UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONLAW CENTER

DEAN’S AWARDS2012

Wednesday, April 25, 20125:00 PM

Krost Auditorium

COVER GRAPHICS: Sheila Childers

1

Gus A. Schill, Jr. Scholarship for Ethics in RepresentationThe purpose of this scholarship is to recognize personal and professional attributes that contribute to excellence in the practicing attorney. The recipient demonstrates academic promise, financial need, leadership potential, social conscience, and commitment to underserved populations.Donor: Anonymous Recipient: Nancy M. Molina

Gus A. Schill, Jr. Maritime Law and Professionalism ScholarshipAwarded to a third year student in recognition of his dedication to the study of maritime law and professionalism.Donor: Friends of Gus A. Schill Recipient: J. Tanner Honea

Ron Bass ScholarshipThe Ron Bass scholarship is given in memory of Ron Bass, a solo practitioner who had a strong belief in civil liberties and a sincere interest in making a positive difference in his clients’ lives. This scholarship will be awarded to a continuing student who shows a sincere interest in civil liberties and/or making a difference in others’ lives as demonstrated through volunteer activities, coursework, and other relevant factors, and is in need of scholarship support for the continuation of her education.Donor: Meyer Levy Charitable Foundation Recipient: Casey L. Jordan

Marvin Nathan ’66 FellowshipAwarded to a student to work as a fellow with the Anti-Defamation League.Donor: Marlene Nathan Meyerson Family Foundation & Marvin Nathan Recipient: Minator Azemi

Robert C. Sohns ‘72 FellowshipAwarded to a student who has shown interest in public service. This student will serve as a summer intern at Lone Star Legal Aid.Donor: Robert C. Sohns Recipient: Alexander C. Hunt

Jackson Lewis ScholarshipAwarded to a student from a group underrepresented in the legal profession and who has demonstrated an interest in the study and practice of labor and employment law.Donor: Jackson Lewis LLP Recipient: Tracie M. Hall

Judge Mary Bacon ‘72 ScholarshipAwarded to a current law student exemplifying professionalism while maintaining two generation households living at the same residence.Donor: Friends and Family of Judge Mary Bacon Recipient: Suchismita Pahi

Gulf Coast Power Association (GCPA)David Oliver Memorial ScholarshipAwarded to students who have excelled in coursework or written papers that have a significant electricity component.Donor: Gulf Coast Power Association Recipients: Andrew S. Campbell Jesica Rivero Gilbert Annie Kwan Nathan W. Stone

Houston Bar Association, Oil, Gas & Mineral Law ScholarshipAwarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an interest in Oil and Gas.Donor: HBA Oil, Gas & Mineral Section Recipient: Natasha B. Breaux

Texas State Bar Oil and Gas Section ScholarshipAwarded to a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an interest in Oil and Gas.Donor: Texas State Bar Oil and Gas Section Recipients: Lindsey F. Blankenau Jillian M. Rae

ConocoPhillips Energy Studies AwardAwarded to a third year law student in the Energy Studies Program on the basis of scholarship and interest in the field.Donor: ConocoPhillips, Inc. Recipient: Ryan T. Becker

Jacqueline Lang Weaver Excellence Award in Oil & GasAwarded to the student who has demonstrated the highest degree of excellence in studies relating to the field of Oil and Gas Law.Donor: James L. Connor, III Recipient: Benjamin W. Walther

Buck J. Wynne Memorial ScholarshipThe State Bar of Texas Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section established this scholarship in memory of Buck J. Wynne, a prominent environmental attorney who died in 1996. It is awarded to the top students in introductory environmental law classes.Donor: State Bar of Texas Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section Recipient: Jennifer C. Smith

James E. Crowther ScholarshipAwarded to students committed to public interest work.Donor: The Hobby Foundation Recipients: Cara H. Johnson Ryan C. Myers Lisa M. Steffek

AT&T Pro Bono FellowshipThis fellowship is awarded to a student who has a commitment to public service and will be working full-time for a public interest or government agency during the summer.Donor: AT&T Services, Inc. Recipient: Cara H. Johnson

Sondra Tennessee ScholarshipAwarded to a law student who has overcome hardships and demonstrated commitment to the study of law.Donor: Anonymous Recipient: Ollachi Enzé Holman

Barbara H. Fritz ScholarshipAwarded to a student who has shown academic execellence, financial need and a non-traditional educational path, in fulfilling professional aspirations.Donor: The Family and Friends of Barbara H. Fritz Recipient: Lisa M. Steffek

Celia Figueroa ‘94 Memorial ScholarshipThe Celia Figueroa Scholarship was established in honor of the late Celia Figueroa by her family, friends, and employer, BBVA Bancomer USA, for whom she served as General Counsel. The Scholarship is to be awarded annually to a UHLC student who has displayed excellence in her studies and service to the Law Center community. Preference will be given to a 2L who has family obligations and/or whose career involves international business experience.

