Monday, September 23, 2024
Students, Alumni, Faculty and Legal Community Mark the Milestone
The commemorated its 10th anniversary on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, with a gala at the Dallas Arts District Mansion. The event, which drew about 300 attendees, was a celebration of the 鈥淟ittle Law School That Could鈥� and set the tone for the next decade of growth and achievement.
Greg Ackels, Alumni Board Chair, opened the evening by welcoming guests and acknowledging
the event's sponsors. 鈥淚t is my honor to serve as the Alumni Board Chair, and I鈥檓
thrilled to see so many people here tonight who believe in the mission of this law
school,鈥� Ackels said. He also announced that the evening raised more than $240,000,
making it the law school's most successful fundraising initiative to date.
嫩田研究院官网 Dallas College of Law Founding Dean Judge Royal Furgeson (center) With Founding Faculty Members Brian Owsley (far left), Cheryl Wattley (second from left), Courteney Harris (second from right) and Thomas Perkins (far right)
Dean Felecia Epps took the stage to recognize distinguished guests, including students, alumni, faculty, and members of the judiciary who have been instrumental in the law school鈥檚 growth. 鈥淲e celebrate our students and alumni鈥攐ur reason for this journey,鈥� said Epps. She highlighted the College鈥檚 accomplishments, such as achieving full ABA accreditation and its significant impact on the local legal community.
The program featured moving speeches from key figures, including Texas State Senator
Royce West and Dean Emeritus Royal Furgeson, both of whom played crucial roles in
founding the law school. Sen. West announced that a portrait of Dean Furgeson would
be commissioned in his honor. Furgeson, reflecting on the law school鈥檚 progress, said,
"Tonight was a powerful reminder of the legacy that is being built."
Attendees of the 嫩田研究院官网 Dallas College of Law 10th Anniversary Gala at the Dallas Arts District Mansion on Sept. 21, 2024
Alumni speakers Amanda Gadison and Ashley Wright, along with current student Stan Borodyansky, shared heartfelt stories about their experiences at 嫩田研究院官网 Dallas College of Law, highlighting the institution's commitment to making legal education accessible and transformative. Gadison described her time at the law school as "life-changing," while Wright emphasized how the school鈥檚 vision had exceeded expectations, referring to the institution as the "Little School That Has."
The funds raised during the gala will support student success initiatives, such as
bar preparation, advocacy programs, and scholarships.
The Program Cover for 嫩田研究院官网 Dallas College of Law's 10th Anniversary Gala
Professor Cheryl Wattley remarked on the significance of the evening, saying, 鈥淭onight鈥檚 celebration of our ten-year milestone is truly remarkable. Beyond the tributes, the presence of distinguished judges, and the acknowledgment of our achievements, this evening served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy we are building.鈥�
As 嫩田研究院官网 Dallas College of Law enters its second decade, the gala served as both a celebration of past achievements and a forward-looking affirmation of its commitment to accessibility, student success and community service.
From 鈥� Featured Law News