Top Army lawyer to Elon Law grads: ‘Believe in yourself’

The Hon. Carrie F. Ricci, General Counsel of the United States Army, delivered a Commencement address to the Elon University School of Law Class of 2024 in which she emphasized the importance of personal relationships, working hard, and kindness.

If there’s one piece of advice the general counsel of the United States Army wants young attorneys to heed, it’s this: take stock of personal relationships and invest time in them.

Personal relationships can open doors to new and exciting career opportunities. It’s what Ret. Lt. Col. Carrie F. Ricci credits for the opportunity to serve as the military branch’s chief lawyer ultimately responsible for determining the U.S. Army’s position on any legal question.

Mentors and personal relationships also help overcome doubt. Young professionals who place “faith over fear,” she says, will be surprised at what they accomplish.

The Hon. Carrie F. Ricci, general counsel of the U.S. Army

Ricci delivered that advice and more in a Commencement address on Dec. 13, 2024, to 134 graduates in the Elon University School of Law’s Class of 2024. With family members and friends gathered in Alumni Gym on the university’s main campus, the program was a culmination of intense legal studies and experiential learning over the past 2.5 years.

Throughout her speech, Ricci shared stories and wisdom drawn from her own career. For example: It took her  time as a young attorney to realize the importance of pursuing opportunities even if she didn’t see someone like herself holding similar roles.

“Believe in yourself and know, even if you’re not seeing that person who is like you and it’s a goal that you want to accomplish, go for it,” she said. “Don’t stand in your own way. Don’t self-select out.
If you don’t get the job that you want, let it be someone else’s decision, not yours because you didn’t think you could do it.”

Ricci also offered a word of caution to the Class of 2024.

“You cannot flourish – your career will not take off – if you don’t take care of yourself,” she said. “Carve out time for what is most important to you, whether it is family or a hobby or both, or whatever interests you. You have to make time for joy.

“You will not be a complete person if you don’t also care for yourself. Your law degree will elevate you, but it will not create you. So don’t forget what makes your soul sing – and do that. 
And if you remember nothing else from what I’ve said today, remember to develop those personal connections. In doing so, be kind. Work hard. And do the right thing.”

Robert Retic L’24 delivered the Student Address to the Class of 2024 during Commencement in Alumni Gym.

Commencement for the School of Law’s 17th graduating class also featured a student address from Robert Retic L’24, a U.S. Navy veteran and Elon Law Leadership Fellow elected by the class to deliver remarks, and a welcome message from former Student Bar Association President Alexis Alston L’24.

Retic’s remarks focused on the attributes he believes made the Class of 2024 the most exceptional in Elon Law history: A collaborative and supportive environment, professionalism, a community of classmates grounded in empathy. Retic also noted the significance of the degrees about to be conferred on graduates.

“This degree represents more than just another title behind our names,” he said. “It shows that we have conquered what may very well be the most challenging endeavor of our lives. It also shows that we have fulfilled our ancestors’ wildest dreams, shattered generational curses, and sparked new legacies.

“Moreover, with this degree, we inherit not only the wisdom of the individuals who came before us but also the responsibility to build the future they envisioned.”

In her welcome, Alston likened the journey through law school to the process of writing a book.

“The knowledge we’ve gained here, the relationships we’ve built, and the experiences we’ve had will serve as the foundation for the next chapter of our lives,” she said. “To my fellow graduates: May your next chapter be filled with courage and conviction. May you be the kind of authors who write stories that make a difference, who challenge conventions, who fight for justice, and who never lose sight of the reason you started this journey in the first place.”

Ayo Onasanya L’24 smiles toward the crowd during Commencement for Elon Law’s Class of 2024.

The program included the presentation of the David Gergen Award for Leadership & Professionalism, the highest honor bestowed by Elon Law each year on an individual from the graduating class whose activities represent the twin principles of leadership and professionalism.

The award is named in honor of David Gergen, a former adviser to four American presidents whose professional life and contributions have embodied the highest levels of selfless leadership and service. Gergen recently concluded his service as chair of the Elon Law Advisory Board.

Assistant Professor Rosa Newman-Ruffin presented the 2024 award to Ashley Joines L’24, the former editor-in-chief of the Elon Law Review and co-director of the Elon Law Mentors program.

In her charge to graduates at the conclusion of the ceremony, Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book reminded the Class of 2024 that its journey through law school was about more than academic rigor – it was about applying knowledge in real-world settings through residencies-in-practice, moot court, mock trial, and team projects.

