This past Friday, Regent University School of Law’s Class of 2009 gathered at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach to share a few last moments remembering their three years together.
The special Commissioning ceremony is an intimate time set aside to applaud individual success, to pray together, and to perform the ceremonial “hooding.”
Academic regalia such as the doctoral hood dates back to the 12th century. Hoods and gowns were modeled after medieval ecclesiastical dress, likely because it was common for scholars to make vows to God as they began their professions.
A powerful image of the transition between learning and fulfilling a call, the hooding ceremony continues at Regent today.
A faculty member places the colorful doctoral hood over the head of each graduate, confirming the completion of the academic portion of their profession. Paralleling the medieval tradition, the graduates are then charged with being lawyers of integrity, committed to justice and eternal truths.
After the hooding ceremony, the law community prays that God will help the graduates uphold these principles as they work out their calling as public defenders, human rights advocates, and small and big firm attorneys.
Congratulations to the Class of 2009!