It is indeed a matter of pride for any school, of whatever size and rank, to see the dais fill up on the commencement day with hundreds of successful students donning their graduating mantle. These graduates radiate with confidence, and rear to face the real world, armed with the school's valuable teachings. Thus, so did Boston’s Law School feel when 255 of its students received their scrolls on the school’s 75th Commencement.
"Be 'America's next top model' — a model of integrity, honesty, and humility"...exhorted Congressman Edward J. Markey while addressing these Boston College Law School class of 2007 at the Commencement.
Besides being the model, he also asked the graduates to take home three other important points besides their scrolls from their graduation ceremonies. "Get a life--find something outside the office to challenge and inspire you; Walk a mile in others' shoes; and also never forget the first law of holes — when you’re in one, stop digging. Don’t stubbornly stick to something that’s not working."
Urging the law grads to emulate the principles of former BC Law Dean and congressman, late Fr. Robert F. Drinan, S.J., Markey eulogized Father Drinan as "truly an historic figure in his life and work." Father Drinan was greatly influenced by the Jesuit Saint Alberto Hurtado. Markay asked the students to become Drinan's "living models."
Hurtado preached that the teacher, who educates students and not merely teaches, should assume the role of a "living model" for them. Markey asked the students to find ways to utilize their "training to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable." He asked the graduates to live up to the principles imbibed in the law school and serve the community with equal fervor.
One of the most senior Members in Congress, Markey "the greatest champion of consumers in the Congress" is one of the most articulate and informed voices in Congress concerning both energy and environmental policy. He has consistently championed issues concerning consumer rights, energy efficiency, and environment protection.
Adulating Markey’s achievement both as a congressman as well as leader, BC Law Dean John H. Garvey said the seasoned congressman "shaped more than 20 years of telecommunications policy." Besides energy and the environment, he also was a frontrunner in issues concerning "consumer rights, health reforms, monopoly elimination, conservation of environmental resources, reduction of nuclear threats, and the strengthening of homeland security."
From its 54 students when it started functioning in 1929 to its thousands of alumni spread across the globe, Boston College Law School has gone places. Not only in the vertical rankings by the annual U.S. News & World Report survey, where it stands at 27, but also in quality and the high standards of education.
The school bestowed its highest awards, the Founders' Medals, to Hon. William P. Robinson (BC Law '75), Marianne D. Short (BC Law '76), and Rep. Markey. Robinson is a member of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and Short is the managing partner of the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney. The Founder’s Medal is given in honor of Reverend John B. Creedon, S.J. who was instrumental in founding the Law School in 1929. The medal is given to people who embody the same professionalism, scholarship, and service which the Law School seeks to instill in its students.
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