United States Circuit Judge and 1975 graduate of Santa Clara University Richard C. Tallman returned home when he addressed the class of 2007 at the Santa Clara University School of law commencement ceremony in the university’s Mission Gardens on Saturday, May 19th.
Tallman told the 286 graduates their newly minted degrees "will open many doors" and give them the "tools to do great things." He pointed out that at least five of the 2008 presidential candidates are lawyers. With opportunity and power comes responsibility, Tallman added. He cautioned the new grads to take their ethical obligations seriously. "Simply put, people remember professionalism and courtesy. Conversely they never forget the opposite."
Tallman also stressed the importance of recognizing and valuing the support of friends, family and teachers who helped the graduates get to where they are today. He shared the words on the tombstone of the great industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, "Here lies a man who knew how to enlist in his service better men than himself." Tallman added, "The epitaph is a fitting attribution to those who support each of us, enabling us to exceed our personal limitations and excel through the power of cumulative strength and collective endeavor.
Tallman, who was presented with an honorary law degree by Santa Clara University President Paul Locatelli, S.J. serves as an active U.S. Circuit Judge on the Ninth District Court of Appeals. He was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2000. Donald Polden, dean of the school of law, served as Master of Ceremonies and recognized a number of distinguished guests at the university’s 156th commencement ceremony including: Santa Clara Mayor, Patricia Mahan and Santa Clara County District Attorney, Dolores Carr.
At the ceremony, 275 J.D. degrees and 11 LL.M. Degrees were awarded. Of the J.D. degrees 53 percent were awarded to women and 46 percent were awarded to students of color. LL.M (Masters of Laws) degrees included three programs, U.S. law for foreign lawyers, intellectual property law, and international and comparative law.
To read Judge Tallman’s speech in full go to: http://www.scu.edu/news/releases/Lawgradspeech07.cfm
