On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Norris Conference Center at Houston CityCentre, Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) held its 77th Commencement Ceremony for graduates of its paralegal programs. This was the first live graduation event held by CALS since August 2022. It was great to see so many of CALS’ graduates walk to receive their certificates and degrees in person.

Due to the large number of graduates residing outside the Houston area, not all graduates, their friends, and families could attend the live event. Now, using video captured at the live event along with additional content designed specifically for a virtual delivery, CALS will host a separate Graduation Live Stream on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM on YouTube. This event will be presented via a live stream to equally acknowledge the accomplishments of all graduates. As always, CALS is committed to making this a special event for graduates, families, and friends.

A total of 111 paralegal credentials will be conferred. Paralegal Certificates will be awarded to 56 graduates, and Associate of Applied Science Degrees will be awarded to 32 graduates. Bachelor of Arts: Law and Business degrees will be conferred to 23 graduates. Congratulations, graduates, on your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

Dr. Daniel Crawford, EdD, will present the commencement address.

Daniel Crawford was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and raised in Plano, Texas, where being the oldest of five helped shape the adaptable problem-solving skills he is known for today. A high school football player, he earned a college football scholarship to William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. After graduating, he returned to Texas to pursue his passion for education, beginning his career as a high school history teacher and football coach.

After retiring from K–12 education in 2021, Daniel transitioned into the oil and gas sector as the U.S. Performance Improvement Manager for Nabors Industries, where he embraced his personal core value: “Make a Difference, TODAY!” This guiding principle eventually inspired him to launch Crawford Coaching Concepts (C3) in 2023, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations create positive, lasting impact. The next year, he joined the CALS faculty, teaching Introduction to Business and Business Management.

The event will be moderated by CALS’ Director of Outreach and Career Services, Tami Riggs, with contributions from members of CALS staff.

Please share the following link with your friends, families, and colleagues. The ceremony will be streamed on YouTube at 10:00 AM.

A printable event program from the March 7, 2026, live graduation is available for download in Booklet Format or Printable Format.

Many graduates provided photographs and personal statements, which will be displayed as their names are called during the commencement ceremony. Those who provided photos and statements will be displayed below in an image gallery. We appreciate their contributions and wish all graduates success and the best of luck in their careers and future endeavors. Way to go, grads! Way to go, paralegals!