INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(340, 'Sustainable Energy Symposium Offers Glimpse of the Future', '2009-02-18', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; float: right; width: 450px;\">\n<object width=\"437\" height=\"370\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" id=\"viddler_65d5b5eb\"><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"transparent\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/65d5b5eb/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed width=\"437\" height=\"370\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/65d5b5eb/\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_65d5b5eb\" wmode=\"transparent\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\n\nOn Tuesday, February 10th, Widener Law’s Harrisburg campus played host to Sustainable Energy: The Intersection of Innovation, Law, and Policy, a symposium examining efforts to develop efficient, renewable energy. The Widener <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>, the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawJournal.aspx\">Widener Law Journal</a>, and Keystone BioFuels sponsored the event, and Distinguished Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DernbachJohnC.aspx\">John C. Dernbach</a>, Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/OliverWesleyM.aspx\">Wesley M. Oliver</a> and Allison Miles, the Widener Law Journal\'s Symposium Editor, organized the program.<br><br>The daylong program featured an early morning welcome from Widener Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>, followed by the distinguished address entitled <em>Pennsylvania’s New Energy Economy and the New Administration: A Response to Changing Economic Times</em> from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary John Hanger.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatLeft\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DJCSustainabilityPOST235px2.jpg\" alt=\"DJCSustainabilityPOST235px2\">Following Secretary Hanger’s address, Miriam Horn, Coauthor of <em>Earth: The Sequel</em>, moderated a panel discussion on innovators and innovations in sustainable energy. The panel featured a number of experts, including Widener Law alum Kathryn Robison ’99, who represented Dynamotive USA, a producer of bio-fuels. The day featured a number of other panel discussions, including a panel on Implementing Pennsylvania Act 129 of 2008 and a panel on the Next Generation of Policies for Energy Innovation.<br><br>The symposium also featured a look at some of the technologies being discussed, including a fully functioning hydrogen fuel cell car produced by General Motors. Luke May, a representative of General Motors and a participant in the morning panel discussion on innovations, demonstrated the vehicle and discussed how it worked. Event sponsor Keystone BioFuels also displayed a motorcycle designed to run on bio-fuels throughout the course of the day.<br><br>The program offered participants a wide-ranging look at efforts to find sustainable sources of energy as well as the legal issues and government regulations impacting the situation.<br><br><iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Sustainability/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: left;\"></iframe><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(341, 'Widener Women’s Law Caucus honors retired Judge Susan C. Del Pesco', '2009-02-19', '<span style=\"\"><img width=\"278\" height=\"370\" alt=\"delPesco\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/delPesco.jpg\" class=\"FloatLeft\">The Women’s Law Caucus on the Delaware campus has bestowed its inaugural Women’s Advocate Award to retired Superior Court Judge Susan C. Del Pesco.<br><br>The award honors an individual for his or her achievements and contributions that directly advance women in the legal profession and advocate for women in the community. <br><br>Del Pesco graduated from Widener Law when it was known as Delaware Law School. She was a member of the class of 1975 – the school’s first class. She currently serves on the law school’s Board of Overseers and is a member of the adjunct faculty, teaching a course on legal writing. She also recently signed on to serve as director of the Division of Long Term Care Residents’ Protection program within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. <br><br>Del Pesco retired from the Superior Court bench in June 2008. She was the first woman appointed to serve as a judge of that court and she also served as the first female president of the Delaware State Bar Association from 1987-1988. As a judge, she co-chaired the Delaware Supreme Court’s Gender Fairness Task Force. She also was part of a project to start the state’s first drug-treatment facility for incarcerated women. She currently serves as the public member on the board of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. <br><br>“Judge Del Pesco’s professional accomplishments are a continuing inspiration to women throughout the legal profession,” said Destiny Prater, president of the Women’s Law Caucus. “When we decided to begin giving this award she was an easy choice to be our first recipient.”<br><br>The student group honored Del Pesco at a reception Thursday, Feb. 19 in the Barristers’ Club.