2

Donor: Bancomer Transfer Services, Inc. and Friends and Family of Celia Figueroa Recipient: Irma de Jesus Jacobson

Nancy Snyder-Nepo ‘00 ScholarshipIn memory of Nancy Snyder-Nepo, a lawyer and mother, who lost her life to cancer at a young age. This scholarship is awarded to provide financial assistance for a Law Center student who is balancing the role of parent and student.Donor: Family and Friends of Nancy Snyder-Nepo Recipient: Megan L. Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Larry W. Fultz Memorial ScholarshipAwarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.Donor: Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Larry W. Fultz Recipients: Nicholas Brown Melissa R. Morris Juliana Ong Michael D. Stewart Srimath S. Subasinghe

Samson Memorial Animal Law ScholarshipThis scholarship is in memory of Moe and Louis Nasr’s beloved German Shepherd dog, Samson. Awarded to a student who has demonstrated a passion for and commitment to animal advocacy.Donor: Mr. & Mrs. Moe Nasr Recipient: Casey E. Holder

Andy B. Thigpen ‘93 ScholarshipAndrew “Andy” Byron Thigpen ‘93 believed in obtaining justice for “the little guy” through practicing law with honor. He was inspired by both literature and attorneys around him who practiced with integrity. This scholarship is awarded to the student who wrote the best essay describing her extracurricular activities and how she balances her “life in the law” with her personal life.Donor: Friends of Andy Thigpen Recipient: Ashley M. Hymel

Phyllis Randolph Frye Writing Competition AwardFor the best paper in topics relating to an area of law (i.e. family, employment, education K-12, insurance, criminal) dealing with gender identity or gender expression, with preference given to transgender and intersex issues.Donor: Judge Phyllis R. Frye Recipient: Cristian Rosas-Grillet, “Born This Way: A Comparison of the Asylum Law of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as Applied to Transgender Individuals”

Ewer-Oren J.D. Health Law Writing AwardAwarded to a J.D. student who produced the best Health Law-related research paper.Donor: Professor Laura Oren Recipient: 1st Place - Stacey Neumann, “Traumatic Brain Injury and Football: Tackling the Issue of Concussions and Football Helmet Safety” 2nd Place - Qiang Hao, “Who Has Control Over Your Gene? – Privacy and Security Concerns of Individual Whole Genome Information in an E-Health Era”

3

4

Ann Dinsmore Forman AWIL AwardIn memory of the co-founder and founding president of the Association of Women in Law, Ann Dinsmore Forman, this award is presented to the students who best exemplify advocacy of matters of particular concern to the Association of Women in Law.Donor: Friends of Ann Dinsmore Forman Recipients: Kathy M. Goodwin Cara H. Johnson

Ann Dinsmore Forman Memorial Child Advocacy AwardAnn Forman spent nearly her entire professional life in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office in its unit devoted to the protection of abused and neglected children. She was a tireless advocate for her charges, and an inspiration to all who knew her. This scholarship is awarded to the students whose careers demonstrate a high level of commitment to the welfare of abused or neglected children, or other children with special needs. Donor: Friends of Ann Dinsmore Forman Recipients: Shiloh A. Carter Cara H. Johnson

Alumni Association ScholarshipAwarded to students exhibiting leadership, character and involvement in extracurricular activities. Preference is given to students who have volunteered with the Law Gala and Auction.Donor: Annual Law Gala and Auction Recipients: Ashley D. Foret Tamecia G. Harris Katherine L. Petroski

Claire V. Smith ScholarshipAwarded to assist a law student in fulfilling her professional aspirations.Donor: Claire V. Smith Charitable Foundation Recipient: Mary Catherine G. Isensee

Yale Rosenberg Memorial PrizeAwarded for the best student paper in Administrative Law, Civil Procedure, Federal Jusirdiction or Jewish Law.Donor: Friends of Yale Rosenberg Recipients: David J. Hrncir, “Regulating Through Rules: Suggested Changes in the Federal Regulation of Veterinary Compounding”