“Today, you stand as more than graduates—you are advocates, leaders, and change-makers,” Book said. “Equipped with a comprehensive legal education, you are ready to confront society’s most pressing challenges.

“Go forth with resilience and steadfastness. Carry the knowledge, skills, and values you have gained here into a world that deeply needs your expertise, empathy, and leadership. Uphold the principles of justice, serve with integrity, and strive to be a positive force in whatever path you choose. … Long live Elon!”

Carry the knowledge, skills, and values you have gained here into a world that deeply needs your expertise, empathy, and leadership.

– Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book 

Elon University School of Law’s Class of 2024

Addie Johanna Thornley Ackley
B.S., West Virginia University
M.S., West Virginia University

Alexis Alston
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Macaylee Anderson L’24

Macaylee Lenae Anderson
B.S., Guilford College

Vincent Aprile
B.S., The College of New Jersey

Trevor Allen Arnett
B.S., Appalachian State University

Yvonne Judith Arnold
B.A., University of South Carolina

Kyra Ange Auguste-Diègue
B.A., University of North Florida
MBA, Elon University

Melo Shai Augustine
B.A., Wake Forest University

Stephanie C. Auth
B.A., Lake Forest College
M.S., Arizona State University

Kellyn Ray Baker
B.A., B.B.A., University of Mississippi

Cameron Chase Bauer
B.A., University of South Carolina

Madison Michelle Beckom
B.A., North Carolina State University

Jennifer Benavides
B.A., Wake Forest University

Alexandra R. Bentley
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.J.A., Methodist University

Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book delivers a charge to graduates to conclude Commencement for Elon Law’s Class of 2024.

Alexis Webb Biesemeyer
B.A., Appalachian State University

Riley Elizabeth Bittner
B.A., Auburn University

Emma Catherine Blackman
B.S., North Carolina State University

Brianna Nicole Brooks
B.A., North Carolina State University

Christian Nathaniel Brooks
B.S., B.A., Appalachian State University

Harrison Grady Brown
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Jenna Faire Brzykcy
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Catherine F. Bunch
B.A., Western Kentucky University

Jaclyn Burke
B.S., University of South Carolina

Dominique Michele Buteau
B.A., Western Carolina University

Elon Law’s Class of 2024 received diplomas on Dec. 13, 2024, in a Commencement program inside Alumni Gym on Elon University’s main campus.

Stephen Hollis Carney
B.S.B.A., Western Carolina University

Elena McEwan Carrion
B.A., University of Virginia

Kathryn Geneva Caudill
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Tyson Camden Child
B.S., Appalachian State University

Rebekah Cid del Prado
B.A., Western Michigan University
M.S., North Carolina State University

James Austin Clarke
B.A., North Carolina State University

Julie Suzanne Cline
B.S., B.A., Appalachian State University

Hannah Alison Cola
B.A., University of Dayton

Samuel Dalton Collins
B.A., Wake Forest University

Olivia Gertrude Condon
B.S., North Carolina State University

Kiera Payton Connolly
B.A., University of South Carolina

Andrew Culpepper Conway
B.A., North Carolina State University

Ashley Nichole Cooper
B.A., Concord University

Grace Elizabeth Cooper
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Caroline Almeida DeCarvalho
B.A., University of Connecticut

Ryan M. Denver
B.S., Western Carolina University

Collin O. Donaghy
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Carson McKenly Durham
B.S., East Carolina University

Elizabeth Aisha Fadl
B.A., University of Virginia
MBA, Webster University

Zereda Lydia Farhat
B.A., University of Maryland, College Park

John Ferebee L’24 and family pose for a group portrait following Commencement on Dec. 13, 2024, in Elon University’s Alumni Gym.

John Jethro Ferebee III
B.A., North Carolina State University

Cuyler Rose Field
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

M. Turner Fitzgibbon
B.A., Clemson University

Emma Friedland
B.A., Bard College

Lillian Elizabeth Friedrich
B.A., Union College

Sarah Catherine Fuller
B.A., High Point University

Thomas Gieger
B.A., University of Delaware

Conner Jacob Gillmer
B.A., Washington College

Sanya Rose Glauber
B.A., University of Maryland

Brooks Duane Godbold
B.A., North Carolina State University

Esteban Gomez Flores
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Matthew John Grabowski
B.S., Endicott College

Cuyler Allen L’24 with Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book.

