“Read, think critically. Go out into the world with the belief that you can use your superpower of critical analysis, close reading and deliberate thinking and speech for good. Look for ways to be kind. Be generous in helping others with time, money, or both. Live your life with passion and purpose and be grateful and thankful to all the people who have helped you get to this point.” - 2023 Commencement Speakers Steve Potash ’78 and Loree Potash ’79
At our recent Commencement, we heard inspiring, powerful remarks from Commencement Speakers Steve Potash ’78 and Loree Potash ’79, the first couple to ever give a commencement address at our law school. We also heard from CSU President Laura Bloomberg, CSU Board Vice-Chair Tim Cosgrove ‘87, Christina O’Brien ’23, President of the Student Bar Association, Camille Pollutro ’23, Class Valedictorian, and Katey Hach ’23, recipient of the Dean’s Learn Law. Live Justice Award, given to a graduating student who shows promise for embracing their new law degree as a force for good.
Below are some words of wisdom excerpted from each of their remarks.
2023 Commencement Speakers Steve Potash ’78 and Loree Potash ‘79
“. . . Loree and I wanted to share how our journey has digested down to three short lessons. . .
- First . . . prioritize relationships. Early in my career, it was all about getting that deal signed, or in a transactional matter where I was representing a client or in litigation, was winning that deal. It took me years to realize that wasn't the goal. The goal was in every interaction you have for anything big or small, it's an opportunity for you to show who you are, build a relationship . . .
- Second . . . when you earn the respect of the people that are running the day-to-day jobs in whatever entity you encounter, you will have the right to win. When we go visit schools and libraries, we stop at every reference desk and thank every librarian, every educator. Those are the frontline workers that make a difference. And you will earn their trust. And this is part of building relationships.
- Third, be a passionate advocate . . . Very recently, our schools, our librarians have been under attack. They've been under attack by insidious book banning programs, unconstitutional laws that have been enacted in 15 to 20 states, and in the name of a political objective using culture wars. They are trying to set back the clock on the DEI progress that we've made as a nation and as a culture over the last two decades. We need you as advocates for the First Amendment and the 14th Amendment. We have to protect all of us and all of our children and communities for access to all books, all voices, all perspectives . . . we stand here today challenging you, to take pride as you have, to be part of the learnings of the Learn Law, Live Justice legacy.”
CSU President Laura Bloomberg
“. . . I want to highlight two key elements, two threads, of that tapestry that I hope you carry with you as you leave here today: resilience and gratitude.
- . . . your resilience allows you to be confident in yourselves and bounce back from challenges and setbacks. During your time here, I am sure that each of you has faced your share of challenges, but those challenges didn’t stop you. You learned the skills needed to overcome obstacles — a skill that will certainly serve you well in your career ahead. I firmly believe that resilience brings success. In learning how to face challenges, perhaps repeatedly and without backing down, you have also learned how to reach your dreams.
- . . . So now the gratitude part of the tapestry. It starts with recognizing and appreciating the people in your lives who have taught you, supported you, lifted you up — and then making the time to show them that gratitude. So today, even as you let relief and a well-deserved sense of pride and accomplishment wash over you, I encourage you to let gratitude be your super power.”
CSU Board Vice Chair Tim Cosgrove ‘87
“ . . . You are now part of this extraordinary group of individuals – Cleveland State Law Alums - who have played critical roles not just in the practice of law but as political and business leaders. Your road to this point wasn’t easy. It was earned. What makes our law school so special is the uniqueness of all of you - our students. You bring such different experiences and stories that enrich our university. As you continue your journey and you add to the story that is Cleveland State University and our law school, remember all those who have made this possible – your family, friends, the faculty and this University.”
Christina O’Brien ’23, President, Student Bar Association
“ This One day is brought to you by all of the things that have shaped my life. For me that was food stamps, public school, free lunches, Head Start, domestic violence shelters, financial aid, the unwavering support of my husband Matt . . . Your One day has been brought to you by all of your struggles, adversity, successes, support, and hard work . . . You have seen and known adversity and those times have seemed impossible. I can’t wait to see all of the incredible things that these bright, capable minds are going to do in the future. Congratulations on your One day and best of luck on your Day 1.”
Camille Pollutro ’23, Class Valedictorian
“ . . . Remember your journey, remember how you got here, thank those along the way, and cherish this moment and what it represents. Instead, what many of us do, or at least I know that I do, is only think about the next thing on our check list. For many of us right now, despite a day like graduation to help remind us, it can feel like we have to move on quickly from this accomplishment and check off that next big goal. But as we enter into our careers, I ask you all to add an extra step into your checklist after those big accomplishments that reminds each of us to “Remember, Thank, and Cherish this Moment.”
Cherish today and never let it go. Cherish the memories you made here and the friends that we get to keep and take with us. Bring this feeling with you into your career whenever you feel like you’re questioning your abilities because it was only a few years ago where you might have felt that same concern about law school. But look at us . . . we did it . . .We really can do anything we put our minds to.
Katey Hach ’23, Recipient of the Dean’s Learn Law, Live Justice Award
“. . . The true value of this education . . . really shines through when we put it to use to shape the lives of other . . . From this day forward, our expertise will be sought after, our advice respected, and our integrity valued in ensuring fairness. Our ability to not only listen to our clients' issues with empathy, but to advocate for our clients in their times of need can help bring us back down to earth when the work begins to feel small. Whether you end up a public defender, patent prosecutor, business lawyer, or civil rights attorney, your contributions to the community you serve will not go unrecognized . . . We survived late nights, COVID-19, and our own self-doubts. But we made it. So today, in the words of my favorite celebrity, the great Taylor Swift, take the moment and taste it, you've got no reason to be afraid. You're not on your own, you have a law school for life, and I cannot wait to see what's ahead.”
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay Committed to Living Justice.
Have a great day. Have a great week.
My best,
Lee
Lee Fisher
Dean, Cleveland State University College of Law | Cleveland State University
Joseph C. Hostetler-BakerHostetler Chair in Law
For copies of past messages, please go to this link: Monday Morning Messages.