SAINT LOUIS
dean’s message
BRIE F
inside 10 The
Consummate Professor
On the Cover: Portrait of Vincent C. Immel (in the William H. Kniep Courtroom)
W
hen I first arrived in St. Louis from the University of Florida in the summer of 1999, I knew very few alumni. As dean, one of my responsibilities is to nurture the School of Law’s relationship with its alumni, and I was naturally intent on getting to know them. As I recall, the Missouri Bar annual meeting was held in St. Louis in the fall of that year. Professor Roger Goldman gave me some good advice: “Stand next to Vince Immel.” On that September night, I stood with Vince for a good hour as together we greeted scores of alumni. Vince remembered names, often offering a recollection, and always displaying a smile and a chuckle. As we stood together, I could sense the special connection that continued to exist between the law professor and his students. They were still Vince’s students; they were part of his family. And the feelings were mutual. This issue of the Saint Louis Brief is dedicated to Professor Vincent C. Immel. You will find a feature story about Vince titled, “The Consummate Professor,” on page 10. The article perfectly describes this one-of-a-kind Midwestern gentleman who gave his life to the law, the School of Law and — most importantly — his law students. In my 40 years as a law teacher, I have seen many fine law professors. Professor Immel was the very best for what he achieved with and through his students — the very best!
ii Saint Louis Brief Winter 2010
The Legacy of Vincent C. Immel, 1920 to 2009
Unlimited Options
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SLU LAW alumni exemplify how a legal education paves the way for countless career paths.
Dean and Professor of Law Jeffrey E. Lewis
Most of you who are reading this message were students in Professor Immel’s Contracts or Remedies class. I cannot in this small space even come close to matching the memories you have of this remarkably warm, kind, generous — and brilliant man. Most of us have stories about Vince. And we invite you to share your memories and tributes by visiting law.slu.edu/Immel. Please join our alumni, faculty and friends as we reflect on Professor Immel’s legacy at a special ceremony, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 5, at the Busch Student Center in the Saint Louis Room. Professor Immel passed away on the morning of last Thanksgiving. His passing at that moment in time was surely a reminder that his presence in our midst was a blessing for which we owe great thanks. Sincerely yours,
Jeffrey E. Lewis Dean and Professor of Law
Senior Associate Dean Nicolas P. Terry Editor Kim Gordon Graphic Designer E. Brook Haley Media Relations Specialist Courtney K. Irwin Contributors Isaak I. Dore, Ann Lever, ’79, Anders Walker Photography Dolan and Associates Photography, Jay Fram Photography, Kevin Lauder, Chad Williams Special Thanks Nick Brockmeyer, ’04, Dusty Deschamp, ’04, Bert Fulk, ’07, Thomas L. Greaney, John Griesbach, Stephanie Haley, Thomas Harvey, ’09, Timothy L. Kane, ’89, Mary Beth Luna Wolf, ’01, John McAnnar, ’09, Kenneth Powell, ’04, Katrina Shannon, ’00, Elizabeth Stookey, Michael-John Voss, ’03, Eric Westacott, ’01 Copyright © 2010 by Saint Louis University School of Law All rights reserved. Saint Louis Brief is published twice annually by Saint Louis University School of Law. The Office of Communications is located in Queen’s Daughters Hall, Room 320 3700 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108 E-mail address is brief@law.slu.edu
inside
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6 Faculty Speak Out in the News Media outlets around the nation repeatedly seek out SLU LAW faculty.
8 New Faculty The School of Law announces 10 outstanding faculty members.
26 Faculty Profile
SLU LAW attorneys fight for justice with a holistic approach to criminal defense.
24 Alumni Profile
28 Faculty View
Ann Lever, ’79, discusses decades of public service work at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
30 Alumni Events 32 Class Notes
Professor Thomas L. Greaney positions the Center for Health Law Studies to shine in the national spotlight.
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31 Winter 2010 Saint Louis Brief