5 From ’65

Building Relationships That Last a Lifetime

Honorable M. James Lorenz ‘65

Kenneth H. Lounsbery ‘65 Honorable Herbert J. Exarhos ‘65

Honorable Wayne L. Peterson ‘65

Honorable Robert C. Rice ‘65 “We formed real bonds, friendships from our three years together at California Western, which is why I believe so strongly in reminding present-day students to be mindful of the people you’re studying with and struggling with. They’ll be your friends for life.”

Ken Lounsbery ‘65

It was August 1962 when Kenneth (Ken) H. Lounsbery began his law school journey at California Western School of Law. Little did he know how profoundly this experience would affect the rest of his life.

As an applying student, Ken had to undergo a personal interview with Dean Robert Castetter – an interview he has never forgotten. “It was memorable for me because my acceptance was not confirmed until that interview,” said Ken. “I’d just driven 3,000 miles based on the belief that I would be accepted as a law student, and fortunately, that did happen.”

Out of the 70 incoming students that August, Ken and four others began to develop a friendship as they navigated the rigors of law school. The acquaintanceship of being classmates grew into mutual reliance, and a bond began to form. Ken, James Lorenz, Wayne Peterson, Herbert Exarhos, and Robert Rice, later collectively known as the “5 from ‘65”, developed such a bond that has endured to this day. “Over three years, the acquaintanceship acquires depth,” said Ken. “You’re not just fellow law students or classmates. You end up sharing all the dimensions of your life.”

Throughout law school, the five studied hard and relaxed with vigor! The former Point Loma campus meant the beach resorts and bars were nearby. The Bahia and the Vagabond were among the group’s favorite hangouts.

“The legends tend to grow during those three years,” said Ken. “And the stories just increase the closeness – and do we have some stories!”

After law school, the five stayed in San Diego. Ken went directly into the City Attorney’s office, and Herb joined the Army JAG Corps before also entering the City Attorney’s office. Wayne clerked for Justice Martin Caughlin at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, and from there, he joined

Jim at the District Attorney’s office before entering law practice. Bob joined the Navy and subsequently went into the District Attorney’s office.

All five went on to build successful legal careers in private practice, with four becoming judges. Ken would have made it five out of five but turned down a judgeship in 1999, as he felt he could not walk away from the new law firm he founded.

“After graduating, the bonds we formed just grew, and we went all out to help each other both in business and our personal lives,” said Ken. “We’ve had varying degrees of success – you have to say four judges out of the five of us, that’s not too shabby. But, I’m certainly satisfied with my career.”

The “5 from ‘65” still meet monthly for lunch at the Brigantine in Del Mar, always in the same booth.

“By common consent, we decided on the Brigantine, mainly because their fish tacos are delicious, but also because Jim has limited his driving and Del Mar is closest to him,” explained Ken.

It has always been clear to Ken and his wife, Dorcas Lounsbery, that they wanted to honor the law school. They have been active in various charitable ways to different organizations, but California Western has always had a special place in their hearts.

“In the backs of our minds, we’ve known that at some point, you just have to pay back,” said Ken. “All of us share one heartfelt conviction: that the law school and Dean Robert Castetter were responsible for laying the foundation for anything and everything we’ve done. So to whatever extent we’ve been successful, it can all be traced to Cal Western.”

Recently, Ken and Dorcas provided a generous gift to California Western, which will benefit students now and into the future. The gift is dedicated to scholarships, with a portion used to create a student lounge in the second-floor lobby in the 350 building.

“Our gift is because of all five of us,” said Ken. “Up to now, there hasn’t been a place students can gather and form the bonds the five of us formed. So this lounge is being created to encourage students to hang out together.”

The lounge is named “The Ken and Dorcas Lounsbery Community Commons.” In addition, there will be a photo posted in the lounge of Ken and Dorcas, together with a plaque that will state:

A MESSAGE TO ALL STUDENTS

We, members of the Class of 1965, forged friendships that have endured for more than five decades. As you learn together in these halls, you’ll find that your classmates will become friends and trusted colleagues for a lifetime. Cherish and nourish these relationships as we have. And, we speak for our entire Class when expressing deep appreciation for the leadership of Dean Robert K. Castetter, to whom each of the undersigned owes incalculable thanks.

Kenneth H. Lounsbery

Concurring Opinions By

Honorable Honorable M. James Lorenz Wayne L. Peterson

Honorable Honorable Herbert J. Exarhos Robert C. Rice

The language on the plaque is very much the directive the “5 from ‘65” want to give current and future students in hopes they will benefit from it as they did.

“You’ll never find closer kinship than going through law school. So take advantage of that opportunity; it’s a treasure,” counsels Ken. “It will feed you for the rest of your professional life.”