Law school celebrates first class of MACL graduates

By Lori Atherton
U-M Law

Nine students who completed the university of Michigan Law School's inaugural Master of Advanced Corporation Law (MACL) program celebrated their graduation on August 10. MACL is the first degree of its kind designed for U.S. and internationally trained lawyers who want to specialize in U.S. corporate and securities law, and gain an international comparative perspective on both.

The graduates are Aljohara Abdulwahab Alghunaim (Saudi Arabia); Juan Felipe Jaramillo Castillo (Colombia); Changliang Li (China); Tze Loong Lim (Malaysia); GC Joella Gertrude Parian Pillena (Philippines); Kamonchai Veteeburana (Thailand); Michael Wendt (United States); Guangquan Xie (China); and Piyaporn Yasotorn (Thailand). Xie was presented the Most Outstanding Student Award, which is given to a student who demonstrated academic and interpersonal excellence throughout the program.

"Michigan Law thought long and hard about how to construct a meaningful, challenging, and achievable master's degree in just 12 weeks," said Theresa Kaiser-Jarvis, assistant dean for international affairs. "This first graduating class is a testament to the dedicated work of so many faculty and staff within the institution. It is also a testament to our extraordinary students. They brought experience, talent, and determination that led to academic success, and they brought kindness, consideration, and a sense of humor that led to the growth of lasting friendships. In true Michigan Law fashion, our newest alumni worked hard, played hard, supported each other throughout, and have become an important part of our lifelong community."

The graduation ceremony, held in the Aikens Commons, included an address from Alicia Davis, vice president of investor relations for the Lear Corporation and a former Michigan Law professor, who challenged students to "make one small difference every day." Adam Pritchard, the Frances and George Skestos Professor of Law and the MACL faculty director, gave closing remarks and presented graduates with their certificate of membership in the Lawyers Club.

MACL is an intensive, rigorous, single-summer residential experience that allows students to earn an advanced degree in 12 weeks. Students complete 20 credit hours in-residence, including three mandatory courses, three elective courses, and a writing requirement. For additional information on MACL, visit macl.law.umich.edu.

Published: Fri, Aug 30, 2019