American University Washington College of Law Honors Exceptional Graduates at Inaugural Commencement Awards Ceremony
Recognizing the Diligence and Leadership of Graduating Students in Their Educational Journey
In a momentous celebration on the eve of their highly anticipated 2023 commencement ceremony, law students and their families gathered with anticipation in the Ceremonial Classroom at American University Washington College of Law. The event marked the inaugural WCL Commencement Awards Ceremony, where the tireless efforts and exceptional achievements of graduating students were acknowledged.
Dean Roger A. Fairfax, Jr., along with Senior Associate Dean Heather Hughes, presented 20 coveted awards, each a testament to the students' remarkable performances and contributions throughout their time in law school. From showcasing outstanding skills in Trial Advocacy to exemplifying excellence through Pro Bono work, these accolades recognized the diverse accomplishments of the graduates.
The Mooers Trophy is presented to an outstanding student in Trial Advocacy: Don Jung
The Anthony Morella Professionalism Award is presented to a student who has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the Trial Advocacy Program: Paul Thornton
The International Legal Studies Program Outstanding Graduate Award for the LLM for high academic merit and appreciable involvement with a student group is presented to: Aishwarya Ponugoti
The International Legal Studies Program Outstanding Research and Writing Award (LLM) for a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and research and writing is presented to: Goran Sandic
The Program on Law and Government Outstanding Research and Writing Award (LLM) for a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding ability and research and writing is presented to: Sandra Negron
The Program on Law and Government Outstanding Graduate Award (LLM) for high academic merit and appreciable involvement with a student group is presented to: James Harrison
The Program on Law and Government Judge Jerry Hermele Book Award for extraordinary commitment to service in the public sector is presented to: Kenneth MacRitchie
The Clinical Program Dean’s Award for Professional Responsibility for proficiency in skills and in high ethical standards in clinical practice is presented to seven students: Angela Altieri; Miranda Carnes; Katharine Chamberlain; Nora Greene; Hope Kashatus; Stephanie Rolfsness; Brandon Samples
The Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA) Student of the Year Award for excellence in a clinical course is presented to two students: Sean Kelly; Annie Toborg
The Professor Andrew E. Taslitz Award for a graduating student who has been outstanding in criminal justice is presented to: Kelci McCathen
The Clair A. Cripe Award for a graduating student who has been outstanding in correction law is presented to: Annemarie Gregoire
The Pro Bono Excellence Award for a graduating student who has contributed the most hours to pro bono service during their time at WCL with 800 hours is presented to: Alexandra Haris
The Administrative Law Review Award for “A Better IDEA: Utilizing the Department of Education’s Rulemaking Authority to Reform the Special Education Process” is presented to: Jacob Wohl
The Business Law Review Award for “No Harm No Foul?”: The Remnants of Pure Consumer Harm in Monopsony Cases Under the Sherman Act” is presented to: William Jackson
The International Law Review Award for “We Can’t Go Back Now”: How Japan’s Refugee Recognition System Denies Rights and Shirks Obligations to Refugees Fleeing the 2021 Myanmar Coup D’Etat” is presented to: Jonathan Morrisey
The Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law Award for “How to Get Away with Discrimination: The Use of Algorithms to Discriminate in the Internet Entertainment Industry” is presented to: Sumra Wahid
The Lura E. Turley Prize for “Faulty Pipeline and the Holey Shale: The Fundamental Trespass of Fracking” is presented to: J.E. Mills
The T. Morton McDonald Scholarship Award for scholarship other than that published by AUWCL for “Transitional Justice in Chile: A New Opportunity” is presented to: Veronica Franco Salazar
The Outstanding Graduate Award (JD) for a graduating student with high academic merit and appreciable involvement with a student group is presented to two students: Hope Kashatus and Shahnoor Khan
The WCL Alumni Award for substantial contribution to student activities as well as to the progress of the law school is presented to two students: Rachel Alexander and Xochitl Halaby
For student award photos, click here.
Story by Brice Helms.