TJSL HONORS STUDENTS 

High praise and frequent bursts of applause have resonated through the TJSL Courtyard Building in recent weeks as Dean Hasl and the faculty and staff have formally recognized some of the law school's high achieving students with congratulatory receptions.

On Tuesday, April 1, students who made the Dean's Distinguished Honor Roll (3.50 or higher semester grade point average) and the Honor Roll (3.00 to 3.49 semester grade point average) and their guests were invited to the first of the three special recognition ceremonies. Dean Hasl praised the students for their academic achievement and acknowledged the hard work required to make the honor roll. As the name of each honor student in attendance was called, Dean Hasl greeted and presented all with an official certificate of recognition.

At the second reception on Wednesday, April 9, members of TJSL's Moot Court, Mock Trial and ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) teams came forward to be recognized for their amazing dedication and recent successes at competitions, local, statewide and national. Dean Hasl noted that these students who participate competitively are honing the kinds of traits, such as confidence, motivation, good communication and problem solving skills that are highly regarded as indicators of success in the business and legal worlds.

Adjunct Professor Paul Spiegelman, who is Director of Advocacy & ADR Programs, and alumnus Erin Linquist '06, who assists Adjunct Professor Jane Siegel with the Mock Trial Program, both spoke positively about the students' achievements this year and offered a few humorous anecdotes.

Students Renee Galente and Candice Renka also received recognition for recent awards. Renka earned the most nominations from faculty and staff for this year's ALI-ABA Scholarship & Leadership Award for a graduating student "who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership." Galente earned the most nominations for the National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award, which goes to a graduating student at each ABA school who contributes to the advancement of women in society, demonstrates academic achievement and exhibits motivation, tenacity and enthusiasm, among other criteria.

The 56 students who have dedicated at least 50 hours of pro bono since last summer earned their moment in the spotlight at a third reception on Wednesday, April 16. Student Sanjay Paul merited special recognition for accumulating the most pro bono hours: he has volunteered more than 400 hours of his time with the Housing Rights Office. Altogether these students gave more than 7,000 hours of pro bono, earning the right to wear a special blue cord at graduation, which they received at the reception. Judybeth Tropp, Director of Externships and Pro Bono Programs, expressed great admiration for this group of students: "This is the group with whom I am proudest to stand. There is no better way to use your legal education than to do pro bono work for underserved populations."

Professional photographer Dave Siccardi captured some good shots at the first two receptions and has made his photos available for viewing and ordering. Go to http://web.sendtoprint.net/proofbook/login.asp

For the April 1st Reception, the event code is: Tjslhonors0401
For the April 9th Reception, the event code is: Tjslhonors0409

You can see a sampling of Daves photos in the TJSL Photo Gallery,

View gallery of the April 1st Reception

View gallery of the April 9th Reception