160 Future Lawyers Begin Journey at Widener Law Commonwealth

The next generation of Widener University Commonwealth Law School students is officially on its way. On Aug. 14, 160 first-year students gathered on campus for the annual Welcome to the Profession ceremony, a milestone moment marking the start of their legal education and the beginning of a career path that will change lives, including their own.

It’s not just any incoming class. Dean andré douglas pond cummings proudly announced that the new class is the most academically accomplished and most diverse in the school’s 35-year history. With a median law school admission test score of 150 and a historically high undergraduate GPA, this class holds the highest combined entering credentials Widener Law Commonwealth has ever seen.

“This is an impressive group,” cummings told the students. “You are going to be colleagues, friends, and connections for the rest of your lives. We succeed here, and we are good to each other, always.”

The dean encouraged the new students to think beyond their textbooks. “You are going to refer clients to each other, hire each other, and lift each other up,” he said. “That starts now.” He even invited them to join him for “law school hoops with the dean” and law school tennis on Fridays, a reminder that building connections at Widener happens both in and out of the classroom.

The program introduced the class to an impressive roster of faculty, from veteran professors who have been shaping future lawyers for decades to four new hires bringing expertise in environmental law, veterans law, federal Indian law and legal writing.

Alumni speaker Sarah McGowan ’15, a labor and employment attorney at McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC and former college basketball player, shared how the relationships she built in law school have lasted well beyond graduation. “Your professors aren’t just here to teach you case law. They are your professional advocates, trusted mentors, and future references,” McGowan said. “Great lawyers are those who listen carefully, respond respectfully, and treat others, even their greatest opponents, fairly.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab, the school’s first valedictorian and a member of its inaugural Harrisburg campus class, administered the oath of professionalism. She spoke about the enduring friendships from her own first year of law school, the importance of showing up prepared, and the need to lean into the community around you.

“From now on, you will be known for how you show up, for your honesty, reliability, and professionalism,” Schwab told the class. “Help is all around you. This community is now your home. Don’t isolate yourself. Seek guidance, and take advantage of every opportunity.”

For many new students, the week of orientation leading up to the ceremony confirmed they had chosen the right law school.

“I was a little nervous coming in, but meeting everyone has been a saving grace,” said Daphne Jackson of Columbia, South Carolina. “Everybody here wants us to succeed, and it already feels like home.”

“It’s a small community, so I’ll have the chance to really get to know my professors and classmates,” said Joseph Fuda of Staten Island, New York, who plans to explore mergers and acquisitions law.

Zerah Raby of Birmingham, Alabama, said her passion for the law comes from wanting to amplify voices that often go unheard. “The justice system is not made for people of color. I want to help those who aren’t able to advocate for themselves.”

Owen Brown of Luzerne County pointed to the school’s accessibility. “The scholarship and financial aid here are unparalleled. That makes a huge difference when you graduate.”

The ceremony ended with the new students standing together, pledging to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, civility, and ethical conduct. Afterward, they gathered for their first official class photo and a reception with faculty, alumni, and members of the judiciary.