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Steven Llanes, Esq. of Montclair Gives Inspiring Keynote at Saint Peter's University Convocation
Steven Llanes, Esq., attorney at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, inspired attendees at the 2017 Michaelmas Convocation at Saint Peter's University.
Family, faculty and friends of Saint Peter's University gathered for the 2017 Michaelmas Convocation on Wednesday, September 29 at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church. The annual Michaelmas Convocation is an event that celebrates impressive student accomplishments. At this year’s event, Steven Llanes, Esq. ’02, attorney at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, provided an inspirational keynote address.
The Michaelmas Convocation ceremony follows the medieval tradition of convening the faculty and students to start the term and is celebrated in the honor of the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. During the convocation, 10 seniors are inducted into the oldest and most distinguished honors society at Saint Peter’s, the Most Noble Order of the Peacock (MNOP), for attaining the highest scholastic average in all courses throughout their first three years at the University.
Lllanes is the son of immigrants and the grandson of a political prisoner who left Cuba for the freedoms and opportunities of the United States. As a young boy, he developed a passion for American civics; guided by that passion, Llanes received a full-academic scholarship to Saint Peter’s where he earned a degree in political science and communication and was inducted into the Most Noble Order of the Peacock. Around the time of his induction, he witnessed the 9/11 attacks first-hand and resolved to commit himself to prepare for a career in public service. He went on to attend the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and then work for the newly created U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He eventually returned to New Jersey, where he practices law, is active in church and is raising his family.
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During his address, Llanes spoke about the American dream and how being a son of immigrants shaped his future. Llanes stressed the importance of embracing diversity, “If we are to truly move forward, we must do so by recognizing and promoting the diversities of our communities.”
Llanes stated, “You are never too young to lead and you are never too young to serve.”
