by Pete Rosenbery
CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 100 first-year students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Simmons Law School got an early start on their education as they spent last week covering myriad topics in orientation.
First-year students at SIU Simmons Law School show off pins they received at the induction ceremony (above) and participate in the program (below). (Photos by Russell Bailey)
There are 112 students entering the Class of 2027, which will be the 52nd graduating class in the law school’s history dating back to its inception in 1973. After a week of orientation classes, students participated in an induction ceremony Friday, Aug. 16, featuring Illinois Supreme Court Justice David K. Overstreet, SIU President Dan Mahony, SIU Carbondale Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sheryl Tucker, Acting Dean Angela Upchurch, SIU Board of Trustees member John Simmons and Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Chief Counsel Mark Palmer.
“We are excited to start the 2024-2025 academic year with a strong new group of first-year law students,” Upchurch said. “They bring their unique talents and passions to the SIU Simmons Law School community and are eager to begin their journey toward becoming distinguished legal professionals in Illinois and beyond.”
During the orientation week, students participated in a series of workshops and classes with faculty and legal professionals on several topics, including transitioning to law school; an introduction to American law and the legal system; diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession, and tips for law school success. The students also recited a “Statement of Professional Commitment,” an oath that they drafted themselves.
A ribbon-cutting in the front entrance of the Lesar Law Building after the induction ceremony recognized the $10 million gift made by John and Jayne Simmons to the law school and showcased new signage.