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<p>A special swearing-in ceremony for recent graduates who joined the Pennsylvania bar was a uniquely Delaware Law School affair.</p>
<p>The Hon. Charles P. Mirarchi Jr. Pennsylvania Bar Induction Ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Philadelphia City Hall. Three alumni judges presided over the event with Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper, president judge for the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Judge Paul P. Panepinto &rsquo;76 of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Civil Trial Division, gave the keynote, while other remarks came from Judge George W. Overton, '86, of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Civil Trial Division and Administrative Judge Margaret T. Murphy, '77, of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Family Division. Alumnus William P. Fedullo, &rsquo;76, immediate past chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, moved for the graduates&rsquo; admissions. Law Dean Rod Smolla also spoke.</p>
<p>Alumna Holly Frey, who was the 2015 valedictorian, said the personal approach was meaningful and appreciated. Frey said Overton, who taught her Pennsylvania practice course as an adjunct, had been one of her favorite professors.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I absolutely loved the ceremony,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;We were so lucky to have such an intimate experience, provided by the law school alumni office, which has a vested interest in our futures and will be such a great support system in our careers.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Panepinto said Delaware Law School builds well-rounded graduates who are aggressive, talented and have respect for the court. He compared the alumni to California redwood trees, which are known for their massive size but have shallow roots. The roots are able to hold the weight because they are intertwined as if holding hands, he said.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We must recognize how interdependent we all are,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We must hold hands. And we must stand together and be contributors. That&rsquo;s what Widener and Delaware Law School students are all about.&rdquo;</p>