Arriving from all across the country, Catholic Law School graduates, friends, and family attended Reunion 2019. The date of the 2019 reunion was pushed up to September 27-28, this allowed those attending the reunion to also take part in the University's Light the Way Campaign kick-off.

The busy weekend of events helped old friends and classmates reconnect, keep up with law school developments, and engage with new opportunities to support their law alma mater in the future.

"Reunions are a great opportunity for alumni to reconnect with each other and the Catholic Law Community," noted Louise Lydon, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations. "They also encourage alumni to reflect on their time at Catholic Law and the role the Catholic Law community has played in their lives."

Eleven class years were invited to participate in Reunion 2019: 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 & 2014.

The weekend kicked off with a Friday Alumni Reception with Dean Stephen C. Payne at The Occidental Grill. The reception honored Reunion Class Committee members, donors to the 2019 reunion class gifts, and this year's Distinguished Alumni winners.

Donald W. Farley '69 was presented with the William Callyhan Robinson Alumni Award. Clarence E. Martin III '74 and Paul M. Bisaro '89 were presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The Honorable Elizabeth M. Timothy '89 was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award. These awards recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through notable achievements in their professional and personal lives. Recipients of this prestigious award have translated their Catholic Law experience into notable achievements in the public, business or professional realms and bring honor to Catholic Law. Michelle W. Lease '14 received the Distinguished Recent Alumni Award, this award is for alumni who have graduated in the last fifteen years.

Richard M. Starr '79 and Chris R. Concannon '94 were also recognized as Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. They will be presented their awards on December 3rd at the Alumni Christmas Party in New York City, which will be hosted by Frank Hearn '89 at the Yale Club.

Saturday morning offered alumni visitors a relaxing mix of social time and informational events. Professor Roger Hartley held a presentation on Teaching Millennials: Challenges and Opportunities in the Slowinski Courtroom. Following the presentation guests were invited into the Louise H. Keelty and James Keelty Jr. Atrium to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Law School Building.

The celebration featured Professor Emeritus Ralph Rohner '63, Professor Emerita Leah Wortham, Former Lead Architect Russell Perry (SmithGroup), and University President John Garvey. Rohner, Wortham, and Perry discussed some of the challenges, as well as the rewarding experiences tied to the planning, construction, and opening of the law school building. Garvey highlighted the beauty and pertinence of the building, while also talking to some of the future plans for the University. 

Dean Stephen Payne closed the celebration with his State of the Law School Address and a toast to the 25th Anniversary of the law school building.

The Judge Kathryn J. DuFour Law Library continued the 25th anniversary celebration by presenting a special exhibit that centered around the plans, construction, and opening of the law school building. Professor Emeritus Stephen Margeton was on hand with Professor Emerita Leah Wortham and Russell Perry to share their memories of the of the building planning and construction.

The afternoon continued with a three-hour picnic on the Law School lawn. The cook out featured lawn games, and children's activities such as a moon bounce and face painting. Live music added to a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.

Saturday evening featured the class reunion parties held at two different locations. The parties were located at The Willard Hotel and Proper 21. The Law School instituted trophies, including cups and bowls, to recognize the achievements of reunion classes. The Class of 1969 won the Robinson Bowl for the most money raised out of those celebrating 40th, 45th and 50th anniversaries. The Class of 1989 was awarded the Leahy Bowl for most money raised for a class not in the Robinson Society. The Class of 1999 won the Alumni Cup for the highest attendance registration, and the Class of 1974 won the Dean's Cup for the highest donation rate.

CUA Law alumni who graduated 40 or more years ago were inducted into the William Callyhan Robinson Society, with special recognition to the Class of 1969. Many current and emeritus CUA Law faculty joined alumni for the evening events.

To view photos from this weekend, visit the photo album section of CUA Law's Facebook page here: Friday Night, Saturday Day, and Saturday Night.