Twelve students to graduate with pro bono honors

Twelve Washburn University School of Law students will receive Distinguished Pro Bono Honors or Pro Bono Honors at the law school commencement on May 11, 2013. Students who complete at least 50 hours of qualifying work are awarded Pro Bono Honors and those who complete at least 100 hours are awarded Distinguished Pro Bono Honors. These students will be recognized in the graduation program and their transcripts will reflect their success.

Those receiving Distinguished Pro Bono Honors are Benjamin Bowman, Perry, Kan.; Jonathan Myers, Wichita; Stephanie Randall, Topeka; Elizabeth Stuewe, Lawrence, Kan.; and Alisha Udhwani, St. Crouix, Virgin Islands. 

Students receiving Pro Bono Honors are Artur Bagyants, Overland Park, Kan.; Jordan Blair, Lawrence; Daniel Creitz, Erie, Kan.; Marissa Frederick, Topeka; Jerry Johnson,Topeka; Taryn Locke, Wichita; and Carly McPeak, Montrose, Colo.

The Class of 2013 contributed more than 1,432 hours toward the Pro Bono Honors Program during their tenure at Washburn Law. This total does not include many students who contributed but did not report hours nor does it include hours above the 100 minimum for Distinguished Pro Bono Honors recognition. Several students simply stopped reporting their hours once they reached 100. Additionally, there are many students who worked on service activities either through the Washburn Law Clinic or as part of an academic certificate program. When clinic hours and certificate requirements are included, it is plain to see the very significant contribution our students are making in the community.

"As our economy struggles to regain traction, I am proud that our students are providing access to justice to the many underserved individuals in our community," said Margann Bennett, Director of Professional Development and Pro Bono. "Some of the organizations that benefited from our students’ efforts include Kansas Legal Services, VITA, CASA, Colorado Legal Services, Shawnee County Corrections, Washburn Law Clinic (interpreting), Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, and the Kansas Judicial Counsel."

Posted April 16, 2013.