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August, 2014
Dear SIU Law Alumni,
A new academic year has begun and there is much good news to report. We are pleased to welcome 125 students in our entering class. Members of the Class of 2017 come from 19 states and 65 undergraduate institutions; 42% are female; and 25% self identify as members of minority groups. Their varied backgrounds, experiences, and passions will enhance SIU Law's learning environment over the next three years. 
During the final day of their Orientation, they had an opportunity to bond during a very successful group service project at Giant City State Park. Read more.  
Class of 2017 at Giant City Stables
New Faculty
When Dean Lesar set about the task of building a law school at SIU, he understood that the recrutiment of outstanding faculty would be critical to its success. That remains true today. Although the names and faces have changed since many of you attended law school, I can assure you that we have worked hard to preserve this commitment to faculty excellence. We are very happy to welcome three outstanding faculty members to the SIU Law community.  Read about them here. 
Jennifer A. Brobst
Jennifer A. Brobst
Edward C. Dawson
Edward C. Dawson
Angela Upchurch
Angela Upchurch
New Campus Leadership
In addition to welcoming new students and faculty at the School of Law, we also welcome new campus leaders President Randy Dunn and Interim Chancellor Paul Sarvela. Both have expressed their pride and support for the law school, and I look forward to working with them to advance SIU. 
Law School Graduation is Back!
Although we are just beginning the academic year, I am pleased to report that one of the changes already announced by the new campus leadership is a return to the law school's independent commencement and hooding ceremony. The ceremony has been an important tradition for SIU Law and our students, and I know that many of you will be happy to see it return. 
Veterans Tailgate and Military Appreciation Football Game
SIU Law is proud of its many students and graduates who have served our country in its military. On Saturday, September 13, the law school, with the help of students in the Military Law Society, will host a tailgate on Saluki Row before the football Salukis’ annual military appreciation game against Southeast Missouri State. 
Tailgate starts at 4 pm, game starts at 6 pm. Veterans and active military get free admission to the game. Please join us!
As an added bonus, the Traveling Vietnam Wall will be on display on SIU's practice field.  Read more about the Traveling Wall.  
Upcoming Events
I hope you will be able to join us at an upcoming event.
  • Dr. Arthur Grayson Lecture - September 10 @ 5 pm
    "Brain Dead and Pregnant: The legal and ethical considerations and impact of the Marlise Munoz case"  - Jessica Janicek 
  • Asylum Law CLE - October 17 @ 1:00 pm
  • Appellate Lawyers Association CLE - October 29 - afternoon (more info TBA)
  • Supreme Court of the United States Group Admission Ceremony - April 6, 2015
Retirements
As I mentioned earlier, a lot of names and faces have changed over the years here at the law school. But in the past two years, some of those who have been here for a significant portion of our history have retired, or begun a transition to retirement.  Please join me in congratulating professors Gene Basanta, Keith Beyler, Tom Britton, Frank Houdek, and Bill Schroeder on their long and successful careers here at SIU Law. We are fortunate that they each remain involved with the School of Law.
Elizabeth O'Neil, our long-time director of alumni affairs will also be retiring at the end of September. We thank her for her many years of service to SIU Law. Please feel free to send her your well wishes for a happy retirement. I know many of you have contacted her over the years with news about your lives and careers. Although we don't have a new alumni affairs director yet, we don't want to miss out on any of your news. Please share your announcements with Alicia Ruiz. We want our next message to focus on alumni accomplishments, so don't be shy.
Best regards,

law.siu.edu       
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lawdean@law.siu.edu
Office of the Dean
Southern Illinois University School of Law
1150 Douglas Drive Mailcode 6804 | Carbondale, IL 62901 US
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