbly with justice and with God. With a benediction from Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., University Chaplain, Director of Campus Ministry and Vice President for Ministry and Mission, and final congratulations from Dean Crowley, the 136th Commencement Exercises concluded.
Photos from the event are available on Catholic Law's Instagram and Facebook accounts, while a recording of the ceremony can be viewed on the Catholic Law YouTube channel.
