Alumni Association

As an alumnus of MSU College of Law or its predecessor Detroit College of Law, you are an automatic member of the Alumni Association and are one of over 11,000 strong! This is an active, engaged group with solid programs that improve the law college experience for today’s students while enhancing the reputation of MSU College of Law on a local, national, and global level. Your involvement and commitment as a member of the Alumni Association not only supports the college, it helps boost your career opportunities and expands your social and professional network.

  • Learn more about the Alumni Association

    In 2011, the MSU College of Law Alumni Association unanimously decided to convert to a non-dues-paying membership structure, making membership into the Alumni Association automatic for all graduates.

    As an alumnus of MSU College of Law or its predecessor Detroit College of Law, you have now joined the ranks with 11,544 other graduates who belong to the Alumni Association! This is an active, engaged group with solid programs that improve the law college experience for today’s students while enhancing the reputation of MSU College of Law on a local, national, and global level.

    Your involvement and commitment as a member of the Alumni Association not only supports the college, it helps boost your career opportunities and expands your social and professional network.

    Programs

    • Student/alumni mentor program – pairs current students and alumni worldwide for periodic or ongoing professional interaction
    • Funding for student organizations – helps promote legal education in the classroom and our extended community
    • MSU College of Law Alumni Association Scholarship – benefits a student in need who otherwise may not be able to obtain a law degree
    • Annual golf outing – meet up with alumni on the links to golf, socialize and network
    • Annual reunions, homecoming tailgate and football game – cheer on the Spartans with alumni and friends of the College on this festive, fun game day
    • Michigan Bar Examination breakfast and lunch – After the test, gather with alumni for a meal and networking with the dean, fellow alumni, and friends of the College

    Member benefits

    For more information about events or benefits, contact the Advancement office at 517-432-6840 or alumni@law.msu.edu.

  • George N. Bashara Jr. ’60 Distinguished Alumni Award

    This prestigious and longstanding award was established to recognize outstanding alumni of DCL and MSU Law who meet rigorous criteria, including:

    • Participation in and contribution to the alumni affairs of the College
    • Outstanding personal service to the College
    • Personal accomplishments that enhance the reputation of the College
    • Distinguished service in any field of human endeavor, be it family, community, business, industry, science, or a profession
    • Up to four awards may be given annually to any of our 11,000-plus living alumni, chosen by the Distinguished Alumni Award Committee

    Previous recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award

    2023
    Eric Sabree, ’96
    2022
    The Late Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon, ’86
    S. Gary Spicer, ’69
    2021
    James L. Liggins, ’03
    2020
    Kathleen E. Payne, ’77
    2019
    Ronald A. Deneweth, ’77
    2018
    Rep. Peter J. Lucido, ’88
    2017
    Mayer Morganroth, ’54
    2016
    Prof. Emeritus Edward J. Littlejohn, ’70
    2015
    Judith K. Cunningham, ’83
    2014
    Michael Morris, ’81
    2013
    Prof. Robert M. Filiatrault,'70
    2012
    John F. Schaefer, ’69
    2011
    Hon. Alton Davis, ’74
    2009
    Linda Orlans, ’87
    2008
    Hon. Julie Nicholson, ’87
    2007
    Richard N. Wiener, ’76
    2006
    Hon. William J. Caprathe, ’62
    2005
    Melinda J. Loftin, ’81
    2004
    Victor Marrocco, ’70
    2003
    Francine Cullari, ’82
    2002
    Hon. Bernard Friedman, ’68
    2001
    David Christensen, ’67
    2000
    Richard Victor, ’75
    1999
    Hon. Richard F. Suhrheinrich, ’63
    1998
    Michael Berry, ’50
    1997
    Donald L. Castle, ’36
    Carole L. Chiamp, ’72
    John D. O'Hair, ’54
    1988
    Dennis Archer, ’70
    Harold Oehmke, ’72
    Ellsworth Reynolds, ’42
    Robert J. Traxler, ’60
    1986
    Daniel M. Clark, ’63
    Alan W. Joslyn, ’24
    Leroy B. McInally, ’31
    1985
    Robert Dunwoodie, ’39
    Andrew Transue, ’26
    1984
    Leo Farhat, ’52
    1983
    Frances R. Avadenka, ’66
    1982
    G. Cameron Buchanan, ’30
  • Annual Alumni Association Awards

    The Alumni Association’s Sustained and Extraordinary Professional Achievement Award recognizes an alumna/us who, over the course of her/his career, has attained outstanding achievement within her/his professional field.

    Previous recipients of the Sustained and Extraordinary Professional Achievement Award
    2022 – Jeremy Orr, ‘16
    2021 – Kurt E. Schnelz, ‘85
    2020 – Richard Victor, ‘75
    2019 – Robert E. Carr, ‘88

    The Alumni Association’s Outstanding Service to the College Award recognizes a member of the MSU Law community who has diligently employed her/his time and talents in advancing the interests of the Law College.

    Previous recipients of the Outstanding Service to the College Award
    2022 – Melanie B. Jacobs
    2021 – Ann M. Sherman, ‘04
    2020 – Mary Ann Ferguson, ‘02
    2019 – Trustee Charles A. Janssen

    The Alumni Association’s Exemplary Public Service Award acknowledges the contributions of an alumna/us who has championed the public good through her/his public service, distinguishing her/himself though leadership and personal integrity.

    Previous recipients of the Exemplary Public Service Award
    2022 – The Honorable Lisa Gorcyca, ‘93
    2021 – The Honorable Cylenthia LaToye Miler, ‘96
    2020 – The Honorable Robert J. Colombo, ‘75
    2019 – Hon. Elizabeth T. Clement, ‘02

  • Officers

    The Alumni Board guides and participates in Alumni Association activities to foster and grow alumni relationships, provide networking opportunities, and support student organizations. We invite alumni who wish to positively impact the Law College to serve on the Alumni Association Board. By doing so, alumni can help enhance alumni programs and services, and promote the College of Law by harnessing the influence, expertise, and resources of our alumni.

    Board members serve for three years. Members may serve two consecutive terms. Board meetings are held monthly during the academic year and may be attended via phone for out-of-town members.

    To be considered for board membership, please complete the attached form (PDF) and submit to The Office of Advancement via email. For more information about the Alumni Association and/or board activities, please 517-432-6840 or email the Office of Advancement.

    Alumni Board - Executive Committee

    President: Courtney Gabbara, ’12

    Vice President: Stephanie Vicent, ’11

    Board Parliamentary: Christopher Jackson, ’13

    Alumni Board of Directors

    Jackie A. Dupler, ’12

    Bobby Ficklin Jr., ’11

    Anthony Gonzales, ’20

    Alyssa A. Grissom, ’12

    Christopher Johnson, ’11

    Emilie Lyday, ’20

    Jeremy Manson, ’06

    Patrick O’Brien, ’13

    René Roupinian, ’94

    Robert Shapiro, ’94

    Jacob Simon, ’17

    Brandon Sherman, ’04

    Deema Tarazi, ’12

    Victor Wandzel, ’16

    Justin Williams, ’15

    Ex Officio

    Dean Linda Sheryl Greene

Alumni & Donors