American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) celebrated the achievements of its faculty at the 2026 Faculty Scholarship and Teaching & Service Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions that continue to shape legal education, scholarship, and the broader profession.

Interim Dean Heather Hughes opened the ceremony by congratulating the award recipients and thanking the faculty committees whose thoughtful review process underscores the strength and depth of AUWCL’s academic community.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

This year’s scholarship honorees were recognized for work that reflects both intellectual rigor and real-world impact.

Distinguished Professor Susan Carle received the Pauline Ruyle Moore Award for her article “Liquidation and the Fourteenth Amendment,” praised for its nuanced analysis of originalist constitutional interpretation and its forward-looking relevance to contemporary legal debates.

Professor Lewis Grossman was also recognized with the Pauline Ruyle Moore Award for “Criminalizing Transgender Care,” noted for its timeliness, depth of research, and compelling integration of legal history and regulatory analysis.

The Edwin A. Mooers Award honored Professor Matthew Erie for “Property as National Security,” an ambitious and wide-ranging examination of the tensions between open markets and national security concerns.

Distinguished Professor Ira Robbins received the Edwin A. Mooers Award for “Deconstructing Burglary,” a work commended for its clarity, historical grounding, and practical contributions to modern criminal law.

TEACHING AND SERVICE AWARDS

AUWCL also recognized faculty whose dedication to students and the institution exemplifies excellence in teaching and service.

Professor Stephen Wermiel received the Excellence in Teaching Award for his commitment to student mentorship, innovative pedagogy, and leadership in strengthening the academic experience.

The Outstanding Service Award was presented to Professors Aryan Kushan and Claudia Martin for their exceptional contributions both within the law school and in the broader legal community.

Professor Dale Durrer was honored with the Adjunct Teaching Award, recognizing outstanding instruction and meaningful engagement with students.

Professor Charles Ross received the Innovation in Pedagogy Award for his creative and forward-thinking approach to teaching, including the effective use of technology in the classroom.

RECOGNIZING A LASTING LEGACY

The ceremony also honored faculty whose careers have left a lasting imprint on AUWCL and the legal field.

Professor Brenda Smith was recognized upon her retirement and designation as Professor Emerita, celebrating a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking scholarship, national leadership on issues of gender and criminal justice, and a deep commitment to experiential learning and mentorship.

Professor Stephen Wermiel was also recognized for his retirement as Professor of Practice Emeritus, honoring decades of teaching, scholarship, and extraordinary service to the institution, including his influential work in constitutional law and the Moot Court program.

Professor Adeen Postar was recognized as Law Librarian Emerita for her leadership of the Pence Law Library, particularly her steady guidance during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and her enduring contributions to the academic community.

CELEBRATING ADVANCEMENT AND IMPACT

The event also highlighted recent faculty promotions, including Professors Priya Baskaran and Andy Budzinski to full professor with tenure, and several others advancing in rank. Notably, Professor Susan Carle was recognized for her promotion to Distinguished Professor of Law, the university’s highest faculty honor.

Together, the award recipients and honorees reflect the strength of AUWCL’s faculty and its continued commitment to scholarship, teaching excellence, and service that advances justice and prepares the next generation of legal leaders.

The program concluded with a surprise moment of recognition for Interim Dean Heather Hughes, who was honored for her two years of leadership. In presenting the award, Professor Elizabeth Beske, senior associate dean for faculty and scholarship, praised Hughes for her tireless service, steady leadership during a challenging period, and unwavering commitment to the AUWCL community.

Together, the award recipients and honorees reflect the strength of AUWCL’s faculty and its continued commitment to scholarship, teaching excellence, and service that advances justice and prepares the next generation of legal leaders.