Not only was this year’s Law School graduation on May 23 a celebratory send-off for the Class of 2016 but it was also an affirmation of the Stein Scholars Program. In a day filled with notable speeches, honorary degrees, presentations, and the diploma ceremony, the event included recognition of 10 Stein Scholars, who were awarded nine different awards, with three of those Steins receiving more than one award!
While the number of Stein awardees and the range of the awards shouldn’t come as a surprise—their accomplishments in the service of others have been well documented for three years—the awards are a reminder of the dedication, commitment, and passion Stein Scholars bring to all aspects of their law school experience: classes, law school community, internships, clinics, externships, and service to vulnerable constituencies and communities, both domestically and abroad.
Following are the awards Stein Scholars received during the diploma ceremony:
1) The Mary Daly Prize in Legal Ethics – in honor of students who published the most significant writing related to lawyers’ professional responsibility
Hopi Costello, Brandon Ruben, and Emily Vance
2) The Dean’s Special Achievement Award – in recognition of a distinctive contribution to the law school community
Brandon Ruben
3) The Walter B. Kennedy Award – in recognition of extraordinary service in conjunction with the Fordham Law Review
Hopi Costello
4) The Donald Magnetti Award – in honor of outstanding public contributions beyond the Law School
Helen Terrero-Black
5) The Lawrence McKay Prize – in recognition of representation of the Law School in the National Moot Court Competition
Emily Vance
6) The Adele Monaco Memorial Award – to an evening student for demonstration of compassion, courage, determination, and commitment to public service
Angelica Kang
7) The Monsignor James J. Murray Prize for Achievement in Public Service – in support of a commitment to a career in public service
Rodrigo Bacus, Leeanne Cunningham, and Razeen Zaman
8) The National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award – for academic achievement and contributions to the advancement of women in society and promotion of issues and concerns to women in the legal profession
Hailey Flynn
9) The Robert Aram Renzulli Prize in Criminal Law – in honor of a student who excelled and intends to engage in public service criminal law upon graduation
Sasha Fisher