Sunny skies and blooming trees welcomed potential students from near and far to Green Hall for the Admitted Students Open House. Admitted students attended from states across the country, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas. If you were one of them, you hopefully have a better feel for what KU Law has to offer. If you were unable to make it, here are the highlights:
The morning kicked off with a Diversity Breakfast. KU Law has a proud tradition of embracing and promoting diversity – the first African-American student graduated in 1887, and the first female in 1891. The law school continues to strive toward providing a diverse learning environment for all students, staff and faculty, with many active student groups that showcase this involvement and dedication. Groups include the Black Law Students Association, Asian Law Students Association, Native American Law Students Association, Hispanic American Law Students Association, OUTLaws and Allies, Women in Law and political and service organizations.
The Diversity Breakfast was followed by a welcome from KU Law Dean Stephen Mazza. Associate Dean Melanie Wilson discussed classes and clinical opportunities (KU Law has 13 clinical opportunities), and Assistant Dean Arturo Thompson outlined the role of Career Services at the law school. Every student at KU Law should have a relationship with the Career Services staff, as they help 1Ls and 2Ls find summer internships and 3Ls and alumni find careers after their time in Green Hall.
Just before lunch, students heard from prominent alumni during a Career Services Alumni Panel, which included Judge Julie Robinson, U.S. district judge for the District of Kansas; Jabari Wamble, assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas City, Kan.; Anne Emert, Stinson Morrison Hecker, Kansas City, Kan.; and Mark Emert, Fagan Emert & Davis LLC, Lawrence. KU Law alumni practice in large and small firms, for government and non-profit organizations and in many diverse fields, and these alums were good representation of career possibilities.
The afternoon was just as informative. Students were able to tour Green Hall, received information from Financial Aid, and sat in on a mock class taught by Professor Lou Mulligan. They got their tough admissions questions answered in a Q&A; session with Assistant Dean Steve Freedman, and their tough student life questions answered by a panel of current KU Law students.
After a busy, informative day, the event concluded with a reception at a Lawrence hot spot, Pachamama’s, where admitted students could socialize with each other, current students, faculty, and deans. As students enjoyed drinks and appetizers, they were able to discuss any final questions in the casual, trendy atmosphere provided by one of the many great restaurants in downtown Lawrence. It was a wonderfully successful event, and we look forward to seeing many of you in Green Hall this summer and fall!
— Crystal Cook, 2L and Student Ambassador