The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law celebrated its 137th commencement exercises on Friday, May 22, as the Class of 2026 gathered alongside family, friends, faculty, and staff at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to mark the end of the graduates’ legal education and the beginning of their professional careers. Katherine Gamelin Crowley ‘10, associate dean for administration and chief of staff, opened the ceremony and welcomed graduates and guests before inviting Professor Emeritus Rev. Raymond C. O’Brien to deliver the invocation. Natashya L. Hawley, a member of the Class of 2026, then performed the National Anthem.

Dean Stephen C. Payne delivered the opening remarks, expressing pride in the graduates’ accomplishments and the milestones they achieved together during their time at Catholic Law. He fondly recalled the two occasions on which the day student softball team defeated the faculty and staff in the annual Cardinal Classic tournament, noting that he ultimately joined their celebration on the field.

“Your wins are my wins; your success is our faculty and staff's success,” Dean Payne told the graduates. “It is why we are all here doing what we do.”

Hali Woods, a member of the Class of 2026 selected by her peers to speak, echoed that same spirit of support and shared accomplishment. She began her address by recognizing Professor J. Joel Alicea, St. Robert Bellarmine Professor of Law, who served as class marshal, and thanking him for his profound impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Reflecting on her law school experience, Woods described the distinctive culture she found at Catholic Law. “These nameless competitors became peers, and peers became friends,” she shared. “As much as we wanted to personally succeed... we began wanting to see each other succeed in equal measure. Perhaps we weren’t prepared for this part because this is one of the many things that Catholic Law does differently here. We became part of a community that is built on fellowship, camaraderie, and shared success.”

The Law School also welcomed Lieutenant General (Ret.) Reynold N. Hoover, Catholic Law Class of 1997, as commencement speaker. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Hoover served as a three-star Lieutenant General in the United States Army and now serves as CEO of LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Reflecting on the unexpected turns in his own career, Hoover encouraged graduates to stay open to opportunities, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Drawing on the story of Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, Hoover urged graduates to embrace an “underdog” mindset and approach their careers with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Following the conferral of degrees by University President Peter Kilpatrick, graduates crossed the dais to be hooded by Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Services and Registrar Stuart Schept and receive their diplomas from Dean Payne.

The ceremony also recognized outstanding student achievements, presenting major awards to graduates in both the day and evening divisions:

• The John L. Garvey Faculty Award, presented by Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Megan La Belle (for students with the highest academic average): Andrew Lewis (Day) and Benjamin Perez (Evening).
• The Michael F. Curtin Pro Bono Award, presented by Michael F. Curtin ‘65: Albert Anaim (Day) and Cynthia Turicos (Evening).
• The Alumni Association Award, presented by Carl Hobbs ‘16 (for academic excellence and service to the law school community): Sarah Webster (Day) and Wonsup Chung (Evening).

In his closing remarks, President Kilpatrick reflected on the growing role of artificial intelligence and reminded graduates that the enduring value of lawyers lies not simply in producing answers, but in exercising judgment, ethics, and humanity – qualities strengthened through a Catholic legal education.

The 137th Commencement Exercises concluded with a benediction from Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., University Chaplain, Director of Campus Ministry, and Vice President for Ministry and Mission, followed by final words of congratulations from Dean Crowley.

To view highlights from the event, browse the photo galleries available on Catholic Law's Instagram and Facebook accounts. A full recording of the 137th Commencement Exercises is also available to watch on the Catholic Law YouTube channel.