Public Interest and Social Justice Law Celebration and Graduation Ceremony
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On May 23, a celebration and graduation ceremony acknowledged student and faculty scholarship and work in public interest and social justice law. Dean Donald J. Polden opened the ceremony and Lizbeth Najera ’13 delivered the student address. The keynote speaker, the Honorable Shelyna V. Brown ’96, Superior Court of Santa Clara County, challenged students to always strive for excellence. The ceremony recognized the Public Interest and Social Justice Law scholars; recipients of the Public Interest and Social Justice Law Board, Fr. Paul Goda, and Mary Emery Summer Grants; the Justice John Paul Stevens Public Interest Fellowship honorees; the Harry and Jean Gluck Social Justice Law Fellowship recipients; the Marshall-Brennan Leadership Development and Constitutional Literacy Project fellows; and the Pro Bono Recognition Program awardees. 3 The Herman and Edith Wildman Social Justice Law Writing Award recipient was Hazella Bowmani ’14 for her essay “The Significance of Stereotypes in Adjudicating LGBT Asylum Claims.” Laura Best ’80, received a Public Interest and Social Justice Law Recognition Award for her volunteer efforts with the Center since 2011. Dean Donald J. Polden received a Public Interest and Social Justice Law Recognition Award for his ten years of outstanding service to Santa Clara Law. The ceremony also recognized Yan Li ’13 for her contributions as a Public Interest Law Career Services student coordinator.
1. Assistant Dean Jeanette Leach and the Honorable Shelyna V. Brown ’96. 2. Professors Patricia Cain and Jean Love with Lizbeth Najera ’13 enjoying the celebration. 3. Dean Donald Polden welcoming attendees and congratulating graduates and honorees.
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