Dear Santa Clara Law Community,

As we move into the month of October, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of our Law school community in the past month.

We recently had the distinction of having our faculty recognized for their achievements at this year’s Santa Clara University Faculty Awards Ceremony. Professors Eric Goldman and Laura Norris were recipients of the Brutocao Family Foundation Award for Curriculum Innovation; Professor David Sloss received the University Award for Sustained Excellence in Scholarship; Professor David Ball received recognition for his cross-disciplinary work on the criminal justice system; and Professor Phil Jimenez was also commended for fifty years of service to the university. I am beyond proud to see our faculty recognized for their efforts in instruction and scholarship!

We also saw the launch of 1L coaching teams, which are modeled after the highly successful Tech Edge J.D. coaching and mentoring teams. I would like to express my immense gratitude for the immediate and overwhelming response to our call for alumni volunteers; over 300 alumni came to help! Thanks to the efforts of these wonderful volunteers—many of whom I know read these newsletters—every 1L now has a built-in support network of alumni, faculty, and dedicated OCM staff members to guide and support their journey. I cannot express my thanks enough to all of you.

I am also excited to carry forward my vision of expanding student scholarship support into the future of Santa Clara Law. Through the support of our generous alumni, we have dramatically increased financial assistance and scholarships for incoming and continuing students, empowering us to reach our shared goal that every student admitted to our law school will be able to enroll and successfully graduate regardless of their financial circumstances. 

It is not only our school’s goal, but also my goal to provide the best learning experience for our students by building on our distinctive strengths, achieving our strategic objectives, and promoting exceptional student outcomes. 

Looking ahead, we have much to look forward to. Over 200 alumni have already registered for our Law Alumni Reunion on October 13th, and we are still taking RSVPs! The reunion is an excellent opportunity to be recognized for your accomplishments and to reconnect with friends, classmates, and peers. Enjoy a lunchtime family picnic, an afternoon topical alumni panel, and an all-class reception. 

Evening festivities include celebrating the Class of 1973’s induction into the Ruffo Society, and the special portrait unveilings of Dean Emerita Lisa A. Kloppenberg and Dean Emerita Anna M. Han, as well as a live jazz band and photo booth. I hope to see many of you there for a grand evening and a good time!

As always, with warm regards and tremendous gratitude,