On Graduation Awards

A few weeks ago nominations the first round of voting was opened for three graduation awards: student speaker, outstanding contribution to student life, and the gavel award. Today we got an email with the finalists, so I’m going to use this space stump for my preferred candidates.

Gavel Award

• Prof. Hannah Buxbaum
• Pat Clark
• Jim Schutter

While Jim Schutter (our Director of Financial Aid) has done amazing work for pretty much everyone here, and Prof. Buxbaum is widely regarded as an excellent teacher (and, some say, the hottest prof at the law school), I really think the class ought to give the award to Pat Clark this year. I’m biased, of course, because I’ve been working with the admissions office for so long, but her 40 years of service to IU Law cannot possibly receive enough accolades, awards, or recognition. Do the right thing, 3Ls, vote Pat Clark for Gavel Award.

Outstanding Contribution to Student Life

• Chris Coakley
• Chrissy Habeeb
• Katie Jackson
• Jen Nagourney

I think Katie and Jen should be run-away favorites for this award, and I’m not sure how I’m going to choose between them. Chrissy has also done quite a bit — starting the law school’s first pro-abortion (love you, Chrissy) group took a lot of effort on her part and, while it’s not my cup of tea, it’s worth keeping in mind. That said, I think Katie’s involvement with damn near everything at the law school (SBA, Moot Court, and Trial Team to name just a few) and Jen’s work with PILF and the New Orleans trips have meant more to more people.

Student Speaker

• Chris Coakley
• Katie Jackson
• Eric Loftman

I definitely don’t trust Chris or Eric not to turn our graduation address into their own personal political rally, and even folks who agree with their politics should be weary of the possibility. I can’t think of many things that would be worse and while I don’t have anything against them, I don’t think this is the time or place for their ideologies. I’ll be voting for Ms. Jackson for sure, and you should too.