EUGENE–The 2001 graduating class of the University of Oregon School of Law will celebrate its achievement on Sunday, May 13, during commencement ceremonies in Eugene.

The commencement, honoring approximately 150 graduates and open to the public, will begin at 1 p.m. in the Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, One Eugene Centre. A reception will follow on the UO campus at the William W. Knight Law Center, 1515 Agate St.

Edward J. McAniff, a corporate lawyer with a practice in Los Angeles who is a visiting professor at the UO law school, will deliver the keynote address.

Lois and Ray Ackerman will receive the 2001 Meritorious Service Award during the ceremony. During her 50-year tenure as law school registrar, Lois Ackerman–known as Mrs. "A"–served as a mentor to faculty members, students and staff.

"Mrs. ‘A’ has a very clear sense of standards. She helped students understand that they must always perform ethically and professionally. At the same time, she established caring, personal relationships with everyone," says Jane Gordon, associate dean for student and program affairs.

"She and Ray were a team, who gave a lot to the school. She would work around the clock, when it was needed. His support allowed her to give as much as she did," Gordon says.

Lois Ackerman earned her teaching credentials from Yankton College in South Dakota, then took a job with the Pierre School District Superintendent’s Office. She was registrar at the UO School of Law from 1943 to 1993.

Ray Ackerman earned two degrees from the University of Oregon, a bachelor of business administration in 1949 and a master of education in 1961.

Student Bar Association President Christine Connelly will greet the graduates, followed by an address by class speaker Ajay Bhatt. Law professor Robin Morris Collin, selected by the graduating class as the commencement marshal, will deliver the charge to the class. UO President Dave Frohnmayer will confer the degrees.

McAniff, who has taught at the law school since 1998, is known among his students as a tough taskmaster.

"He is the scariest professor I ever had, but he tempers that with humor. He shows us the human side of practicing law," says Ceri Nishihara, a graduating third-year law student. "After taking his class, I felt as if I’d worked a full year as an associate in a law firm. We know he’ll deliver a speech that is both witty and relevant."

—30—

#P-6067a/Local,OrDailies,PDX,OrLAW