UA School of Law Commencement May 18

Akron, Ohio, May 6, 2008 — The University of Akron School of Law will confer approximately 150 Juris Doctor degrees at its 84th Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.

The 2008 UA School of Law commencement speaker will be Bedford Biles, a 1958 graduate of the UA School of Law and decorated World War II hero.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bedford Biles back to the School of Law as the 2008 Commencement speaker,” says Dean Martin H. Belsky. “Mr. Biles' service to his country, both as a World War II veteran and as a lawyer, exemplifies the very best of our graduates. We look forward to having Mr. Biles welcome the Class of 2008 to our alumni family.”

Biles began his career with Roadway Express, where he started at the company as terminal manager and eventually was promoted to national trouble shooter. While working at Roadway, he pursued his law degree from the UA School of Law, which he completed in 1958. Biles mainly practiced personal injury law, as well as divorce and real estate work.

During World War II Biles was a member of the 101st Airborne Division on World War II. He served in four battles: Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was wounded by shrapnel three times. For his honorable service to the United States he was awarded the following decorations and citations: EAMET Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars with one bronze service arrow head; three Purple Heart Medals (one for Normandy and two for the battles in Holland); the American Defense Service Medal; the Good Conduct Medal; the Bronze Star Medal; the Distinguished Unit Badge with One Oak Leaf Cluster and the French Legion of Honor.

Biles currently resides in Marco Island, Fla.

The University of Akron School of Law promotes justice, the protection of individual liberty and the rule of law through commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. The law school boasts nationally recognized programs in intellectual property and trial advocacy, as well as one of four Constitutional Law Centers in the United States. To learn more, visit www.uakron.edu/law.

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