1 Convocation December 17, 2025
2 Convocation
3 We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.” —The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor
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5 Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Established 1967 Stacy Leeds, JD, LLM, MBA Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor of Law Angela M. Banks, JD Vice Dean and Charles J. Merriam Distinguished Professor of Law Joey Dormady, JD Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, JD Assistant Dean, Inclusive Excellence Zachary Gubler, JD Associate Dean, Research and Faculty Development and Marie Selig Professor of Law Aaron Hernandez, JD Assistant Dean and Executive Director, Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business Program Tamara Herrera, JD, MA Associate Dean, Academic Affairs and Distinguished Endowed Professorship in Legal Method Art Hinshaw, JD, LLM Associate Dean for Experiential Learning, John J. Bouma Fellow in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Clinical Professor of Law, Faculty Director, Lodestar Dispute Resolution Center and Director, Lodestar Mediation Clinic Andrew Jaynes, JD Assistant Dean, Law Students Kathlene Rosier, JD Assistant Dean, Institutional Advancement and Public Engagement and Executive Director, Indian Legal Program Thomas Williams, JD Sr. Assistant Dean, Administration and Graduate Programs and Chief Operating Officer
6 About the College In 1965, Arizona State University’s visionary President G. Homer Durham hired Willard H. Pedrick to serve as the first dean of ASU’s law school. Tasked with building the school from the ground up, Dean Pedrick set the foundation for what has become one of the nation’s most innovative legal education institutions. Originally housed in Armstrong Hall on ASU’s Tempe campus, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law moved to the Beus Center for Law and Society in downtown Phoenix in 2016, anchoring itself in the heart of Arizona’s legal community. Throughout its history, ASU Law has achieved milestones that speak to its excellence. In 2006, it was renamed to honor Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, a trailblazer and the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The privilege of carrying her name inspires the college to uphold her legacy of integrity, justice and public service. ASU Law has come a long way since its first graduating class of 83 students. Today, more than 650 graduates annually earn degrees that prepare them for impactful careers. Offering five degree options — Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) and Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) — ASU Law equips its students with the knowledge and skills to lead in the evolving legal landscape. In addition, ASU Law now offers the nation’s first mission-driven, part-time and fully online modality to its JD program, designed to expand access to legal education to address critical legal deserts in underserved and rural communities and advance legal careers in public service. The college is also proud to be recognized as the nation’s leader in producing the highest number of graduates from master’s-level legal programs, empowering professionals across industries with legal knowledge and skills to advance their careers and create meaningful change. Beyond Phoenix, ASU Law offers students opportunities to study at its Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. locations and participate in global externships and internships. With a renowned faculty, extensive alumni network and partnerships within the legal community, ASU Law remains committed to shaping leaders who can address challenges at every level, from local communities to the global stage. Subscribe today: law.asu.edu/subscribe. Stay informed and inspired — legal education news and scholarship the The Legal Education News and Scholarship, or LENS, is ASU Law’s monthly newsletter that offers an inside look at groundbreaking initiatives, student and faculty achievements and exciting events shaping our community.
7 About Sandra Day O’Connor ASU Law is dedicated to educating the next generation of legal professionals. Embodying the legacy of the late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and beloved namesake of ASU Law, Sandra Day O’Connor, ASU Law commits itself to values of public service and the advancement of justice in the communities it serves. The first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, O’Connor lived a life dedicated to public service and helped shape our nation’s legal history. O’Connor’s commitment to justice manifests through our students, community and the O’Connor Justice Prize, which honors extraordinary people who promote the rule of law and judicial independence around the world. Throughout a career that spanned decades, and continued in her advocacy work after she retired, O’Connor’s work centered on upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. ASU named its law school after O’Connor in 2006, the first law school in the nation to be named after a contemporary woman. After a truly incredible life and career, O’Connor passed away on December 1, 2023, at the age of 93. in every task, no matter how small it may seem at the time.” best you can —The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor “Do the Discover the inspiring legacy of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor as a community organizer, legislator, judge and pioneering leader through an interactive timeline filled with historic photos and compelling stories. Experience her journey and lasting impact at law.asu.edu/oconnor. Help support future ASU Law graduates by giving to the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Annual Fund at asu.law/annualfund.
8 About our Graduates Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law’s alumni embody the spirit of excellence that defines our institution. With a commitment to justice and a passion for making a difference, our over 11,000 graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields of law and beyond. From practicing attorneys to judges, policymakers and business leaders, ASU Law alumni are making a significant impact on society, shaping the legal landscape and championing positive change. Stay connected with fellow alumni with the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Alumni LinkedIn group and at law.asu.edu/alumni.