<br><br></span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(342, 'Widener Law Partners with Water is Life - Kenya', '2009-02-20', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"276\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"KenyaFundRaiser\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/KenyaFundRaiser.jpg\">On the evening of Monday, February 16th, the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/InternationalLawSociety.aspx\">International Law Society</a> and Widener Law’s <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/NairobiKenya.aspx\">Nairobi International Law Institute</a> held a cocktail fundraiser at the Barrister’s Club for <a title=\"Water is Life – Kenya\" href=\"http://www.kenyawaterislife.com/\">Water is Life – Kenya</a>, a charity based in Newark, Delaware. Water is Life drills holes for deep wells in rural Kenya. Their projects provide clean water that reduces infant mortality, decreases childhood diseases, and enables young girls to go to school. The cocktail fundraiser also offered attendees the opportunity to purchase a variety of African jewelry and crafts.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"KenyaWaterLifePromo235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/KenyaWaterLifePromo235.jpg\">After an introduction from Vice-Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KellyJPatrick.aspx\">Patrick Kelly</a>, the Director of Widener Law’s Nairobi International Law Institute, Joyce Tannian, the founder of Water is Life – Kenya, gave a short presentation about the organization’s expanding network of water projects in southern Kenya. International Law Society President Matt McCrystal narrated a slide show describing his experiences in the Nairobi Summer Program.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(343, 'Former Philadelphia Mayor Addresses Students', '2009-02-23', '<div style=\"float:right; width: 445px; padding: 2px; margin: 4px;\">\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_c4823fe1\"><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"transparent\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/c4823fe1/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/c4823fe1/\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_c4823fe1\" wmode=\"transparent\"></embed></object>\n<br><br><object classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_4a76e0a6\"><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"transparent\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/4a76e0a6/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/4a76e0a6/\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_4a76e0a6\" wmode=\"transparent\"></embed></object>\n\n<br><br><object classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_247fcb85\"><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"transparent\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/247fcb85/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/247fcb85/\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_247fcb85\" wmode=\"transparent\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\n“It’s refreshing to see young people really have a sense of purpose and a vision for their lives and for their communities,” said former Philadelphia Mayor John Street after an eloquent introduction from SBA Evening Division Liaison Charles Gibbs, a former employee of the Street Administration.<br><br>On Wednesday, February 18th, former Philadelphia Mayor John Street spoke to students on Widener Law’s Delaware Campus as the first speaker in the new Local Leaders series. The <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationDelaware.aspx\">Student Bar Association</a> sponsored the event, and Associate Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/DalyErin.aspx\">Erin Daly</a> and Gibbs helped organize Street’s visit.<br><br>“You may know that <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Dean Ammons</a> and I both went to Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama,” said Street before discussing some of the challenges that he faced growing up in the 1950s. He implored the students to seize leadership opportunities, saying, “There are so many people in this country today who believe that an individual can’t make a difference.” He encouraged them to refute that notion by taking on leadership roles, saying, “I hope some people here decide to run for public office.”<br><br>The ex-mayor encouraged the audience to think about what they wanted to do after law school, noting, “For most of you, a really big question is going to be ‘what next?’ Where do I go?” After citing Widener’s legacy of promoting community service, he continued, “My advice is to try to find something that you would do for free. Try to find something that you like doing so much that has to do with the practice of your profession that you would do for free if you had to. Because most of you will have no trouble earning a living … but the question is what kind of life you’re going to lead.”<br><br>Mayor Street also touched on his career as a lawyer, how he ended up in politics, and some of the challenges he faced as a Mayor. After his remarks, he took questions from the students in the audience, including questions on the recent economic stimulus package and violence against police officers in the city of Philadelphia.<br><br>The next speaker in the Local Leaders series is Sayde Ladov, the chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. She will speak at 5 pm in the student lounge on March 12th.