UC Law celebrates 188th Hooding with virtual, in-person events

The University of Cincinnati College of Law will celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates at its 188th Hooding Ceremony events 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2021 online and 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Fifth Third Arena. This year 120 degrees will be conferred. This number includes 111 juris doctor degrees, eight LLM (master’s) degrees and one certificate.  

Unique to the Hooding ceremony will be two events honoring the Class of 2021: a virtual graduation celebration and an in-person Hooding ceremony.

The Class of 2021 will be recognized during a virtual graduation celebration premiering 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021 on the College’s YouTube channel. In addition to congratulatory remarks from Dean Verna Williams, Nippert Professor of Law, and Wynn Horton, SBA president, the program will be marked with a keynote address from alum David Willbrand ‘96, chief legal officer at Pacaso, a property tech startup that aims to makes second-home ownership more accessible. The event also will include a slide show featuring each JD and LLM graduate, and 3L prizes will be recognized.

All are invited to watch the virtual celebration with family and friends. The link to view the event will be available prior to the ceremony.

The traditional Hooding ceremony will be held the 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Fifth Third Arena on the University of Cincinnati campus. At this ceremony, Dean Williams and President Neville G. Pinto, University of Cincinnati, will provide brief remarks. Each student who has chosen to attend will receive their hood during this event.  

Guests are limited to four per graduate this year. Those who attend will have assigned seating, and social distancing rules will be followed. No food or drink will be allowed in the venue, and all attendees must wear masks at all times.

The Hooding ceremony will be livestreamed, allowing those not in attendance to celebrate with the graduates. The livestream link will be available prior to the ceremony.