Graduation '06

Timothy O’Toole, CBE, ’80
Managing Director, London Underground

Timothy T. O’Toole, CBE, ’80, Managing Director of the London Underground, delivered the 2006 University of Pittsburgh School of Law commencement address to the School’s 238 graduates, their families and friends.

O’Toole was recently awarded the title of honorary Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. Bestowing one of England’s highest honors upon him, the Queen recognized O’Toole’s record of achievement and service to England during that country’s July 7, 2005, subway and bus bombings. (See the School of Law’s LawNotes, Spring, 2006).

Held May 27 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium and Museum, O’Toole spoke to the School’s newest graduates on their role as “stewards of the rule of law.” Speaking within the context of society’s reaction to fear, he urged the graduates to “protect society from its fears,” by “bring[ing] value and reason to every discussion,” and by “promot[ing] competence in all institutions.”

This year, 213 Pitt Law graduates received Juris Doctor degrees, 10 received Masters of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees, and 15 received Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees.

“You must defend liberty when it seems most expensive so that society can benefit from change and creativity, rather than surrender its advantage in a fruitless attempt to control and stifle it. Only freedom can protect freedom.”

Timothy O’Toole, CBE. ’80
Managing Director, London Underground