Resilience. Creativity. Empathy. Compassion. Dedication. Grace. A healthy sense of humour. These are the “impressive” qualities ascribed to the Class of Law’20 by Dean Mark Walters in a video greeting to the newest Queen’s Law alumni. “These are precisely the kinds of qualities that are going to stand you in good stead as you go out into the world,” he says.

Referring to the world as “full of promise and potential” but with things society has “taken for granted for generations,” he continues, “I feel reassured in knowing that you are the next generation of leaders and you’re going to bring those qualities to your work….These are the things that are going to allow you to make a real contribution to society, to help build bridges between people who are opposed, and to find solutions to problems that seem intractable.” 

Joining the Dean in expressing their congratulations and reflections by video or written messages from home, are many faculty and staff members, some with help from their young or furry family members.

“You have much to be proud of,” says Helen Connop, Manager of Education and Equity Services. “You have reached the summit of the mountain and shown tremendous resilience and fortitude.”  

Professor Gail Henderson, who started law school in the wake of 9/11, imagines the whole world seems “very uncertain” to the newest graduates who completed their studies during a global pandemic. “I know that the knowledge, skills and confidence that you brought to law school and that you acquired and developed at Queen’s Law will get you through this difficult time,” she says. “I hope it also will guide you in bringing about positive change to make our post-COVID society a better and more equal place.”

“We know that you can beat this moment,” says Professor Alyssa King. “We’re excited to see you become the people that you – and we – need you to be.” 

“You prevailed…and have become closer as a community,” says Professor Noah Weisbord. “I’m confident that you’re going to face the challenges ahead with skill, wisdom, compassion and bravery. 

This spring’s graduates include 202 JD students, the latest PhD student, 94 undergraduate Certificate in Law students and the first-ever recipients of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Services Management. 

In addition to celebrating the conferral of degrees, certificates and diplomas, a number of JD students are recognized with awards. Law Medals have been awarded to graduates with the highest cumulative averages: Alysha Flipse, Rachel Oster, and Colette Koopman. The Dean’s Key, for best embodying community values, collegiality, professionalism, service and academic excellence, also went to Colette Koopman. The Dean’s Scholar Awards have been given to the graduates with the highest third-year averages: Alysha Flipse (Gold Scholar), Jocelyn Rempel (Silver Scholar), and Saroosh Wattoo (Bronze Scholar). There are also recipients of a wide variety of scholarships and awards made possible by generous gifts from individuals and firms, as well as course prizes. 

“I want to wish you well when you strike out in the next phase of your adventures in law and of life,” says Dean Walters, who like many colleagues, also encouraged new graduates to keep in touch. “Come back to see us. What makes Queen’s special is the sense of unity and community.” 

Check out the video and written greetings from Dean Walters, faculty and staff on our Graduation Celebration 2020 web page. 

For a full-list of JD award recipients, visit our JD awards page.