Logan T. Graves
B.A., B.A., Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Jasmine Lashawn Green
B.A., North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
M.Ed., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Jonathan W. Greer
B.A., Clemson University

Sara Griffin
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Davis Lynn Gunter
B.A., Pensacola Christian College

Jesse M. Gutstein
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jordan Bradley Hinrichs
B.A., University of Texas at Austin

David Benjamin Holt
B.S., Longwood University

Ashton Taylor Hopson
B.A., University of South Florida

Lauryn Claire Hyatt
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Brendan Joshua Ikner
B.S., James Madison University

Jordon T. Inzerillo
B.A., B.A., University of Missouri – Kansas City

Rebecca Joy Iyoob
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ashley Leigh Joines
B.A., Clemson University

Ella Renee Jung
B.A., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Family surround Shereena Kamal L’24 in celebration of her graduation from Elon University School of Law.

Shereena Kamal
B.S., North Carolina State University

Sydney Elaine Keesee
B.A., North Carolina State University
M.E.L.P., Vermont Law and Graduate School

Joseph Michael Korin
B.S., University of South Carolina

Tina Lakic
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jordan Matthew LaTorre
B.A., University of Texas at San Antonio

Courtney Latourrette
B.A., Virginia Commonwealth University

Andrew J. Livingston II
B.A., Presbyterian College

Marena Elizabeth Long
B.A., New College of Florida
M.E.L.P., Vermont Law and Graduate School

Kayla Storm Cheyenne Maack
B.A., University of New Mexico

Brendan David Mann
B.A., Sewanee: The University of the South

Matthew Stephen Martin
B.A., University of Massachusetts Boston

Abbey Noel Marzen
B.A., University of South Carolina

Hannah Marie McCabe
B.A., Texas Tech University

Brooke Alexandria McCormick
B.A., Monmouth College

Kayla Cierra McLaurin
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Eduardo Mendes Flores
B.A., Texas A&M University

Naisha Mercury
B.S., East Carolina University

Brye Iolanda Meyer
B.A., University of Tampa

Terrass Misher Sr. L’24 with Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book

Terrass Misher Sr.
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kelsey Montgomery
B.A., New York University

Jessica Morales
B.A., Wake Forest University

Will Tucker Morrison
B.A., Centre College

Anna Merryman Nash
B.S., East Carolina University

Ayooluwa Jonathan Onasanya
B.A., B.A., Elon University

Gabriella Maria Parisi
B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Nicholle P. Parsons
B.A., Iona University
M.S., Iona University

Carson Parker Dean Penry
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

John Powell Pittman II
B.A., Hampden-Sydney College

Nathaniel Garret Pool
B.A., West Virginia University

Moriah Lynn Porter
B.A., Gonzaga University

Chuom Prak
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Nicolas Carlos Quiroga
B.A., Pennsylvania State University

Lizet Guadalupe Ramirez-Rios
B.A., Wake Forest University

Anilla Candis Ramnarine
B.A., John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Joy Grace Reibold
B.A., Purdue University

Robert Jasper Douglas Retic
B.S., The College of Saint Rose

Sydney P. Rimmer
B.A., Bloomsburg University

Cameron Michael Samek
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Baleigh Grace Scheibner
B.A., North Carolina State University

William Shafer L’24 with his family in the concourse outside Alumni Gym following Commencement for Elon Law’s Class of 2024.

William Sullivan Shafer
B.A., William Peace University

Lance Hart Sigmon
B.A., North Carolina State University

Jacob Smith
B.A., Montana State University

Lauren Haley Smith
B.S., James Madison University

Emily Rose Spitler
B.A., The Pennsylvania State University

Tyleeah Symone Stanley
B.S., Ball State University

Victoria Stepien
B.S., Rutgers University

Amber L. Sullivan
B.A., B.A., University of South Carolina

Aashna Nayanesh Tarasaria
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MBA, High Point University

Kirsten Tildon
B.S., Towson University

Julia Rene Tobolski
B.S., Loyola University New Orleans

Kathleen Grace Turpin
B.A., University of South Carolina

Michael Scott Wallace
B.A., Salisbury University

Kelsey Grace Webb
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tyler Wester
B.S., East Carolina University

Briana Marie Whitfield
B.A., University of South Carolina

Serenity Roseann Wiles
B.A., Campbell University

Emma Marie Wilkinson
B.A., St. Olaf College

Graduates and their families posed on Young Commons for photos following Commencement.

James Mehki Williams
B.A., Coastal Carolina University

Jack Hamilton Willis
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Alfred Lee Wilson
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lindsay Elizabeth Young
B.A., Salem College

Nicholas Young
B.S., University of South Carolina

Alex Michael Zigarovich
B.A., Ohio University