May 27, 2008

211 Receive Law Degrees at
26th Annual Commencement

From left to right: Touro Law Center’s full-time division salutatorian Matthew E. Markoff,
Full-time division valedictorian Jessica Leigh Miller, Dean Lawrence Raful,
part-time division valedictorian John J. Cooney and
part-time division salutatorian Robbie L. Vaughn.

Central Islip, NY – Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center’s commencement ceremony, which took place on Sunday, May 25 at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center Plaza in New York City, celebrated 197 JD candidates, 1 JD/MBA candidate and 13 LLM candidates.

The Honorable Benton J. Campbell, appointed interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, was the commencement speaker. He spoke to graduates about the success they have already achieved in graduating from law school and welcomed them to the legal profession. He urged students to keep a sense of perspective as they embark upon their legal careers and to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, while remaining in touch with their guiding principles and ethical values.

Valedictorians and salutatorians were honored for their outstanding achievements. This year’s full-time valedictorian was Jessica Leigh Miller and part-time evening division valedictorian was John J. Cooney. Full-time division salutatorian was Matthew E. Markoff and, in the part-time division the honor went to Robbie L. Vaughn.

This year’s ceremony also included the presentation of an honorary Juris Doctorate in memorial to Audra Kaczur, a member of the class of 2008 who was tragically killed. The degree was accepted by her parents during the ceremony.

Todd Jones was nominated as Class Orator and addressed the crowd on Sunday. He reminded his fellow graduates to thank their family and friends for their support throughout law school. Jones also said, “I am honored to graduate with people who have as much heart as they do talent.” He continued, “Today doesn’t make us lawyers, it demonstrates our capacity to set lofty goals and see them through to completion.” He finished by congratulating his fellow graduates and wishing everyone success.