Charleston School of Law held its Winter 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday at the Charleston Museum Auditorium. Twenty-four students celebrated the completion of their Juris Doctor degree.
The Winter Class of 2025 includes the following: Noah Evan Anderson, Chris Paul Baldwin, Katherine Grace Boston, Grant Edward Crook, Emily Marie Dyer, Tristan James Fitzgerald, Marisa Ann Gamel, Mallory Hendley Getgasorn, Kaitlyn Marie Grigsby, Rylann Hornbaker, Andrew Gary Jordan, Alexa Rae Libert, Katherine Kelsey Miller, Maria Celeste Monterrey, Amber Nicole Newland, Jessica Lloyd Nunn, Kylie Ann O’Donnell, Jeffrey Brian Parker, Riley Grace Parks, Rachel Sara Serrao, Mary Elizabeth Sizemore, Ashley Elizabeth Stevens, Carson Caroline Swink, Kaelin Elizabeth Thornburg, Hallie Kathryn Willhide, and Matthew Joseph Wright.
Ten Law School students graduated with Presidential Scholars, six cum laude, and two magna cum laude.
“Graduation from law school is a tremendous achievement, and I am proud, along with your family and friends, to share this moment with all of you,” said President Constance Anastopoulo. “This group of talented individuals is now equipped with legal knowledge and practical experience for the rigors of the legal profession.”
“Today’s graduates have spent years immersed in an array of legal topics, gaining the knowledge, skills, and values they will put to good use in the legal profession,” said interim Dean Jon Marcantel. “Graduates are entering the legal profession at a time when their skills and values are needed more than ever. They will prosecute criminals, defend our most vulnerable, and protect our fundamental freedoms.”
A core value at Charleston School of Law is instilling in its graduates a commitment to public service. Toward that end, each graduate is required to perform a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono (“for the public good”) service to the community. This requirement allows students to work with attorneys practicing in the public interest legal sector. We salute the following students for performing 100 or more hours of law-related public service as reported on November 1, 2025:
In addition, the Charleston Law Forensic Club announced its newest inductees:
In November 1825, a group of Charleston attorneys was granted a charter by the State of South Carolina to establish a “Lecture-ship on the Law.”
In February 1826, the Forensic Club offered lectures in the law to begin what essentially was the South’s earliest law school. As a tribute to the founding members of the Forensic Club, Charleston School of Law selects a limited number of graduates to become members.
“I will keep up with you as you go forward, and ask you from time to time, how are you doing?” said Bell. “I will also be interested in how you’re making a difference. Are you a beacon of hope to those who need someone to help them have hope? Did you defend the poor just as you defended the rich?”
Special thanks to Thomas Joyce and The Charleston Brass, Mace Bearer and Grand Marshal Sean Ashoff, Faculty Marshal Frank B. Ulmer, Lead Student Marshal and Student Bar Association President Megan J. Goldthorpe, Announcer Professor Dylan O. Malagrinò, and Student Marshals: Ava Ambler, Erica Bolla, Hannah Causey, Michael Goltra, Joanna McCauley, Aya Peterson, Rianon Sercu, Morgan Spencer, and William Woodmansee.
Charleston School of Law offices will be closed from December 15 – January 2 in recognition of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Charleston School of Law's first day of classes for the Spring 2025-26 academic year will begin on Monday, January 12.