<br><iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09JohnStreet/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: left;\"></iframe><br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(344, 'Widener Law participates at University of Oregon Conference on Human Rights and the Environment', '2009-02-25', '<span style=\"\"><img width=\"400\" height=\"226\" class=\"FloatRight\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/OregonConference09.jpg\" alt=\"OregonConference09\">A few weeks ago Bolivia joined about 70 other countries that have constitutions embodying a substantive fundamental right to a “clean,” “healthful,” \"quality\" or “favorable” environment.  Only a handful of these \"fundamental environmental rights\" provisions, however, have been subject to judicial review. <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">Professor Jim May</a> was a featured speaker who discussed (1) the extent courts enforce these provisions, (2) whether they are effective in making actionable a basic human right to a quality environment, and (3) the factors that help explain these outcomes.<br><br><a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/DalyErin.aspx\">Professor Erin Daly</a> will be co-author on the accompanying published article.<br><br>Other speakers, pictured right, included Professor John Bonine from the University of Oregon, Justice Velasco of the Supreme Court of the Phillipines, Professor David Hunter from American University, Michelle Platt (a student at U of O on the Oregon Review of International Law), Professor Rock Pring from Denver Law School, and Lalanath DeSilvio, from the World Resource Institute in Washington, DC. </span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(345, 'Important Notice About Telephone Service Outages', '2009-02-26', '<span style=\"color:red;font-weight: bold;\">Important Notice About Telephone Service Outages</span><br>Widener Law’s Delaware Campus experiencing intermittent outages of landline telephone service.<br><br>On Wednesday, February 25th, the Delaware campus of Widener Law began experiencing intermittent outages of telephone service on its landlines. We expect that telephone service will return to normal by March 4th. Cell phone service is unaffected, as is email. Please consult the <a href=\"/About/StaffDirectory.aspx\">Administrative Directory for email addresses and other contact information</a> if you are experiencing difficulties with the phone system.<br><br><span style=\"color:red;font-weight: bold;\">Calls to the Admissions Office should be directed to the Harrisburg campus at 717-541-3903.</span>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(346, 'Chinese delegation’s visit a great success', '2009-02-26', '<strong></strong><iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09China/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br><strong>“We look forward to your return” – Law Dean Linda L. Ammons</strong>\n		<br><br>Officials on Widener Law’s Delaware campus spent an enjoyable day hosting their academic counterparts from Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing, China on Monday, Feb. 16.<br><br>The six-person group of visitors included law professors, the vice president of the university and a senior judge of the Chongqing Higher Court, who is also a visiting professor at the university. They came to the United States to exchange ideas on corporate law with the legal academic community and they made <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Widener’s Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a> their first stop.<br><br>“We at Widener are becoming more and more known for our global footprint and presence around the world – particularly through our international programs,” said Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> at a campus luncheon attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni and area legal dignitaries. “We hope this won’t be the only time you come visit us. We look forward to your return to our school.”<br><br>Liu Jun, the Chinese group leader and vice president of the university, also spoke at the luncheon. Through an interpreter he told the crowd of nearly 50 people how much his school enjoys its budding relationship with Widener University, which began roughly three years ago. <br><br>“We appreciate all your hard work for this conference,” he said. “Thank you so much.”<br><br>Judge <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/JordanKentA.aspx\">Kent A. Jordan</a> of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit took part in the luncheon and told the crowd there is much Delawareans can learn from their friends in the Chinese delegation, particularly given all that is happening with the global economy. “This a time of incredible corporate law developments,” he said.<br><br>The delegation also during the day was able to meet Delaware Supreme Court Justice <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/HollandRandyJ.aspx\">Randy J. Holland</a>, Widener University Senior Vice President and Provost Jo Allen, and student leaders with the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a>. The group toured the DJCL offices. <br><br>Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReganPaulL.aspx\">Paul Regan</a> organized the visit for Widener. He and his wife, Patricia, escorted the visitors on a tour of Longwood Gardens the day after the campus event.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(347, 'Diversity Outreach Program Brings Local High School Students to Widener Law', '2009-03-03', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" alt=\"DiversityAdmissionsPromo235px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DiversityAdmissionsPromo235px.jpg\" class=\"FloatLeft\">On Friday, February 20, Widener Law’s Delaware campus played host to minority students from six area high schools. Students from the Charter School of Wilmington, Chester High, Penncrest High School, Dickinson High School, and Mastery Charter School attended the program and learned about the opportunities, the challenges, and the value of a legal education.