Photo: (l-r) Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller, Professor Michael Millemann, Professor Larry Gibson, Gov. Wes Moore
Alumni Weekend 2025, April 24-26, was extra special for the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. As alumni have come to expect, the weekend was chock-full of favorite events, including the Alumni Honors Banquet, Golden Graduates Luncheon, Alumni and Family Picnic, and Reunion Class Dinners. This year, graduates also had the singular opportunity to unite in celebration of two law school legends, Professor Larry S. Gibson and Professor Michael Millemann.
A highlight of the weekend was Friday night’s festive send-off for Gibson and Millemann, both of whom are retiring at the end of this academic year. Maryland Carey Law Dean Renée Hutchins Laurent served as co-emcee for the evening with Professor Emeritus Susan Leviton ’72.
“Each of you is a foundational figure in the identity of this law school, indelibly woven into the story of who we are and what we stand for as an institution,” the dean said in her opening remarks. “Beyond these walls—in Baltimore, our state, and, indeed, the world—you are beacons of justice and tremendous forces for progress.”
Multiple friends and colleagues shared well wishes and emotional recollections of the impact both have had throughout their careers. Surprising the honorees, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller were the first two to take the stage. “Without Larry Gibson, there is no Governor Wes Moore,” said the governor, referring to Gibson’s key role in the Moore/Miller campaign.
Speaking about Millemann were Professor Bob Percival, director of the Environmental Law Program, of which Millemann was the founder; Sharon Krevor-Weisbaum ’87, a former student who became managing partner of Brown, Goldstein & Levy; and the Hon. Dennis Sweeney, who worked with Millemann at Legal Aid and went on to become a judge on the Howard County Circuit Court, 5th Judicial Circuit.
Sharing stories about Gibson were the Hon. Andre Davis ’78, a former student who became a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and city solicitor for Baltimore City. Gibson’s research assistant who went on to become general counsel for the Baltimore City Council, Rebecca Tabb Simmons ’87, came next, followed by Ron Shapiro, founder of Shapiro Sher and one of Gibson’s dearest friends and colleagues for more than five decades. Finally, the crowd was treated to a few words from Gibson’s son Dr. Steven L. Gibson.
If that weren’t enough for everyone to pull out their tissues, Gibson and Millemann each gave short remarks, sharing heartfelt sentiments of gratitude to colleagues, family, and friends. The program concluded with a presentation of gifts—tribute books, one for each professor, created with photos and written remembrances from community members.
The weekend kicked off on Thursday afternoon with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Team reception honoring longtime coach Barry Gogel ’97. Gogel is the recipient of this year’s Star Award, presented at the annual Celebration of Leadership Alumni Honors Banquet, which followed the ADR event.
Gogel was joined in Westminster Hall with alumni and friends cheering for him and the other 2025 award recipients, Kenneth L. Thompson ’76: Distinguished Graduate Award, Chelsea Ortega ’12: Benjamin L. Cardin '67 Public Service Award, the Hon. Sean D. Wallace ’85: Mary Ellen Barbera ’84 Judicial Excellence Award, and Chukwukpee Nzegwu ’20: Rising Star Award. The outgoing Alumni Board President Ryan S. Perlin ’05 emceed the event. As has become tradition, retired Sen. Cardin and retired Chief Judge Barbera were in attendance to bestow the awards named after them.
Honorees shared recollections about their law school days and wise words on themes including treating everyone with dignity and respect, protecting one’s integrity and the rule of law, and recognizing that the law is at its best when it lifts up those who would be left behind.
During the day on Friday, members of the classes that graduated 50 or more years ago gathered for the annual Golden Graduates Society Luncheon to induct the Class of 1975 into their distinguished ranks. Attendees were treated to remarks from Howard Kurman ’75, co-founder of Offit Kurman, who discussed his faith in and dedication to Maryland Carey Law, saying, “This school matches favorably with any other law school out there, public or private.” Tyler Mazur ’25 gave a current student’s perspective, pointing out that although much has changed in 50 years, law school remains a place to make lifelong friendships.
Also on Friday, the Trial Advocacy Leadership Council held a meet-and-greet to discuss the future of the National Trial Team, and the Women, Leadership & Equality (WLE) Program hosted its annual reception, where attendees heard from Founder and Professor Paula Monopoli about the latest developments and updates from the Program.
On Saturday, families were welcomed to the building for a picnic, with barbeque-inspired food, cornhole, face painting, and lawn games. Saturday evening featured a cocktail and networking reception, followed by milestone reunion dinners celebrating the classes of 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.