Photo Gallery
James Liggins, ’03 and his wife, Jyllian.
Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio with Raúl Alvarez, Alumni Programs Assistant Director of West Michigan; and Jay Yelton, BA ’83, MSU Law Adjunct Professor
MSU supporters Tim (BA ’62) and Judy Shank with Mary Ann Ferguson, Assistant Dean for DEI
Angelique Camfield-Kuiper, ’96, Tonya Schuitmaker, ’93, Savina Mucci, ’24, Audra Foster, and The Hon. Tiffany Ankley, BA ’91
Spartan lawyers in western Michigan with attachment to MSU and MSU Law gathered in western Michigan on Tuesday to get reacquainted with each other and MSU College of Law.
Interim Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio opened the event with a commitment to strengthen the law college’s relationship with its alumni – and establish one with MSU undergraduates who attended other law schools.
“When I stepped into this role at the beginning of the year, one of my top priorities was to get serious about connecting with our alumni around the state and the country,” Dean Sant’Ambrogio said.
A strong relationship between MSU Law and alumni is mutually beneficial, he said.
“All the good you do for your profession, for your communities, and for your families is a wonderful reflection on MSU Law,” Dean Sant’Ambrogio said. “While I’m here to encourage you to stay involved with us and thank you for your ongoing support, I’m also here to say this is a two-way relationship.
“We want to help ensure your ongoing success as much as we value your support.”
Dean Sant’Ambrogio encouraged alumni to return to MSU Law for help with research, guidance on a difficult case, and friendship.
He also reminded alumni that their continued support will enable the law college to provide more resources for students and attract prominent faculty.
Hugh Theut, ’23, is clerking for Judge Paul Maloney of the Western District of Michigan. He told guests he believes alumni should make it a priority to support their alma mater.
“I think alumni should give back in ways that suit their goals as well as the school’s goals,” Theut said. “For some, that’s taking in interns from MSU, offering their time to volunteer, or making donations.
“I think we all have a responsibility to support those following in our footsteps,” he said.
James Liggins, ’03, Senior Counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd, welcomed guests to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, where he is a member of the Board of Directors.
The Hon. Tiffany Ankley, of the 8th District Court of Kalamazoo County, MSU BA ’91, said the MSU legal community is important in that it is preparing diverse lawyers to represent diverse populations in Michigan and around the country.
The Kalamazoo event was the first in a series of Spartan Lawyers Summer Social Hour events this season. Upcoming events are in New York on June 13; Detroit on June 26; and Lansing on July 30. Look for registration details from MSU Law Office of Advancement.