<br><br><strong>The Law School Experience</strong><br><br>After a short welcome and the opportunity to try their hand at a couple of difficult LSAT questions, the students were treated to a short mock Torts class taught by Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/TurezynKathleenMarie.aspx\">Kathleen Turezyn</a>. The lively class featured a look at the case of Breunig v. American Family Ins. Co. and the reasonable person standard. She described how and why the standard was created, noting that it allows the court to measure a person’s action by asking, “What would the reasonable person do under the circumstances?” The case in question dealt with a woman responsible for an automobile accident claiming that she should not be held responsible for the incident because of an unforeseeable moment of insanity. The court rejected that defense, claiming that her behavior was foreseeable because she had previously claimed to talk to God.<br><br><div style=\"margin: 5px; padding: 5px; float: right; width: 450px;\">\n<object width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_c6e5c99a\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\"><param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\">\n<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/c6e5c99a/\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"allowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"allowFullScreen\">\n<embed width=\"437\" height=\"370\" wmode=\"transparent\" name=\"viddler_c6e5c99a\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/c6e5c99a/\"></embed></object>\n\n<p>  </p>\n<object width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_fe278d0e\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\"><param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\">\n<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/fe278d0e/\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"allowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"allowFullScreen\">\n<embed width=\"437\" height=\"370\" wmode=\"transparent\" name=\"viddler_fe278d0e\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/fe278d0e/\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\n\n\nNext, Legal Writing Professor and Director of Bar Programs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/YarbroughMicahJ.aspx\">Micah Yarbrough</a> spoke about legal writing and the bar exam. Emphasizing the importance of writing skills, he noted that “Most of what lawyers do, especially right out of law school, is write.” He also discussed the importance of “Learning how to think like a lawyer does, and how to communicate that analysis.” He also related his personal experiences about taking the bar exam and took a number of very astute questions from the students on how admission to practice worked and whether or not it could be transferred from state to state.<br><br><strong>Transitioning to the Professional World</strong><br><br>Assistant Dean of Student Affairs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/WilliamsSerenaM.aspx\">Serena Williams</a> addressed the students next, providing a look at the variety of professions that a law degree can help with. She mentioned that 26 of the country’s 44 Presidents have been lawyers, and asked the students why having a legal education might help someone be President, prompting the students to answer that lawyers possess critical thinking skills, communication skills, research skills, and a fundamental understanding of the law. She also emphasized that earning a J.D. can help a person achieve success in other fields as well, pointing out individuals who had law degrees but used them in their professions as a journalist, record producer, high school teacher, and prison chaplain. “There are so many different things that you can do with a law degree,” she pointed out.<br><br>The next presentation featured Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Programs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NicholsNathanielC.aspx\">Nathaniel Nichols</a> discussing the hands-on experience offered by Widener Law’s clinical programs. “What you do in law school is learn fundamental skills. What you do in a clinic or externship is develop those skills,” asserted Professor Nichols. He discussed the different kinds of cases that the different clinics might work on, noting for instance that the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/VeteransLawClinic.aspx\">Veteran’s Law Clinic</a> might assist a vet suffering from post traumatic stress disorder in receiving his VA benefits, or the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/DelawareCivilLawClinic.aspx\">Delaware Civil Law Clinic</a> might help a victim of domestic abuse.<br><br><strong>The Law School Experience</strong><br><br>As the event neared its conclusion, the students ate a lunch of pizza and subs while three current Widener Law students spoke about their own experiences in seeking admission to law school and pursuing a legal education. The panelists were 3rd year student Simone Persaud, 2nd year student Kateri Conahey, and Nathalie C. Hackett, a 2nd year student in the extended division. The three young woman answered questions from the high school students about why they chose Widener Law, why they wanted to come to law school, and what they intended to do with after graduating.