The (Extended) RWU Law Family Celebrated the Holidays at Two Events that Have Become Traditions

On December 4, more than 100 alumni, faculty, staff, and guests attended the 11th Annual Law Alumni Association Holiday Reception, a great time for folks to re-connect with the law school community.  The highlight was a tribute to the late Dean John E. Ryan, who served from 1993 – 1998, with comments from Professor Larry Ritchie, Michael A. Voccola’97, and me.  Each spoke of Ryan’s commitment to holding the law school community to a high standard which we are reaping the benefits of today.  As in past years, attendees brought unwrapped gifts for the Toys for Tots campaign, which assists families during the holiday season.  The event was an ideal ending to a great year for the law alumni community. 

(l to r) Nicole Dulude’06, R.I. Supreme Court Justice William P. Robinson III, and Joelle Sylvia’06.

(l to r) Eric Miller ‘01, Rebecca Cox’01, John Poloski’02,
Gregory Blasbalg’01, Megan Higgins’01(RWUSOL Marine
Affairs Research Counsel), Meredith Kelley’01,
Lorraine Lalli’01(RWUSOL Ass’t Dean of Students)

(l to r) Michael Daly’02 and Carly Iafrate’00
with some of the gifts for the toy drive.

The Thurgood Marshall Law Society (TMLS) is dedicated to supporting and increasing the diversity in the Rhode Island legal community.  One important aspect is efforts to reach out to RWU Law students of color as mentors and participants in law school programs and events.  The annual TMLS holiday party brings together both of these efforts by inviting law students and members.  This year the party was held at the Offices of Pannone Lopes and Devereaux.  Over two dozen TMLS members and supporters gathered to reflect on the work of the past year and the excitement of the year to come.  We congratulated the accomplishments of members – Allan Fung’s election as Mayor of Cranston--the first Asian American mayor in Rhode Island,,\ and the appointment of Justice Edward Clifton to the Law School Board of Directors.  Adding to the excitement were the alumni in attendance, joining the party as members of both TMLS and the host firm.

Left to right: District Court Judge William Clifton,
3L Yul-Mi Cho,chair of the Asian-Pacific American Law Students Association,
2L Angela Alexander, chair of the Black Law Students Association,
and Superior Court Justice O. Rogeriee Thompson

(l to r) Roberto Gonzalez, Esq., City of Cranston Mayor Elect Allan Fung,
Superior Court Justice Edward Clifton, Deb Gonzalez, Esq. ‘07