MIAMI, Fla. (Aug.
16, 2002) – The inaugural class of Florida International
University’s College of Law will celebrate its first Convocation
– the official beginning of the academic program –
on Friday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m. with Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and
Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead.
“This will be a special ceremony not only for the law
students but also for the FIU Community and South Floridians
in general,” said FIU President Modesto A. Maidique. “FIU
has waited a long time for this day.”
For the 117 lawyers-to-be, this is the first step toward their
dream of becoming attorneys, as well as the first step toward
a proud new tradition
at FIU. The class – 67 full time and 50 part time students
– is approximately 44 percent Hispanic, 43 percent Anglo
and 8 percent Black.
“Our students are diverse and are also academically well
qualified, said College of Law Dean Leonard Strickman of the
group, which begins classes on Monday, Aug. 26.
In addition to Bush, other guest speakers expected at Convocation
are Florida State Sen. Mario Diaz Balart and State Rep. Gaston
Cantens, who played key roles in the Florida Legislature’s
approval of the FIU College of Law in 2000. Chief Justice Anstead
will be the keynote speaker.
The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. in the Graham Center
Ballrooms, located at FIU’s University Park, 12000 SW
8 St.
For more information on the FIU College of Law, visit www.fiu.edu/law