9 Procession of Faculty and Candidates (audience should stand) Opening Remarks...........................................................................................Stacy Leeds Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor of Law Convocation Address.....................................................................................Gene Smith Gene Smith Consulting LLC Gene Smith, a Cleveland native, earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from Notre Dame University in 1977 and lettered three years in football as a defensive end. After playing on the 1973 national championship team at Notre Dame, he then served as an assistant coach from 1977 to 1981, contributing to the 1977 title. Smith worked for IBM before entering athletic administration. He served as Director of Athletics at Eastern Michigan University from 1985 to 1993 and Iowa State University from 1993 to 2000, advancing academic, competitive and financial outcomes. Arizona State University appointed Smith Director of Athletics in 2000. In 2005, he became Director of Athletics and later Senior Vice President at The Ohio State University, leading one of the nation’s largest athletics programs. His national service included the Men’s Basketball Committee, College Football Playoff Committee and the NCAA Working Group for Name, Image and Likeness. He is one of three athletics directors to earn national championships as a student-athlete, coach and director, was honored with the NCAA Gerald Ford Award and is a two-time Sports Business Journal Athletics Director of the Year. After retirement, he formed Smith Consulting LLC and holds a variety of advisory and board roles, including work with the Big Ten Commissioner’s Office, Under Armour, the National Football Foundation and more. Smith and his wife, Sheila, have four children and eight grandchildren and live in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Presentation of Candidates......................................................................Andrea Bevier Director of Digital Initiatives/Instructional Design Hooding of Candidates.........................................................................Thomas Williams Sr. Assistant Dean, Administration and Graduate Programs and Chief Operating Officer Closing Remarks............................................................................................Stacy Leeds Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor of Law Recession of Faculty and Candidates (audience should stand) Convocation Program | December 17, 2025
10 Daniel S. Ambuul Hannah N. Clark Brionne B. Dillard Matthew F. Dionisio Margarita Effron Hamza Gaafar Abbigale M. Gonzales Rachel Bentley Rasmusson Kathryn Lauren Roman Banda Victoria Lynne Sturdy Paola A. Chaparro Moncayo Lillian Adam Kimberly Alvidrez Devan Patrice Bailey Donald Cody Barnhill Amy Marie Beach Nicholas Bloomfield Roxanne Yvonne Briskey Tiaira Brown Hannah Burdick Kayla A Calderwood Marina Danae Cardenas Kayla Michelle Chance Tamika Cole Cindy Beth Dach Nataly Delgadillo John Ross Ewing Angel M Faggins Alyssa Fragnoli Erin Hassell Adeidra Rochelle Hawkins Jordyn Kelli Akemi Hayashi Elizabeth Heidler Brenda Yvonne Hernandez Henry Hoegen Cameryn J. Houser Hannah Noelle Hovelsrud Jake M Junicic April Justman Melissa Marie Kingsbury Veronica Locaida Knight Haley Alyssa Krebs Stefanie Loebach Graciela Lopez Deb Elena Lyke Kelly Mannes Shelbi Lynn Martin Stephanie M Mccarthy Jessie Marie Mesenburg Tracey Michel Miranda Miller Juris Doctor (JD) Master of Laws (LLM) Candidates for Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) Fall 2025 Candidates
11 Ty Edward Mourney David Nava Michelle Nickle Johanna Olin Ernie Ronnie Ortega Jerica Meschele Overall Ann Marie Pearson Laura Lynn Procopio Stephanie Diana Ramirez Fernandez Analise Antonette Reynoso Maitte rodriguez Michaela C Ross Rebecca Ann Rucker Kimberly Schieber Sarah Selman Matthew David Sims Keanna Raye Spencer Elaine Salina Stevens Melissa Taylor Morgan Tidd Daniel Timmerman Ennia Annika Wedderburn Diana London Wehrung Antonea Williams-Smith Sedric Morris Wilson Tatiyana Zvosechz Edesa Allahverdi Lora Daly Amundson Sarah Lee Augustus Damian A Avalos Julie Ann Beechnau Nya Bennett Jennifer Leigh Blaser-Kay Carleigh Blattman Brandon Bravo Jasmine Marie Brown Lisa Marie Buckallew Joelle Bunni Trish Lynne Campbell Jose Campos Gregory Charles Carlson Linda Carthen Jenn Trejo Castillo Carissa Brooke Cichacki Bryce Patrick Cohoon Amelia M Connelley Brandon Brandon Cooper Kayla Imani Crooms Justin William Dalton Rose Marie Davis Siga Mae Decorah Jeydi Nicole Delgado Bernard Carlos Ulises Diaz Matic Dimic Jendayi Naiilah Edmeade Jessica Esse-Haberman Karina Nicole Falk Carson Fatland Ciara Simone Gaines Jessica L Garcia Leora Geralnik Alondra Gonzalez Mikayla Grant C.J. Gray Anna M Guerra Joshua Abel Guerrero Alma Daisy Gutierrez Amy K Hamilton Bettina Harris-Redd Justin Hirayama Amber Rae Hodge Jonathan Robert Holdsworth Katherine Lillie Holiday Andrew Joseph Hrncar Kathryn Elizabeth Hummel Mishani Jack-Gonzalez Brandon Johnson Cassie Lynn Johnson e Lynn Jordan Benjamin Joel A Jorgenson Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
12 Jonathon Robert Adam Berit Harper Brookfield Olivia Coryn Coleman Ayanna Imani Crenshaw Vincent Deangelis Adam Girard Ethan James Hite Scott Walter Merritt Samuel Donald Parker Gracie Kathleen Reeves Peyton Elizabeth Valdez Shemar Russell Woods Taylin Rae Yankovich Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) Elana Kathleen Koehler Zachary Matthew Kuchmaner Kenneth Kwan Hayley Christine La Fazia Isabella Lambert Elaine Ma Brandon Michael Martin Jeanette Nicolette Angelic Martinez Yeila Franchesca Martinez Sammie Mayerck Robert Patrick Mcaneny Cara McMann Ericka Kelly Minger Angelica Miranda Dana Lee Miskell Mia Lanae Monteith Raena A Moore April L Morgan Kennedi A. Mouton Jessica Ann Newhard John morgan nicholson Ayca Rahsan O’mahony Monica Irais Osorio Lydia Ann Patterson Chris Robert Placzek Kimberly Michelle Pollak Erin Prida Matthew John Procopio Candace Rae Rada Charles D Reed Steven Reformado Jasmine Elizabeth Rodriguez Bethany Fawn Ruddek Michael Samar Angie Sanchez Amy Upton Sanders Sydney Elizabeth Sanders Michelle Fae Santos Cindy R Schneider Corina Schwenk Joanne E Scott Riquel Stewart Steve Stieler Marcelina Swatek Joel Sylvain Sidney R Taylor Kay Thompson Sheyanne Nichole Torres Mikayla Lyn Towns Sven Edward Voigt Tye Angelina Waggoner Enriqueta Carmen Wanatee-Diego Jamika Watie Kendra Mary Frances Weatherell Shelby Weaver Joshua Shane Wiggins Zachary Wilcox Thomas James Williams
13 Adare Taylor Rana Ali Chelsea Barrett Timothy Congress Jacqueline Jones Tanya Tesarik Juris Doctor (JD) Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) Tiara Abbott Ryan Baker Layla Barnett Luke Bauman Kyle Boehm Connor Brown Avril Cooper Mikelle Daily Kirsten Galwey Dylan Gerdes Erica Green Jason Greene Jayla Hamilton Emily Harris Jenna Harris Robin Henderson Mary Kender Stefanie King Stephanie McCain Rick Moore Molly Motes Gerri Prince Dixon Jesse Ruiz Kaylee Schmidt Lorraine Shipmon Lauren Skyler Lu Ann Smith Alyson Squires Paula Storey Arianna Tammaro Taitianna Thomas British Wagner Mariah Whisenhunt Cortez Wilson Briget Yaitanes Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Derek Angelo Michael Barraza Michael Brown Josie Coffey Justin De Haas Talia Massi Philippe Penning Mia Perez Master of Sports Law and Business (MSLB) Summer 2025 Graduates
14 Rachel Rasmusson Highest Pro Bono Distinction Awarded to students who contributed 150 or more hours of pro bono service while attending law school. Pro Bono Distinction Matthew Dionisio Adare Taylor Pro Bono Distinction Awarded to students who contributed 50-99 hours of pro bono service while attending law school.
15 Congratulations 2025 Summer and Fall Graduates
16 Stay connected This is our moment. Reimagining legal education law.asu.edu/subscribe SandraDayOConnorCollegeofLaw law.asu.edu + Phoenix + Washington, D.C. + Los Angeles + Online
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