December 2016 Commencement

The University of Memphis awarded a total of 1,693 degrees, including 55 doctorates, in two ceremonies at its Commencement Sunday, Dec. 11, at FedExForum. At the 11 a.m. ceremony, students in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Communication and Fine Arts, University College and School of Law will received degrees. At the 3:30 p.m. session, degrees were awarded to students from the Fogelman College of Business & Economics, College of Education, School of Health Studies, Herff College of Engineering, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, Loewenberg College of Nursing, School of Public Health and School of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

The featured speaker at both sessions was attorney Donald E. Godwin, chair and CEO of Godwin, Bowman and Martinez. Godwin also will be awarded an honorary doctorate during the afternoon ceremony.

Godwin is considered one of the most respected trial lawyers in Texas. For more than 40 years, he has tried significant jury cases in courts throughout Texas and across the United States. Board certified in civil trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he has the ability to translate complex matters of law and fact into easily understandable language for courts and juries. His practice covers a broad range of areas with an emphasis on complex litigation, including oil and gas, environmental, fiduciary duties, will contests, major family law disputes and business torts.

Godwin earned his BS from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, his JD from Southern Methodist University and MS in accounting from the University of Memphis.