Inside the Master of Science in Law
Celebrating the MSL Class of 2025: These Are the Good Old Days
June 4, 2025
This May, the Master of Science in Law (MSL) program proudly welcomed 87 new graduates to the alumni community—now nearly 800 strong. Founded in 2014, the MSL program was created to meet a growing demand for interdisciplinary professionals capable of navigating the legal, regulatory, and policy complexities in STEM fields. Among these graduates are people from all over the United States and 11 countries around the world.
During Convocation, which was held at the Chicago Theatre, MSL graduate Diane Nguyen represented the MSL program with a thoughtful and inspiring speech. With her trademark humility and humor, Diane shared how daunting public speaking once felt to her—lightening the mood with a well-timed Eminem quote. Her ultimate message offered a powerful reflection on growth, change, and resilience.
As Diane noted, every MSL student arrives with a unique story. Some balanced full-time jobs alongside demanding coursework. Others became new parents or relocated across the globe to join the program. Many are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Despite these differences, MSL students share a common drive.
“We are curious about complexity and lean into difficulty,” said Nguyen. “We were drawn to the MSL because we want to live at the intersection of multiple disciplines, to have a complex view of world topics and problems, and have unique ideas on how to solve them. Although many of us come from STEM backgrounds, we challenged ourselves to think from a legal perspective. We’re engineers who want to understand regulation, or pre-meds who want to understand health policy, or business professionals who want to navigate legal frameworks.”
One of the most powerful parts of Diane’s speech was her reminder not to rush past the present. She quoted Andy Bernard from The Office: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” It was a poignant reminder to pause, soak it all in and take pride in how far each graduate has come. These moments are the good old days.
Diane left the audience with more than just nostalgia. She reminded the audience that if they all continue to seek growth, lift one another up, and lead with kindness, the best days may still lie ahead. That spirit—grounded in reflection and driven by purpose—has shaped the MSL Class of 2025 and will continue to guide them.
To the Class of 2025: Congratulations! You pushed boundaries, embraced complexity, and grew in ways you might not have imagined. You’re not just part of the good old days—you’re building what comes next, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the next chapter of your journeys.
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