Celebrating the Class of 2026

On Friday, May 8, graduates gathered with faculty, family, and dear friends for the 131st commencement ceremony honoring the Colorado Law class of 2026.������

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After the procession concluded, Colorado Law Dean Lolita Buckner Inniss took the podium to recognize graduates and provide her opening remarks. Dean Inniss touched upon themes of agility, engagement, and resilience– encouraging students to let these words guide them as they head out into the world and write their own stories.����

Dean Inniss reflected on the legal landscape students are entering, and while it is not an easy one, she reminded students that “...no matter how daunting the obstacles, do the work, because the goal is worthy.”����

Dean Inniss concluded her remarks with a land acknowledgement, then welcomed Doug Good Feather to the stage to perform a powerful honor song.��

This was followed by welcoming remarks in Spanish given by Prof. Violeta Chapin.�� ����

Next, Prof. Blake Reid ’10 had the honor of both recognizing the top fifteen percent of the class as members of the Order of the Coif and presenting this year's recipient of the Honorary Order of the Coif, Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez. Márquez spoke directly to graduates, sharing: “Today you all walk away armed with a degree and education that no one can take from you; and my hope and wish for you is that you use these gifts to make the world a better place-- doing that is going to require courage. Our profession needs you, our democracy needs you, so show up.”��

Class��Treasurer Helen Boone took the stage next, followed by Class Vice President Gabriel Lenz, who remarked: “I am beyond thankful for this wonderful community that has and continues to flourish and uplift each of us. I know every one of us is walking away with a fire forever ignited by CU’s law students, faculty and staff, may it burn brightly forever.”��

Class President Mary Elizabeth Barrow followed, reminding fellow graduates that “...the law is not a destination, it's a practice, you never stop getting better or refining or reaching for what justice looks like..today, for us, that practice begins.”��

LLM Class Representative Ece Gülerman spoke to attendees next, imploring, “Graduation invites celebration, but it also asks something of us: what kind of lawyers will we be? What kind of judgment will we bring to the world? Whatever path we take next, I hope we carry a sense of responsibility with us.”

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Cristal Mendoza then spoke on behalf of the MSL class, sharing more about the study of ethics and compliance and the role compliance professionals play in the legal field. She concluded her remarks, stating: “Graduates: we embarked on this journey with a purpose and now leave to become leaders-- we will become the change we want to see in the world.”��

Class Secretary Miles McLendon��then introduced Keynote Speaker, Professor Helen Norton.����

Norton’s compelling remarks touched upon the world our graduates are facing, pondering the question:��How do we live and work bravely in a time of uncertainty and challenge?”��

Norton noted that while we cannot control the future, “...we can control our effort, patience and compassion. Sometimes the external world delivers us setbacks...we should anticipate this, and each setback is a reminder to hope, reengage, and start anew”����

Assistant Dean of Student Services Emily Horowitz announced the hooding of the graduates, and each of the students triumphantly walked across the stage.�� Law Alumni Board member Marco Chayet ’97��then welcomed the class to Colorado Law's extraordinary alumni community. As the program drew to a close, Dean Inniss recited the traditional Sears Charge and the audience gave final wave of congratulatory applause. Then, attendees headed back to the Wolf Law Building to celebrate at the reception, with a recessional led by Denver-based band,��.��