Washington Adventist University’s Pre-Law Student Dinner Gives Guidance and Inspiration
Takoma Park, Md. (September 29, 2016) Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) Center for Law and Public Policy hosted its 8th Annual Attorney Pre-Law Student Dinner on September 25, 2016. The dinner event offered the University’s pre-law students the opportunity to meet practicing attorneys and members of the legal profession who can provide them with inspiration and guidance as they move forward into their careers.
The reception offered WAU students and 20 high school and academy students an occasion to network with a number of attorneys, many of whom are alumni. During the dinner, attorneys were seated at each table, which allowed students to continue their dialogue. In addition to scholarly advice, attendees participated in discussions on current events and how the law relates.
Petra Aaron, the Mock Trial Team coach, received special recognition for her work with the team and for facilitating the team’s membership in the American Mock Trial Association. Washington Adventist University is the only Seventh-day Adventist institution in this association. The mock trial team members were also recognized.
This year’s theme was “Witness,” and the keynote speaker, alumnus Stephen Brennwald Esq, asked “how do you know if a witness is telling the truth?” He then proceeded to give examples from his career.
“The networking among lawyers and students, and lawyers and lawyers is essential for students to get a glimpse of what the possibilities are for a legal career. It’s an important part of nurturing and retaining students,” said Joan Francis, DA, chair of the WAU Department of History and Political Studies.
“I enjoyed connecting with the attorneys at the dinner, especially with the one at my table. We discussed a recent mock trial case,” said Eloney Perry-Ryan, a junior pre-law student and President of the Pre-Law Club. “I think Dr. Francis does an amazing job with the pre-law program and with encouraging the students. Because WAU is small and family-oriented, she works one-on-one with us and is always open to listening to our needs and concerns.”
The Center for Law and Public Policy was founded in 1998 and remains focused on its three purposes: encouraging young Adventists to consider careers in law and public policy, fostering fellowship among Adventist attorneys, and demonstrating how Adventists can be effective advocates for moral change in society. The Pre-Law Club is open to all Washington Adventist University students. The club serves students who plan to pursue a legal education or who are interested in law.
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Washington Adventist University is Montgomery County’s only four-year private college. Part of the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education, Washington Adventist University has been educating college students since 1904 on a 19-acre campus in suburban Takoma Park, close to the nation’s capital. Approximately 1,100 students of all faiths participate in the university’s eight graduate and 42 undergraduate programs. The 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.
Media Contacts:
Angie Crews, 301-891-4134, acrews@wau.edu
Donna Bigler, 240-286-1169, dbigler@wau.edu