Karon O. Bowdre ’77, JD ’80, retired U.S. district judge and chair of Samford University’s Board of Trustees, addressed the 2025 Cumberland School of Law graduates during the May 3 commencement ceremony in the Pete Hanna Center. A two-time Samford alumna and former Cumberland School of Law faculty member, Bowdre was appointed to the federal bench in 2001 by President George W. Bush, served as chief judge from 2013 to 2019 and assumed senior status in 2020.
In her remarks, Bowdre congratulated graduates on their accomplishments and reminded them of their duty to uphold both the Constitution and the ethical standards of the legal profession. “Not only must you uphold the Constitution as a lawyer,” she said, “but you also have to follow the rules of professional conduct.” Quoting the preamble of the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct, she emphasized that “a lawyer is a representative of clients, an officer of the legal system and a public citizen having special responsibility for the quality of justice.”
Bowdre continued to emphasize a lawyer’s call to justice based on scripture, referencing Micah 6:8— “What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” She also made note of a verse in Zechariah which states, “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien, or the poor.”
Following Bowdre’s closing statements, the graduates walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas. Cumberland’s class of 2025 includes 142 Juris Doctor recipients, 13 of whom earned a joint degree. In addition, 13 students received the Master of Laws, and six earned the Master of Studies in Law—including Vivian Rosetta Cunningham, who completed her second degree from Samford at the age of 82 after having received her undergraduate degree in 2021.
READ: 82-Year-Old Earns Master's from Cumberland School of Law
Following the presentation of degrees, Cumberland School of Law Dean Blake Hudson presented the 2025 Daniel Austin Brewer Professionalism Award to graduating student Rachel Bragg. Established by Governor Albert P. Brewer in honor of his father, the award recognizes a student who exemplifies the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession.
Bragg, who was deeply involved in the Cumberland Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic, was recognized for her outstanding commitment to serving veteran clients. She drafted wills, powers of attorney and advanced health care directives; guided veterans through expungement processes; advised on government benefits and personal injury claims; and provided counsel on tax matters. Nominators praised her “can-do” attitude and ability to offer encouragement and clarity to those navigating legal obstacles.
Before the ceremony concluded, third-year class president Will Philpot offered reflections on the strong bonds formed throughout law school. “Cumberland isn’t just where we earned a degree—it’s where we found a true community,” he said. “When people picture law school, they often imagine cutthroat competition and harsh professors, but that couldn’t be further from our experience.”
Philpot highlighted the school’s culture of collaboration and support, including student organizations, mentorship opportunities and social events. “Here, students lift each other up instead of tearing one another down for the sake of rankings,” he said. “To the class of 2025, thank you for creating a place where friendships—and sometimes more—will last far beyond these three years.”
