Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2025: Julie Roland

The University of San Diego would like to congratulate all of our wonderful students who are graduating this year. We will be spotlighting students from across campus, sharing their educational journeys leading up to commencement.

Julie Roland is earning her Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of San Diego's School of Law in 2025.

Julie grew up in Berkeley, CA with a single mother. Just before she was born, her mother's sister, Joyce, passed away. Joyce was a laywer for Legal Aid and did pro bono work for her community. So, at a young age, and with a knack for debate, Julie was frequently told by her family, "You're going to be a lawyer, just like Joyce."

With a passion for serving her community just like her aunt, Julie joined the Navy as a helicopter pilot. While stationed in San Diego, she decided to go to law school at USD. In addition, Julie's mother passed when she was 18 years old. Embarking on the end of her law school experience, she felt that her decision to get a law degree was shaped by the plans she had made with her mom and also a way to honor her aunt -- while discovering that a law degree is fulfilling her own dreams too.