Joy and pride filled the halls of American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) on October 3–4 as hundreds of alumni returned to campus for a weekend of celebration, learning, and catching up. The 2025 Alumni Reunion brought together graduates spanning five decades for two days of panels, tours, and gatherings, reflecting the powerful, enduring strength of the WCL community.

“I've been so happy to see all the amazing alumni for the 2025 Alumni Reunion,” said Hannah Grimm, senior director of advancement at AUWCL. “It's been so great seeing everyone reconnecting, reminiscing about law school, sharing their favorite memories, and reconnecting with their former professors.”

The weekend kicked off on Friday with campus tours and the insightful Faculty Voices Panel. Professors Padideh Ala’i, Christine Farley, and Jayesh Rathod shared their expertise on critical global legal matters, discussing everything from immigration reform to artificial intelligence and trade law. The day concluded with the relaxed Friday with Faculty Reception at Lia’s Restaurant, giving alumni and professors a chance to reconnect with lively conversation.

Saturday began with more campus tours, leading into the centerpiece of the day: the Dean’s Luncheon and Keynote Discussion. The conversation, titled “The Future of the Legal Profession: AI, Automation, and the Lawyer’s Role,” was moderated by Interim Dean Heather Hughes and featured a distinguished panel. The experts included faculty leaders and alumni from organizations like Microsoft, BAE Systems, and Steptoe LLP.

Reflecting on the deep connections that define the AUWCL community, Dean Hughes said “to see former students return with stories of your careers, your families, and the many ways you are shaping the world is truly one of the greatest joys of this role”.

The reunion culminated in the Campus Dinner with Classmates in Grossman Hall on Saturday evening. Welcoming the guests, Dean Hughes called the alumni “the heartbeat of this community”.

During the dinner, Hughes presented the Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award to Elizabeth “Lizzie” Lewis, Class of 2015. Lewis, who is a senior associate attorney at Eubanks & Associates, PLLC, was recognized for her fierce commitment to public interest and environmental law. In her acceptance speech, Lewis expressed gratitude for the supportive community that shaped her career.

“I have been surrounded by those who strive to use the law as a tool to enact positive change,” she said. “This attitude not only distinguishes WCL from other law schools, but it is also infectious, inspiring in its constituents”.

Lewis closed with a powerful call to action, encouraging her fellow alumni to stay connected and keep working toward a better future. “Stay engaged with your field, with each other, and with WCL, and together we can build a better and more just future”.

As the weekend concluded, the laughter and reflections filling AUWCL’s halls were a strong testament to a community whose impact extends far beyond the campus grounds. Check out the photo gallery.