Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
Celebrating the Class of 2025 at The Grove in Anaheim
On Saturday, May 24, Western State College of Law proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025 at the Grove of Anaheim. The ceremony marked an exciting milestone for our 3Ls and 4Ls, with graduates, faculty, alumni, and family members coming together to honor the hard work, resilience, and achievements of this year’s class.
Commencement Speakers and Special Guests
Dean Marisa Cianciarulo opened the ceremony with a warm welcome. Then, Professor of Law Emeritus Glenn Koppel delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem. Class Speaker and Fall 2024 Salutatorian Amanda Hazleton delivered the graduation address. Following that, distinguished alumnus James O. Heiting (Class of 1975, Hall of Fame) delivered the commencement address and received the Western State Lifetime Achievement Award. We were also honored to welcome Dr. Anthony Lee, President of Westcliff University, along with many Western State faculty and alumni who joined in celebrating our graduates.
Academic Honors and Class Recognitions
The event also included the presentation of several academic honors and awards. The following graduates were recognized as valedictorians and salutatorians:
- Reese Perez (Valedictorian, Fall 2024),
- Amanda Hazleton (Salutatorian, Fall 2024)
- Xiaoqin Liang (Valedictorian, Spring 2025)
- Michael Davy (Salutatorian, Spring 2025)
Student Awards and Leadership Highlights
Moreover, several exceptional students were honored with prestigious awards:
- Marcia B. Wilbur Award for Outstanding Student – Olivia Glaiser
- Maryann Jones Achievement and Leadership Award – Joyce Jeewon Kim
- Wallace R. Davis Public Service Award – Eugene H. Ryang
- Stephen F. Chavez Alumni Leadership Award – Catherine Therese Ramos Puno Knaul
- Douglas W. Schroeder Alumni Leadership Award – Russell J. Theodore
- William D. Shapiro Advocacy Award – Maria Esmerelda Campos Tello
- Allen K. Easley Tenacity Award – Vivian L. Slu
These award recipients exemplify the talent, drive, and leadership that define Western State. For example, Olivia Glaiser, recipient of the Marcia B. Wilbur Award, was recently recognized with an honorable mention and $500 prize in the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation’s Rule of Law Competition. Similarly, Joyce Kim, honored with the Maryann Jones Achievement and Leadership Award, revived the Women’s Law Association and founded the Armed Forces and Veterans Legal Society, creating new ways for students to engage. Maria Campos Tello, who received the William D. Shapiro Advocacy Award, served with distinction as Co-President of LLSA and, as a result, helped strengthen the voice of Latinx students on campus. Vivian L. Slu, recipient of the Tenacity Award, stood out for her academic perseverance and contributions to both the Moot Court team and Law Review.
Congratulations, Graduates!
To all our graduates who crossed the stage: you have reached an extraordinary milestone. Above all, your perseverance and passion have carried you here. Without a doubt, the Class of 2025 has shown resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to justice. You have also exemplified what it means to be part of the Western State community. We celebrate each and every one of you as you embark on your journey as legal professionals. Western State is proud to welcome you to the Alumni Network.
Find photos from the event, here.
