Celebrating the Class of 2025

On Friday, May 9, graduates gathered with faculty, family, and dear friends for the 130th commencement ceremony honoring the Colorado Law class of 2025.  

Watch the full ceremony.  

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 the themes of passion, engagement, energy, courage, and resilience – as well as the importance of placing these traits in service of the rule of law.  

Dean Inniss also shared an anecdote about a notable Colorado Law alumni, Justice Luis Dario Rovira, who went on to become the first Latino State Court judge in the United States, and eventually the first Latino Chief Justice of a State Supreme Court.  

Inniss shared, “Justice Rovira’s life teaches us many things, but, above all, it shows us what it means to live by the values we claim to believe in. He lived not for acclaim, but for justice.”  

Dean Inniss concluded her remarks with a land acknowledgement, then welcomed Jayson Highwalking 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, Judge Elizabeth Brodsky ’97. Brodsky said to graduates, “You are about to embark on your legal careers, you will have the opportunity to protect the rights of the most vulnerable among us and to advocate for justice. This is a tremendous responsibility...one that must be embraced with integrity and compassion.”  

Class President Pablo Perez took the stage next, sharing with his classmates, “We have all been so lucky to go on this journey in Boulder... There is a powerful tradition of CU Law grads going on to change the world for the better, and today the class of 2025 proudly follows in their footsteps.”  

Class Vice President Mariah Bowman followed, stating, “What I'm most grateful for today, above all else, is for you, my classmates. One of the greatest joys of the past three years of my life has been getting to spend time with all of you. I have learned the most from seeing the world through your eyes. From your vulnerability, bravery, and humor, thank you for sharing yourselves with me.”  

Next, Class Treasurer Libby Gorske announced the class gift: 20 chess sets and 30 board games donated to the library, commemorated with a plaque. Gorske shared that the gifts represent the work life balance the class has come to cherish. And, recognizing those who balanced parenthood with law school, the class also donated comfort items for the nursing mothers’ room on the first floor.  

LLM Class Representative Andressa Gonzales de Souza followed, sharing remarks about the journey LLM students went on throughout their time in the program. “Today, we are not just lawyers with a new diploma, we are transformed people—braver, more aware, and forever connected across borders.”  

Class Secretary Linnea Cheek introduced Keynote Speaker, Professor Fred Bloom.  

Bloom’s compelling remarks touched upon the bittersweet nature of graduation, pondering, “What is a moment?” and reflecting on this question as it relates to the legal profession. Bloom shared, “In the end, your time, your moments, are the most valuable thing you as lawyers will have to give.” 

He also implored graduates to “...think please about what good lawyers can do-- they can give of their moments in ways that make other people's lives better, and there is nothing more sacred than that.” 

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 Chair Tim Galluzzi ’15 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 let loose a 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, Brothers of Brass