Charles Ogletree, Jesse Climenko Professor of Law and founding and executive director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice, spoke to graduating students at Clafin University on May 10 and at Delaware State University on May 11.
Ogletree received an honorary doctorate from Claflin University and urged the graduates to honor their elders, who paved the way for the Class of 2014 to receive their degrees.
“We would not be here today were it not for the work that they did,” said Ogletree.
At Delaware State University, Ogletree reiterated this message, adding that societal challenges remain and today’s graduates need to address these issues. “The class of 2014 needs to understand that it is not just about going out to get a job as you leave DSU, but it is also about doing something to make a difference,” he said.
Noah Feldman, Bemis Professor of International Law, spoke at Connecticut College on May 18. In his speech, Feldman reminded the graduates of the value of a liberal arts education: “that fragile, extraordinary, valuable thing which has been put in your hands … to teach you to participate as full partners in the making of the world around you.”
Randall Kennedy, Michael R. Klein Professor, gave the commencement address at Northeastern University School of Law on May 23.
“Be willing to pursue a variety of callings that can enable you to do good and have fun,” said Kennedy. “To the fullest possible extent, do what you want to do.”
Two other Harvard Law School professors also received honorary degrees.
Alan Dershowitz,who retired as a professor of law in January, received an honorary doctorate from the Technion – Israel School of Technology in Haifa, Israel on June 16th.
Mark Tushnet, whose research includes studies examining the practice of judicial review, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Athens on May 27th for his innovative contribution to constitutional law and for his illustrious studies on democracy and social rights.