Alumni Then & Now: Donovan Stone
Donovan Stone is a 2017 graduate of Centenary College who was - until recently - practicing law in the District of Columbia, focusing on complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts across the country. Read below to see what Donovan is up to in 2024!
Life at Centenary
While at Centenary, Donovan studied history and political science. He was a member of the lacrosse team, served on Student Government Association, and was president of his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Life in 2024
Donovan received his J.D. from Duke Law School in 2020. He clerked for federal judges in Louisiana and Alabama before moving to Washington, D.C. Currently he practices law in D.C. He focuses on complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts across the country. He also maintains a pro bono practice, representing veterans denied benefits for service-related disabilities and prisoners alleging civil rights violations. In July 2024, he began a clerkship for Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at the United States Supreme Court.
What was your favorite off campus hang out spot?
Ki Mexico opened in 2015 while I was at Centenary and quickly became a favorite. I also enjoyed visiting Strawn's Eat Shop on Kings Highway, where the executive committee of my fraternity met weekly for breakfast.
Who was your favorite professor?
My favorite professors were those in the history and political science departments, where I took most of my classes at Centenary. Of those, the most impactful were likely Dr. Sam Shepherd and Dr. Chris Parker. Dr. Shepherd taught American history and the senior seminar for history majors, which nurtured an interest in research and writing. Dr. Parker taught several classes on American constitutional law and organized moot courts before a local federal judge, which helped set me on the path to law school.
How did Centenary’s unique community prepare you for life after college?
Centenary's small size and student-faculty ratio forced me to become a leader on campus and an active participant in classroom discussions. I also received individualized feedback on written assignments, which helped sharpen my writing. Each of these aspects of my Centenary experience helped create a foundation for later success in law school and practice.
What was your favorite campus activity, event, or club?
I most enjoyed attending lacrosse practices on Jones Rice and then eating as a team in the Caf.
What’s one thing Centenary students should do before they graduate?
Feel free to experiment. Some of my most rewarding experiences at Centenary resulted from pursuing opportunities that didn't fit neatly into any "master plan." An obvious example for me was joining the lacrosse team despite not having previously played the sport. Other examples might include taking classes outside of your major or pursuing certain extracurriculars or internships. Centenary offers many opportunities for curious students to explore and push their boundaries; take advantage of them.
How did scholarships benefit you as a Centenary student?
Fortunately, I received a generous scholarship from Centenary, which allowed me to graduate with minimal debt. This scholarship was one of the determinative factors for me when choosing to attend Centenary. It also enabled me to later attend Duke without the fear of carrying significant debt from both undergraduate and law school.