Pepperdine Caruso Law Celebrates Commencement 2025
On Friday, May 23, the Pepperdine Caruso Law Class of 2025 gathered at Alumni Park to celebrate their commencement with their friends, families, and fellow classmates. It was a joyous occasion for the 360 graduates who earned their Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, Master of Dispute Resolution, and Master of Legal Studies degrees.
Professor Mark Scarberry opened the 2025 commencement ceremony and introduced the program. Seth Bamberg (‘14, JD ‘17), associate director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, then offered an invocation. The Class of 2025 valedictorian, Kristin O’Bryan Pereira, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and graduate Stephanie Simon performed the National Anthem on the violin.
The student address was delivered by Madeline Enlow, who commended the graduates for supporting each other, even in the hardest of days. Enlow said, "When you are faced with uncertainty in the coming years, let your good times here ground you. Let them remind you of your resilience, your strength, and every moment that has shaped you. And above all, let them remind you that no matter where you go, you are never alone. You are part of this community that will always stand behind you."
Caruso Law dean Paul Caron presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Janet Kerr (‘75, JD ‘78), professor emerita of law. Kerr advised the graduates, “I speak to you today and say ‘search.’ Search for your purpose, and there you will find your meaning, and then you will be in alignment as to why you are here. The world will then open up.”
Alex Caruso (JD ‘17) then presented the commencement speaker, Rick J. Caruso (JD ‘83), founder and executive chairman of Caruso. Caruso told the graduates that the greatest America yet “starts with you, the law graduates we are honoring today. You leave here today with more than a piece of paper, more than a diploma, it’s actually a passport. A passport to new experiences and better opportunities. A passport to a future filled with good things our great nation has to offer. A passport to a better, kinder world. Wherever your dreams take you, may God guide you and fill your hearts with hope and courage.”
Following Caruso's address, Caron presented the candidates for their degrees and led the traditional hooding of the graduates. The graduates then crossed the stage to receive their degrees, which were conferred by Pepperdine University president Jim Gash (JD ‘93). The ceremony concluded with a benediction delivered by Arnold Barba, associate dean for professional formation.
Pepperdine Caruso Law congratulates the Class of 2025 and looks forward to seeing the graduates begin their legal and professional careers.
The complete 2025 Caruso Law commencement ceremony may be viewed on YouTube