Graduation '07

The Honorable Doris Smith-Ribner, ’72, Judge on the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, delivered the 2007 University of Pittsburgh School of Law commencement address to the School’s 271 graduates, their families and friends.

In addition to numerous accomplishments and appointments, Judge Smith-Ribner was recently appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to serve as its designee on the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness. Judge Smith-Ribner is also involved with Just the Beginning Foundation, dedicated to “developing and nurturing interest in the law among racially and ethnically underrepresented young people, increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the federal judiciary and the legal profession, and preserving and honoring the legacy of African-Americans in the federal judiciary.”

A member of the School of Law’s Board of Visitors since 1997, Judge Smith-Ribner is also a recipient of the Pitt Law Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is given annually to recognize a graduate of the School who, through accomplishments in his or her career and contributions to the profession and community, has enhanced the reputation of the Law School.

Thirty-six awards and prizes were presented to graduates for outstanding achievements and contributions. Professor John Burkoff received the 2007 Excellence-in-Teaching Award—an award presented annually by the Student Bar Association honoring one professor, as selected by members of the graduation class.

In the May 26 ceremony at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium and Museum, 245 Pitt Law graduates received Juris Doctor degrees, 13 received Masters of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees, and 13 received Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees.