As Thanksgiving approaches, KU Law students are reflecting on more than just finals and fall weather; they’re reflecting on the impact they’ve made beyond Green Hall. This semester, student organizations across the school dedicated their time, energy and creativity to serving the Lawrence community. Their projects may have varied in size and scope, but together they reflect a shared value at the heart of KU Law: service.

“I knew when I began overseeing student organizations that we had many thoughtful, driven students already doing meaningful work in their communities, and I wanted a way to capture and celebrate that impact,” said Erin Kelley-Garrison, assistant director of Academic & Student Affairs. “After the first year, it became clear just how deeply both the community and our law students were positively affected by these efforts.”

Fueling Minds by Filling Pantries: Black Law Students Association

The Black Law Students Association led a food drive in Green Hall supporting the Westwood House food pantry. Together, students, staff and faculty contributed 300 items, with faculty bringing in an impressive 117 donations.

“For BLSA, the initiative was rooted in their long-standing commitment to service. Fueling your stomach fuels your mind,” said BLSA President Kristen Aiyanyor. “Additionally, KU BLSA has a rich history of giving back and collecting goods to serve the community, dating back decades, so continuing that tradition was very important to us.”

Their work reflects the organization’s mission to reduce barriers, especially socioeconomic ones, that can make educational success more difficult for students across campus.

Honoring Veterans Through Connection: Kansas Law School Military and Veterans Society

On Veterans Day, the Kansas Law School Military and Veterans Society helped revive a meaningful tradition: visiting senior veterans at the Midland Care PACE Center in Lawrence.

Three KU Law students joined about 20 senior participants for a program featuring remarks from staff, a historical uniform display, certificates of recognition and shared desserts. First-year student and former U.S. Marine Jeremy Ross helped organize the event, noting the importance of honoring those whose service shaped the nation.

For the organization, the event was a powerful reminder that service, military or legal, begins with community.

“We chose to participate because it provided a meaningful opportunity to recognize veterans within our community and to demonstrate that students in Lawrence deeply value and appreciate their contributions,” said Cody White, KU MLS president. “Communities are the foundation of our future clients, colleagues and institutions, and engaging with them helps law students understand the real-world impact of the law beyond the classroom. “

Stepping Outside the “Green Hall Bubble”: KU Law Student Bar Association

The KU Law Student Bar Association spent a weekend volunteering at the Lawrence Community Shelter, sending 16 students to clean dorms and bathrooms and sort clothing donations.

For the SBA, the project was a chance to reconnect with the broader Lawrence community.

“As law students, we are incredibly privileged to pursue advanced degrees and belong to the Green Hall community that supports us. It can be easy for law students to stay within the Green Hall bubble, where common issues include writing long papers and reading dense textbooks,” said Abby Ottaway, the executive American Bar Association representative on SBA's Board. “We wanted to encourage the law school community to go beyond the ‘bubble’ and help people who do not have the privileges that we take for granted.”

Their work supported an organization that provides essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness — an issue that some students had previously researched or engaged with academically. This time, they met the work face-to-face.

Supporting the Most Vulnerable: Public Interest Law Society

The Public Interest Law Society organized a donation drive benefiting clients of the Douglas County Public Defender. Students filled several boxes with non-perishable food, hygiene items and warm clothing.

For PILS, the drive was about supporting individuals facing both legal and personal hardship.

“We believe that giving back to our community is vitally important for at least two reasons,” said PILS Vice President Evan Norkey. “First, our community includes many people in need of assistance, particularly people using public defense services. By running a donation drive and donating the collected items to public defense clients, we support some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Second, we believe that law students who want to be involved with public interest work should understand the realities of our future clients’ lives.”

The partnership with the Public Defender’s Office strengthens the connection between KU Law students and the community members they will one day represent.

A Season to Reflect and to Carry Forward

“To an outsider, these may seem like small acts, but together they reflect the heart of our law school: people who care deeply and act thoughtfully,” said Kelley-Garrison. “Community service gives students the chance to witness firsthand the challenges and resilience within our community. It reminds them that the law is ultimately about people — their stories, their struggles and their hopes.”

KU Law is grateful for students who choose to lead with compassion. By stepping beyond the classroom, they aren’t just preparing to be lawyers. They’re preparing to be advocates, neighbors and community leaders.

- By Casey Bacot