As the University of Oklahoma College of Law celebrated the Class of 2026 during the annual JD Graduation Open House, one theme carried through every reflection, recognition, and round of applause: success at OU Law is never achieved alone.
In remarks delivered to graduates, families, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered in Bell Courtroom, Dean Anna E. Carpenter reflected on the unique character of the OU Law community. She described a law school culture where rigorous study leads not to competition, but to meaningful investment in one another. At the College of Law, classmates become lifelong colleagues and friends, and students are supported by a community committed to their success.
“This profession asks you to be careful when others are panicked, principled when others are angry, and honest even when honesty comes with a price,” Dean Carpenter told the graduating class. “You get to stand up for others. You get to help make the rule of law real for one client at a time.”
During the celebration, the College of Law recognized recipients of the institution’s six most prestigious student honors, awards that reflect academic excellence, leadership, professionalism, service, and lasting impact on the OU Law community.
Joel Jankowsky Award
The Joel Jankowsky Award is considered one of the highest honors awarded at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and the award recognizes the best overall student.
The 2026 recipient, Lucila Kotroba, was recognized as the student who best embodies the values and mission of the College of Law. While at the College of Law, Kotroba served as President of the Business Law Society, an Admissions Ambassador, a Dean’s Leadership Fellow, on the Oklahoma Law Review, and held a number of leadership positions.
Outstanding 3L Award
This year also marked the introduction of a brand-new tradition at the College of Law.
For the first time, the College honored one graduating student with the inaugural Outstanding 3L Award, recognizing a student who demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also consistent professionalism, sacrifice, leadership, and achievement across every aspect of the law school experience.
The inaugural Outstanding 3L Award was presented to Grace Griggs. Griggs received many honors and recognitions including being named the American College of Bankruptcy’s 2026 Distinguished Bankruptcy Law Student Award for the Tenth Circuit and serving as the Executive Managing Editor of the Oklahoma Law Review.
Nathan Scarritt Prize
The Nathan Scarritt Prize is one of the College of Law’s most longstanding academic traditions. Originally established by alumnus Nathan Scarritt of Enid, Oklahoma, the award recognizes the student who graduates with the highest academic record across five academic semesters.
This year’s recipient, Brianna F. Morgan, earned the distinction through exceptional academic achievement and consistent excellence throughout law school.
Leadership & Professionalism Award
The Leadership & Professionalism Award honors a graduate who most clearly exemplifies the spirit and attitude of professional responsibility.
The 2026 recipient, Taya Maxson, was selected for her commitment to professionalism, integrity, and leadership within the College of Law community. Maxson served as Class President during her 1L and 2L years, as the Student Bar Association President during her 3L year, and also on the American Indian Law Review while also representing the College of Law as a member of the National Native American Law Student Association Board, and competing in interscholastic moot court competitions.
Student Bar Association Prize
The Student Bar Association Prize recognizes the graduating student selected by the Class of 2026 as having rendered valuable and significant service to the student body.
This year’s recipient, Cassidy Beck, exemplified leadership and advocacy throughout her time at OU Law. A first-generation law student, Beck distinguished herself by competing successfully in national moot court competitions, serving as President of the Board of Advocates, and contributing to the American Indian Law Review. Additionally, as 3L class president, she also delivered the Class of 2026 “Final Judgments” during the open house celebration.
Joseph F. Rarick “Just Deserts” Award
The Joseph F. Rarick “Just Deserts” Award recognizes a third-year student who has made the College of Law a better place through meaningful contributions that might otherwise go unrecognized.
The 2026 recipient, David W. Dulske, was honored for the impact he made on the OU Law community through his generosity, service, and commitment to others. Dean Carpenter noted that this award is traditionally decided last because it recognizes students whose influence is deeply felt throughout the college.
In celebrating the award recipients, Dean Carpenter also reflected on the broader accomplishments of the Class of 2026, calling the group “one of the most decorated and accomplished classes in the history of the College of Law.” Throughout their time at OU Law, members of the class demonstrated resilience, service, advocacy, and an enduring commitment to one another.
As graduates prepare to begin careers across Oklahoma and beyond, the recipients of the “Big Six” awards represent the very best of what defines the University of Oklahoma College of Law: excellence paired with humility, leadership rooted in service, and a belief that the legal profession is ultimately about helping others.
The University of Oklahoma College of Law congratulates all members of the Class of 2026 and the recipients of this year’s highest student honors.