Stetson Lawyer; 1969 vol. 12 no. 2 May

rfefoeii Volume 12, Number 2 ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA May, 1969 ALUMNUS, OVERSEER WILL BE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER May 31 Exercise First of Kind In Crummer Hall; 39 Graduates Receiving J. D. Degrees Crummer Hall auditorium is ready for its first commencement. Dedicated only two short months ago, it has been designated the site of College of Law graduation exercises, Saturday, May 31. This new facility supersedes as a convocation center the colorful and historic Great Hall of the original complex of campus buildings. "The old order changeth," and spaciousness, superior lighting and a commission in the United States Naval Reserve. With Justice Department Separated from active duty with the rank of lieutenant commander, Mr. Un- derhill continued in government service with the United Stafes Department of Justice in Washington, D. C. During the next six years he served the department in many capacities — Special Attorney, Alien Property Section, Claims Division — Special Attorney, Veterans Affairs Section — Special Assistant to the Attorney General — First Assistant to the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division — Acting Assistant Attorney General—Acting Deputy Attorney General — and Assistant Attorney General in Charge of Lands Division — to mention a few. Floridian At Heart In 1952 Mr. Underhill was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar, and since that time he has built up a large general practice both in Washington and in De- Land. While his career of public service has been confined largely to activities in the Nation's capital, his record of community service in his native state is ample tesfimony that he remains a Floridian at heart. His interest in education is manifested by his membership on the Board of Overseers of the College of Law and on the Board of Trustees of St. Leo College. A supporter of charitable and philanthropic enterprises, he is a trustee of the Fish Memorial Hospital, De- Land. He has served his state at large as a member of the Florida Council of 100. Mr. Underhill is a past president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and WILLIAM AMORY UNDERHILL acoustic design have triumphed over a relic of a proud past. The public ceremonies will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m., when the academic procession of faculty, overseers, trustees, honored guests and thirty-nine graduating seniors file across the inner court between Dana and Crummer Halls, through the rear entrance and down the long aisle of the auditorium, to take seats on or in front of the dais. Underhill To Be Honored William Amory Underhill, LL.B., Stetson, '36, a member of the Board of Overseers of the College of Law, will deliver the commencement address and receive an honor commensurate to his record of public service. The distinguished speaker, a native Floridian — he first saw the light of day in Basinger, Florida — practiced law in DeLand from the time of his graduation from Stetson College of Law until shortly after "Pearl Harbor", when he accepted a past vice-president of the Florida State Junior Chamber of Commerce, an Elk, a Mason (K. T.) and a member of the Military Order of World Wars. A Dedicated Overseer Like so many men of conspicuous ability, Mr. Underhill has been persuaded to associate his name with many causes and activities; but unlike so many men to whom honors come easily, he has never associated himself with any cause or activity in which he has not wholeheartedly participated. He is one of the most dedicated members of the College's Board of Overseers, and though the notices of meetings usually reach him in his K Street Office in Washington, 1200 miles away, his record of attendance over the years has been nearly perfect. His assistance in helping the College of Law prepare its program dedicating the Crummer Classroom Building and Eleanor Naylor Dana Hall, March 15, went well beyond the call of duty. He has made many friends for Stetson, but none is more dedicated than he. Graduation Dinner A dinner honoring graduating seniors will be held in the Great Hall, Friday evening, May 30. As master of ceremonies, Dean Richard Dillon will announce the members of the graduating class who have distinguished themselves by scholarship, and recognize all Colleae of Law students who have won competitive prizes and awards this semester or participated significantly in student activities. For list of graduates, See Page 6. FIFTY YEAR MEMBERS Three members of the Class of 1919, Stetson College of Law, will be honored this week by the Florida Bar at its 19th Annual Convention in Hollywood. They are Harry Katz, Jacksonville; Thomas B. Dowda, Palatka; and John M. Mur- rell, Miami. All three have been members of the legal profession 50 years, having been admitted to the Bar the year of their graduation from law school.