USF President Honored at Stetson Law Graduation, Inspires Local Graduates

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Last weekend, Rhea Law, the President of the University of South Florida, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the Stetson University College of Law Commencement. The event took place at Stetson's Gulfport campus and celebrated the graduation of nearly 300 law students. Law also gave the keynote speech and was recognized for her significant contributions to the legal field and education.

At the ceremony, Benjamin Barros, the dean of Stetson University’s College of Law, commended President Law for her impact in the Tampa Bay area and across Florida. He described her as an inspiring role model for the spring 2024 graduates, encouraging them to aim high. Law, a graduate of Stetson herself, thanked the institution for the honorary degree, which she valued highly.

In her speech, Law discussed key lessons from her career and educational experiences. She highlighted the importance of self-belief, embracing new opportunities, and maintaining credibility in law. She shared her personal story of being a first-generation college student who financed her legal studies by using her retirement savings, encouraging the graduates to trust their choices and face the unknown with confidence.

Law also recounted experiences from her leadership roles at the Florida offices of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney and as president of USF. She used these examples to illustrate the vast opportunities available to the graduates, urging them to find fulfilling and impactful careers in law.