(Above leſt) Dean Roger Fairfax (right) along with AU President Sylvia Mathews Burwell (leſt) presented an honorary degree to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during the commencement ceremony. (Above right) AUWCL graduates were engrossed in Justice Jackson's inspiring words.
The anticipation and excitement in the auditorium were palpable as Dean Roger A. Fairfax Jr. introduced Justice Jackson to the Class of 2023. Dean Fairfax expressed his utmost admiration saying, “Thank you for making the American University Washington College of Law the very first law school commencement address you deliver as a member of the Supreme Court of the United States. Our graduates will never forget this day.”
Dean Fairfax, along with AU President Sylvia Burwell, presented an honorary degree to Justice Jackson before the audience of graduating law students, faculty, staff, and proud family erupted in thunderous applause as she stepped up to the podium.
Justice Jackson commenced her speech by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledging the significance of the moment. With grace and eloquence, she shared stories from her personal and professional life, intertwining her experiences with powerful lessons of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of justice.
16 THE ADVOCATE SUMMER/FALL 2023
“ Lean into your personal strengths and use them to get you where you want to go.”
As she spoke, her words resonated deeply with the graduating class, many eager to follow in her footsteps and make their mark in the legal field. As a self-professed super fan of the hit reality show, Survivor, Justice Jackson drew parallels about her challenging path to success, providing invaluable lessons in perseverance and survival “even when the odds are stacked against you.”
“Do your best to shut out distractions, use your time wisely, and figure out how to make the most of what you have,” she told the graduates. “Lean into your personal strengths and use them to get you where you want to go.”
The audience hung onto every word, captivated by Justice Jackson’s wisdom and the weight of her historic appointment. The room was filled with hope, as her
presence symbolized the progress and inclusivity the legal profession strives to achieve.
“Play the long game,” said Justice Jackson. “Do that and you will not only survive, you will thrive for the rest of your professional lives.”
Justice Jackson ended her speech with a charge to graduates saying simply, “You … are … ready!”
Aſter the speech, a standing ovation erupted, lasting several minutes, as the graduates and attendees paid homage to her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to justice.
Fairfax said, “We were thrilled by her message to our graduates as they launch into careers of impact and meaning. I am grateful for Justice Jackson’s generosity of time and spirit, and delighted that her first commencement speech as a member of the Supreme Court was delivered right here at our history-making law school.”
In a special and memorable visit, Justice Jackson spent quality time with the esteemed faculty and staff of the AUWCL. Prior to delivering her historic
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