May 08, 2006
Former VP of Nigeria Speaks at TJSL's 34th Commencement Exercises in Balboa Park
San Diego – Approximately 200 graduates from Thomas Jefferson School of Law walked on stage to receive their Juris Doctor degrees at the historic Organ Pavilion in beautiful Balboa Park on Saturday, May 6, 2006, at the 34th Commencement Exercises. The slightly overcast day did not damper spirits of the graduates or their families and friends. Moreover, Dean Rudolph C. Hasl applauded the graduates during his opening remarks by saying that the Juris Doctor degree “affirms that our graduates have successfully completed a rigorous course of study. They have demonstrated their mastery of fundamental principles of law, and that they stand ready to join a noble and learned profession.”
Dean Hasl, who was named the new dean at Thomas Jefferson almost one year ago, reiterated to the graduates the importance of serving in the legal community but also beyond it. "I hope and pray that your professional and personal lives reflect a fervent commitment to justice and compassion in a world which so desperately needs your assistance," Hasl said.
Dean Rudolph C. Hasl prepares to give his introductory remarks
at the historic Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on May 6.
Valedictorian Christopher Nalls, who served as editor-in-chief of the presitigious Thomas Jefferson Law Review journal, in addition to stating that "lawyers have stepped forward to say 'my clients have rights that can't be ignored,'" followed up on Dean Hasl's remarks by saying that he is "grateful for what Thomas Jefferson School of Law has taught us, but now it is time to step over that threshold. We are ready to say farewell and to carry our voices into the world."
Valedictorian Christopher Nalls addresses his fellow graduates.
The importance of law in the international realm could not have been more fitting when guest speaker Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, one of Nigeria’s most prominent statesmen and the first democratically elected vice president in that nation’s history, delivered congratulatory remarks.
"Lawyers have an important role because they look after everything, not just the spirit or physical health," Dr. Ekwueme said. "Cameraderie is ingrained in this profession -- it's what makes it what it is."
The 2006 Commencement speaker, Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme.
Dr. Ekwueme, who was elected vice president of Nigeria in 1979, reiterated to the graduates the importance of law in a global society. "Two-thirds of the members in your Congress are lawyers. Even in third world countries there is a high proportion of lawyers working in government because we are trained to work for society," he said. "In the last few decades we have started not just working within the confines of our own country, but now we are dealing with global implications. There are serious problems in the world, such as in Rwanda and Sierra Leone. You lawyers are the future of the world. You protect the rights and the well being of all humanity."
Following his remarks, Dr. Ekwueme made the day even more memorable when he presented his graduating daughter-in-law, Kristine Ekwueme, her diploma during the conferring of degrees.
Dr. Ekwueme presents daughter-in-law
Kristine Ekwueme with her degree.
Dr. Ekwueme has an impressive background. He achieved a boyhood dream by entering politics and becoming Nigeria’s first democratically elected vice president. He was re-elected in 1983, but a coup d’etat later that year toppled Nigeria’s first civilian government. He was arrested and detained for six years, but emerged even more determined to serve his people and rid his homeland of military rule. In 1998, at a time when most Nigerians were fearful for their lives, Dr. Ekwueme had the courage to lead a group of fellow Nigerians in advising the military dictator to not succeed himself.
His lifelong quest for Nigeria’s independence has resulted in other notable achievements, including a key role in restructuring the Nigerian State into six recognized geo-political zones. He also is the founding chairman and on the board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, currently in power at the federal level after nearly 16 years of military rule.
Dr. Ekwueme also wears the hats of lawyer, architect, philanthropist, and humanitarian. In high school, Dr. Ekwueme earned a Fulbright Scholarship and pursued a degree in architecture and urban planning at the University of Washington, which he used to open the first locally owned architectural firm in Nigeria. He has designed airports, schools and other needed facilities for his homeland. He also earned a degree in history, philosophy and constitutional law from the University of London. He has since established a trust fund that has supported the education of several hundred Nigerian youths at home and abroad. He also founded his own law firm, Ekwueme, Ekwueme & Ekwueme, which specializes mainly in commercial law.
“It is a great honor and pleasure to have someone of Dr. Ekwueme’s stature and experience address our graduates this year,” said Dean Hasl prior to the Commencement. “Our law school places a strong emphasis on understanding the legal implications of a global society and it is most appropriate for our graduates to share this important day with someone like Dr. Ekwueme, who has worked so hard to establish a democratic process in his native country.”
A reception on the Pavilion concourse followed with the gathering of the graduates, their families and friends.
*Thomas Jefferson School of Law has more than 5,000 graduates, including among them San Diego’s district attorney and a U.S. congressman. The law school, located near Interstate 5 in the historic Old Town district of San Diego, is fully accredited by the American Bar Association, the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.