From the President and Dean - 2019 Magazine

Welcome to the newly reimagined Albany Law Magazine. These pages are dedicated to our strengths: independence, innovation, and impact—the pillars of We Rise Together: The Campaign for Albany Law School.

By now you may have heard that earlier this year we launched the most ambitious fundraising effort in our history—with it, an historic $15 million gift to endow the clinical programs at The Justice Center at Albany Law School. The significance of this gift is immeasurable. It is a testament to the great work of our clinics, our students, our faculty, and our staff—anyone who has ever touched a life or changed a community under the banner of Albany Law School.

You will read in this magazine about the pillars—what they mean and why we are raising funds to support them. You will also read about the people who embody independence, innovation, or impact: Jack Withiam Jr. ’74, a trustee who has paid it forward in a big way; Ashley Dunbar ’19, who has over- come challenges with the help of scholarship support; Heather Hage ’06 and others who are training the next wave of tech-focused lawyers; Dan Nolan ’78, who wants the law school to succeed—and yes, sometimes fail—in the service of innovation; Kelechi and Obinna Nwagboso, restaurateurs with a new venture helped by our Community Development Clinic; Professor Sarah Rogerson, whose partnership with the sheriff of Albany County has redefined “law and order,” turning upside down the ways in which attorneys and law enforcement can collaborate for the public good; Erica Askew ’21, a Navy JAG Corps intern with plans to make her mark on the world; and many others.

You will also read about the programs that represent the spirit of our pillars: a foundational Pathways program, the Government Law Center Fellowship, that provides opportunities from orientation through graduation; a cutting-edge course on drone law; a pilot program for budding securities industry professionals; a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which will make our community stronger and will have lasting effects on our profession; and so much more.

Remaining are the familiar features: In Brief, History, Alumni Pages, and Faculty Pages, highlighting the impactful scholarship and accomplishments of our amazing professors. And, of course, the ever- popular Class Notes.

This magazine reflects the best of our law school. I am so proud of how far we have come; I am excited about the direction we are heading. Thank you for reading—and thank you for supporting Albany Law School.

All my best,

ALICIA OUELLETTE ’94
President and Dean