Matthew C. Hoffman, “Fast’s Four Factors: A Solution to Similarly Situated Discovery Disputes in FLSA Collective Actions”

Prudential Life Insurance ScholarshipAwarded to students in the Health Law Program who have exhibited academic excellence.Donor: Prudential Life Insurance Company Recipients: Stephanie M. Eberhardt Viana Hodge Ryan R. Ingraham

Houston Intellectual Property Law Association (HIPLA) ScholarshipAwarded to students who demonstrate interest in intellectual property through coursework, prior internships, prior employment and participation in student organizations.Donor: HIPLA

Recipients: Blaine A. Larson Priya G. Prasad Eleanor L. Tyson

5

UH Law Center AIPLEF Jan Jancin Award 2010 NomineeAwarded to the Law Center’s sole nominee to a national scholarship competition conducted by the American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation (AIPLEF), an organization formed by the nation’s preeminent IP bar organization, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA). The scholarship is in honor of the late Jan Jancin, who served not only as President of AIPLA, but served with distinction in several other leadership roles within the intellectual property bar.Donor: Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law Recipient: Darren Smith

UH Law Center 2010 IPIL Award for Distinguished AccomplishmentAwarded to a student who has exemplified excellence in intellectual property academic studies and is interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property or information law.Donor: Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law Recipient: Priya G. Prasad

IPSO Service AwardAwarded to a member of the Intellectual Property Student Organization (IPSO) for outstanding contributions to the community of students studying intellectual property and information law at the Law Center.Donor: Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law Recipient: Sujohn Das

IPIL Co-Directors AwardAwarded for the best student-authored paper in the field of intellectual property and information law from a seminar course taught by IPIL core faculty.Donor: Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law Recipient: Blake D. Stovall

Houston Bar Association, Probate, Trusts and Estates AwardAwarded to a law student who has shown exemplary success in coursework related to probate.Donor: HBA Probate, Trusts & Estates Section Recipient: Robert S. Griffin

Houston Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Section AwardAwarded to a current law student who demonstrates academic merit and an interest in corporate law through course work.Donor: HBA Corporate Counsel Section Recipient: Juliana Ong

Houston Bar Association - Real Estate Law Section AwardAwarded to the top student in advanced Real Estate courses.Donor: HBA Real Estate Law Section Recipient: Briggs A. Knight

Black Law Student Association (BLSA) Alumni ScholarshipThis award was established by the BLSA Alumni to assist a student member of the organization in her quest for professional success.Donor: Alumni of the Black Law Students Association Recipient: Janese N. Golden-Dews

6

Sam Williamson Fellowship in Immigration LawThis scholarship was created in memory of Sam Williamson, a tireless advocate for immigrants. His career spanned more than five decades during which he fought fiercely for the rights of his clients. It is awarded to a student who is committed to the practice of immigration law.Donor: Family and friends of Sam Williamson Recipient: Dyan E. Parada

Joseph Vail Memorial ScholarshipTo honor the memory of Joseph Vail, Director of the Immigration Clinic, this award is given to a student who has demonstrated interest in immigration law and also great advocacy on behalf of immigrants through course work and involvement with the clinic.Donor: Friends and Family of Joseph Vail Recipient: Andrea L. Penedo

Irving J. Weiner Memorial ScholarshipAwarded to a student working in the Legal Aid ClinicDonor: Mrs. Irving J. Weiner and friends of Irving J. Weiner Recipient: Sarah P. Loeffler

ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership AwardAwarded to the law student in the graduating class who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership.Donor: American Law Institute-ABA Committee on Continuing Professional Education Recipient: Garrett Gibson

American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of ExcellenceAwarded to the student who receives the highest grade in Bankruptcy.Donor: Thatcher Proffitt & Wood LLP Recipient: Pamela L.Taylor

DeAnna Mack’08 Memorial ScholarshipThis scholarship is awarded in memory of DeAnna Mack who died at young age shortly after graduating from the Law Center.Donor: Jones McClure Publishing, Inc. and Friends and Family of DeAnna Mack Recipient: Brandi J. Croffie

