The University of North Dakota School of Law conferred the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) during a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center in Grand Forks.
Sixty-eight candidates completed the requirements for the degree of Juris Doctor. An additional five members of the Class of 2025 completed degree requirements in December 2024. Seventy-one candidates participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony was officiated by UND President Andrew Armacost and UND School of Law Dean Brian Pappas. Remarks were given by Dr. Casey Ryan of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and, at the request of the Class of 2025, Governor Kelly Armstrong, delivered the commencement address.
Governor Armstrong gave the graduates several words of advise. Among them, he said to be sure they experience working in a courtroom, refrain from making promises they may not be able to keep, choose battles wisely, do not take criticism from someone you would not take advice from, and have empathy for their clients. “Empathizing with their circumstances is the most effective tool in a lawyer’s arsenal,” he said.
Each member of the class crossed the stage and received their doctoral hood from Professor Alexandra Sickler and Professor Nikola Datzov as well as a diploma cover from UND President, Andrew Armacost. Assistant Dean for Student Services, Brad Parrish, acted as proctor.
One member of the class completed the joint J.D./MBA program and one member of the class completed the joint J.D./MPA program.
After the ceremony, graduates and their guests attended a brunch at the Memorial Union hosted by UND School of Law.
“This is a memorable day, not only for our graduates, but for the entire UND Law community” said Dean Pappas in his remarks. “We are proud of our graduates, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the future.”