South Texas College of Law Houston

The 2026 Study Abroad experience for South Texas Law students and faculty, in Prague, Czech Republic, kicked off last week, in partnership with the Faculty of Law of Charles University.

In a city renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich legal history, students learn from distinguished faculty, earn academic credit, and gain valuable international perspectives.

Led by Director of International Programs Katerina Lewinbuk, the inaugural Schweitzer Upkra Endowed Distinguished Professor, the students will study Law of Armed Conflict, International Sales & Fashion Law, Global Lawyering Seminar, and Human Trafficking. This program offers a transformative global experience. More will be shared soon!

South Texas Law joins the nation in celebrating May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, with the 2026 national theme "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together."

This year's theme emphasizes collective strength, sharing cultural stories, building bridges across communities, and amplifying the impact of the diverse AANHPI population. At the law school, we lift up and honor the cultures, legacies, and achievements of the AANHPI communities at this special time and throughout the year.

On this special day, the South Texas Law community joins with our nation as we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Prof. Catherine Burnett, South Texas Law's associate dean for experiential education, and Carlos Calderón, the senior director of legal services for the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics, recently advised community members on estate planning and related legal issues at the Magnolia Community Center.

The free workshop was part of the Lasting Legacy Series hosted by the Office of the Harris County Attorney, with numerous partner organizations.

The legal clinics at South Texas Law provide free legal services throughout the year to underserved community members through students supervised by staff attorneys.

South Texas Law presented J.D. degrees to 235 graduates Saturday, welcoming them into the law school’s powerful alumni network.

Valedictorian Ryanne Jaroudi ’26 noted, “The world does not need lawyers who will play it safe and stay in their comfort zones. The world needs bold lawyers who will fight for justice for their clients. The world needs us.”

Commencement speaker Augustin “Augie” Rivera, Jr., chair of the Texas Board of Law Examiners and general counsel for the Del Mar Community College District in Corpus Christi, noted, “The character of our society is not measured by how we treat the rich and respected. It is measured by how we treat the poor, disfavored, incarcerated, and condemned. To the class of 2026, you are the humanity of the law. I see what the future looks like right in front of me, and it looks great.”

For more details, read the story here: https://bit.ly/4nz5UaB

You can watch the recorded ceremony at https://bit.ly/3UntCZv

Every semester, students anticipate graduation day by “ringing the bell” in the STCL Houston atrium. The tradition of ringing the bell marks the completion of law school classes and occurs after their last final exam.

Congratulations, !

The Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony is tomorrow, Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. To watch the livestream at 10 a.m., click here: stcl.edu/commencement.

For a chance to be featured online, send your graduation photos to [email protected] and don’t forget to tag us online using .

Rhianna Wood and Trennan Lucking recently were honored by the Clinical Legal Education Association with the Outstanding Clinic Team Award for their work in South Texas Law’s Debtor’s Rights Initiative Clinic.

The award recognized them for “excellence in clinic casework, for exceptionally thoughtful, self-reflective participation in an accompanying clinic seminar, and effective collaboration.” They were nominated by Carlos Calderón, who serves as senior director of legal services for the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics and taught the Debtor’s Rights clinic.

The law school’s clinics provide free legal services to underserved individuals and families, allowing students to serve real clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Congrats, students!

Learn more about South Texas Law’s Clinics https://www.stcl.edu/academics/experiential-education/clinics/

South Texas Law staff and Clinics members recently attended the 2026 Night Court Sponsor Party, an evening recognizing the impact Night Court continues to make through supporting the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics.

These funds help provide critical legal services to the community and give students hands-on experience that shapes them into practice-ready advocates. STCL Houston is honored to once again be involved in this meaningful tradition in Night Court 2026: Dial L for Lawyer, coming this August!

From left to right: Carlos Calderon (STCL Houston Clinics), Allen Karger (Night Court Board Member), Cathy Burnett (STCL Houston Clinics), Bruce Lundstrom (Night Court Board Member), and Lonnie Deggins (STCL Houston Advancement).

On May 16, South Texas Law will present Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) degrees to 235 graduates.

Augustin “Augie” Rivera, Jr., chair of the Texas Board of Law Examiners and general counsel for the Del Mar Community College District in Corpus Christi, will serve as the Commencement speaker. Langdell Scholar Ryanne Jaroudi ’26 will give the valedictory address.

Click here to read more about the valedictorian and keynote speaker: https://bit.ly/4f5V0He