Irene Merker Rosenberg Child Advocacy ScholarshipIn memory of Irene Merker Rosenberg, a scholar and advocate of children’s rights, this scholarship is designed for law students who are interested in working in the area of children and the law. In addition to providing a financial scholarship the program also provides advanced educational opportunities, career counseling and year-round employment opportunities to students committed to advancing the legal interests of children.Donor: University of Houston Law CenterRecipients: Shiloh A. Carter Alexander C. Hunt Cara H. Johnson Janice Y. Lu Katherine B. Quinn Ubani E. Ukuku Chloe L. Walker Patricia H. Zesut

7

Judge Shearn Smith ScholarshipAwarded to second- and third- year law students who have demonstrated the great-est improvement in the study of law.Donor: Friends of Judge Shearn Smith Recipients: James D. Cypert Briana L. Deane Sabrina K. Johnson Jordan M. Rolfe

Barksdale Stevens AwardAwarded to a deserving third- year law student who is active and shows interest in the Law Center.Donor: BakerBotts LLP Recipient: Tamecia G. Harris

Caroline Hirsch (Vanik) Beers ‘97 AwardAwarded to law students who are single parents and have a love of the law and a committment to social service.Donor: Lauren and Lindsay Vanik and Caroline Vanik Beers Recipients: Ollachi Enzé Holman Vi T. Tran

J. Huey O’Toole AwardAwarded to a student of outstanding character who has exhibited academic excellence in family law courses.Donor: Friends and family of J. Huey O’Toole Recipient: Sarah P. Loeffler

Gil Epstein ‘94 ScholarshipAwarded to a student who plans to be a criminal lawyer and has shown the greatest promise in that regard.Donor: Friends and Family of Gil Epstein Recipient: Mallory A. Mc Kenney

Joan Garfinkel Glantz ScholarshipAwarded for the best paper on Civil Liberties.Donor: Professor Irene Rosenberg, Fay Garfinkel Recipient: Marcella C. Burke

John O’Quinn ‘67 Memorial ScholarshipIn memory of John O’Quinn, one the nations leading attorneys, this scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who is involved in the Houston Law Review and The Advocates.Donor: The John O’Quinn Memorial Fund Recipient: Frank O. Carroll, III

International Academy of Trial Lawyers AwardAwarded to a student explemifying outstanding ability in courtroom advocacy.Donor: Mr. Donald F. O’Brien Recipient: Whitney D. Wester

The Order of the BarristersThe Order of Barristers is a national honorary organization whose purpose is the encouragement of oral advocacy and brief writing skills through effective law school oral advocacy programs. The Order also provides national recognition for individuals who have excelled in advocacy and service at their respective schools. In 1973, Martindale-Hubbell, Inc. acknowledged the distinction of being selected to membership in the Order by agreeing to list it among the scholastic distinctions included in a lawyer’s biographical sketch.Recipients: Frank O. Carroll, III Matthew A. Copeland Garrett Gibson Bradford J. Hendrickson Kelsey Ann King Mark E. Mitchell Allison E. Moore Dennis Siaw-Lattey Continued

8

Whitney D. Wester Andrea Victoria Ruth Zepeda

James Edmund Kemp ScholarshipIn memory of James Edmund Kemp, this scholarship was created to to provide financial assistance to UH Law Center students who are balancing financing their legal education along with other financial obligations. Donor: Judy Amonett (‘03) Recipients: Rebecca Farrell Tracie M. Hall Jerry W. Mason Pegah Rahgozar

W. Harold Sellers ScholarshipAwarded to a student who demonstrates strong academics and financial need.Donor: W. Harold Sellers Recipient: Kausthub Kumar

Robert Allen Memorial Student Excellence FundIn memory of Robert Allen, this scholarship was established to provide assistance to a part-time student who has a passion for the law.Donor: Elizabeth Allen Recipient: Shiloh A. Carter

Nathan, Sommers & Jacobs ScholarshipAwarded to a student who has demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to the Law Center.Donor: Nathan, Sommers & Jacobs, A professional corporation Recipient: Michael J. Hoffman

Hutcheson & Grundy ScholarshipAwarded to assist a second year student to fulfill professional aspirations based on demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement and potential for successful study in law school.Donor: Hutcheson & Grundy LLP Recipient: Jeffrey S. Adams

Alicia Jewel / Mehaffey & Weber ScholarshipIn memory of Alicia Jewell a 1990 graduate who lost her life in an automobile accident. This scholarship was created to assist an outstanding 1L or 2L female student who shows not only scholarship but also leadership abilities and who is in need of scholarship support for the continuation of her education.Donor: Mehaffey & Weber and Friends of Alicia Jewell Recipient: Nancy M. Molina

