The Colleges of Law (COL) in Santa Barbara marked the 50th anniversary of its commencement ceremonies March 25 with an outdoor graduation event at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

Guests of honor included 62 members of COL’s Class of 2023, cheered on by more than 500 attendees, including family, friends, faculty, trustees, and school administrators.

Congressmember Salud Carbajal (D.-24th District), who delivered the keynote address, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from COL for his years of public service, military service, and leadership in the local community.

“I am grateful to The Colleges of Law for their invitation to have me speak to this year’s graduating class, to impart a few words as they embark on careers of wrangling with the laws of our nation,” said Carbajal. “And as a first-generation college graduate, I was humbled to accept their honorary doctorate from the college.

“I look forward to hearing about the great things that the Class of 2023 have in store for us, and the many contributions that they will make to our communities and nation.”

Also acknowledged was Colleges of Law Honors 71 Members of the Class of 2023 at Santa Barbara Commencement Ceremony, COL’s retiring assistant dean and registrar, who received an honorary degree in recognition for her nearly 44 years of service to the school.

For more information, visit www.collegesoflaw.edu.