Murray M. Nusynowitz Memorial FundAwarded to law students who are active in the recruitment and admissions process.Donor: Friends and Family of Murray M. Nusynowitz Recipients: Nandini Kavuri Aman Fissihaie

National Order of ScribesAwarded to graduating law students who demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and are outstanding legal writers.Donor: Order of Scribes Recipients: Eileen Boyce Cory Fox Matthew Hoffman

Legal Research & Writing Best Brief AwardAwarded to the best appellate brief written by current first students. Briefs were judged by practicing attorneys in the Houston area.Donor: Liskow & LewisRecipient: Michael J. Hoffman

LEX AWARDS

9

Awarded to students receiving the highest grade in a first year course.

Recipients:

Constitutional Law Contracts Criminal LawAndrew S. Campbell Scott P. Armstrong Shaun A. CassinErin Monroe Nicholas Brown David J. HrncirRyan C. Myers Laura W. Duncan Lisa M. ScharfMichael D. Stewart Modinat A. Kotun Katherine M. Witty Michael D. Poynter Procedure I Property Torts Sanjay Bapat Lindsey F. Blankenau Ashlin C. AldingerNicholas Brown Michael D. Stewart Nicholas Brown Alyssa J. Ladd Srimath S. Subasinghe Megan A. Ceder Joshua D. Lee Robert D. Ward Scott W. Kendall Srimath S. Subasinghe Kourtney L. Osegueda David J. Rusk

Legal Research and WritingDino Arslanagic Daniel F. Dries Poh Cheng NeohKatherine A. Barnhill Laura W. Duncan Clint R. ReedYanet M. Benitez Rissel C. Durand Rebekah D. ReneauEvan C. Blankenau Kate C. Ferrell Islara U. Rodriguez Natasha B. Breaux Kelly R. Ferrell Michael I. SchneiderNicholas Brown Edward B. Goolsby Benjamin F. SmithAndrew C. Bueso Michael J. Hoffman Joseph R. StrubleShaun A. Cassin Lee B. Hunt Srimath S. SubasingheBrendan Conley Zeeshan H. Malik Robert D. Ward Peter D. Danysh Daniela T. Martinez Emily L. WilliamsKelsey Del Rio Sofia Morales Administrative Law Intro to American Law Law Practice StrategiesJonathan H. Harder Tiago António Martins Da Cruz Jillian M. RaeAngela S. Odensky

Poverty Law Practice Statutory Interpretation & Reasoning Katherine A. Barnhill David J. Hrncir Natasha B. BreauxJennifer B. Caplan Texas Consumer LawSandra L. Garcia Davis A. Zapffe

2012 SUMMER PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWS

Phillip A. Baggett Texas Innocence Network (Non-Capital Division) Lillian A. Baker United States Embassy, Niamey, Niger Joshua A. Barron US Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada Yanet M. Benitez Disability Rights Texas Darren A. Braun Blair County District Attorney’s Office Paige A. Cantrell PEMEX Shiloh A. Carter Galveston County District Attorney’s Office Amy D. Demmler Harris County District Attorney’s Office Stephanie M. Eberhardt US Attorney’s Office – SD Texas Mili Gosar Children at Risk Tracie M. Hall Lone Star Legal Aid L. Ariell Hardy US Attorney’s Office – SD Texas Brandy A. Howard City of Austin Cara H. Johnson Bay Area Legal Aid Paul Kharmats Lone Star Legal Aid Blair J. Leake Harris County District Attorney’s Office Olivia R. Mathias Kids in Need of Defense, Inc. Nancy M. Molina Disability Rights Texas Ballari Mukherjee TIRR Memorial Hermann – ILRU Kevin D. O’Brien Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid – Houston Emma R. Raimi-Zlatic United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Justin K. Ratley Harris County District Attorney’s Office Amir Roohi Catholic Charities of Central Texas Jenna S. Saldana Disability Rights Texas James M. Santangelo Harris County District Attorney’s Office Lisa M. Steffek Center for Children, Law & Policy Alexandra L. Vickery DHS, ICE, Office of Chief Counsel Drew J. Willey Texas Innocence Network (Capital Division) Julia Y. Zhang Beijing Arbitration Commission

Awarded for public interest work with an agency that has limited financial support.