<br><br>Admissions Counselor Ana del Puerto organized and arranged the day’s successful event. The Law School Admissions Council sponsored the event as part of DiscoverLaw.org Month. Hopefully some of the bright high school students who attended the event enjoyed what they saw and heard enough to return to Widener as students in the future.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(348, 'Winner’s cup goes to Harrisburg team in Moot Court Competition', '2009-03-04', '<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"497\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"delharcomp1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/delharcomp1.jpg\">The Widener University School of Law Harrisburg campus Moot Court team of Jorge L. Conforme and Nicole M. Santo bested Michael A. Cianci and Matthew A. DeNucci, IV from the Delaware campus in the finals of the Nineteenth Annual <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyDelaware/MootCourtHonorSocietySpringCompetition.aspx\">Delaware/Harrisburg Moot Court Competition</a>. The final round of competition was held February 26 in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. <br><br>The final round bench, made up of The Honorable Richard S. Gebelein, Raymond Ripple, Esquire, and Steven P. Barsamian, Esquire heard the arguments and selected the winning team. <br><br>This year’s problem, authored by Delaware student William M. Brennan, Moot Court Executive Board member and chairperson of the Delaware/Harrisburg Competition, involved two issues. The first focuses on standing and if an illegal immigrant and business owner who employed illegal immigrants may challenge a local ordinance that specifically targets their illegal behavior. The second centers on the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and if this local ordinance provides sufficient notice and opportunity to be heard for both the business owner and illegal immigrant. The Society would like to congratulate Mr. Brennan on writing an excellent and challenging problem. <br><br>The Delaware/Harrisburg Competition is held annually by the Law School’s Moot Court Honor Society. Separate competitions are held simultaneously during the semester on each campus and the campus finalists meet to determine the competition winner. Participation in the competition is mandatory for all Moot Court members and is open to all second- and third-year day students and second- third- and fourth-year evening students who meet required GPA requirements.<br><br><img width=\"400\" height=\"301\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"delharcomp2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/delharcomp2.jpg\">The Moot Court Honor Society would like to thank William M. Brennan, Delaware Chairperson and David Yale Liebhaber, Harrisburg Chairperson for their time and dedication to making this year’s competition a success and the Society extends congratulations to all the advocates who competed in the competition.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wade Adams</li>\n<li>Travis Anderson</li>\n<li>Alicia Blankenship</li>\n<li>James Blythe</li>\n<li>Jessica Lee Boyer</li>\n<li>Heather C. Brand</li>\n<li>James Buck</li>\n<li>Yury Byalik</li>\n<li>John Carvelli</li>\n<li>Michael A. Cianci</li>\n<li>Kateri E. Conahey</li>\n<li>Jorge Conforme</li>\n<li>Matthew DeNucci</li>\n<li>Daniel J. Devlin</li>\n<li>Jennifer Lynn Dryer</li>\n<li>Megan Fram</li>\n<li>Michelle Gerhardt</li>\n<li>Edward J. Gilson III</li>\n<li>Jennifer Glackin</li>\n<li>Erin Grady</li>\n<li>Elissa A. Greenberg</li>\n<li>Valerie J. Heppel</li>\n<li>Keith M. Horner</li>\n<li>Jenny J. Hou</li>\n<li>Krystle Jackson</li>\n<li>Nicholas Jajko</li>\n<li>Christofer Johnson</li>\n<li>Lauren Kort</li>\n<li>Erik K. Krause</li>\n<li>Suzanne O. Lufadeju</li>\n<li>Jennifer Malitsch</li>\n<li>Regina M. Matozzo</li>\n<li>Maia Rene Mengel</li>\n<li>Abraham N. Milgraum</li>\n<li>Kathryn Mills</li>\n<li>Agatha Christina Mingos</li>\n<li>Gregory Moran</li>\n<li>Shuaiyb Newton</li>\n<li>Lauren M. O’Connell</li>\n<li>Emily Provencher</li>\n<li>Laura A. Rieben</li>\n<li>Alberto Rivera</li>\n<li>Steven Rubin</li>\n<li>Nicole Santo</li>\n<li>Jessica Ann Schuler</li>\n<li>Fawn Smith</li>\n<li>Meghan Eileen Spano</li>\n<li>Amos Tang</li>\n<li>Ashley Tito</li>\n<li>Nicholas M. Tyler</li>\n<li>Ryan Webber</li>\n<li>Jennifer Weiler</li>\n<li>Ashley L. Wilson</li>\n<li>Ann Yarzabek</li>\n<li>Vazken A.E. Zerounian</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br>The Society would like to extend a special thank you to Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\">Jules Epstein</a>, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/JohnsonLeslieA.aspx\">Leslie Johnson</a>, and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/SosnovLeonardN.aspx\">Leonard Sosnov </a>for serving as the Delaware campus final round judges and to all the judges who gave so graciously of their time and talents which contributed to the success of the competition.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Honorable Bradford Charles</li>\n<li>The Honorable Richard S. Gebelein</li>\n<li>The Honorable James Holtzman</li>\n<li>The Honorable Ralph A. Romano</li>\n<li>Professor Jules Epstein</li>\n<li>Professor John Gedid</li>\n<li>Professor Leslie A. Johnson</li>\n<li>Professor Robyn Meadows</li>\n<li>Professor Christopher Robinette</li>\n<li>Professor Leonard N. Sosnov</li>\n<li>Diana P. Abboud, Esquire</li>\n<li>Steven P. Barsamian, Esquire</li>\n<li>Blake A. Bennett, Esquire</li>\n<li>George Bibikos, Esquire</li>\n<li>Joseph V. Bongiorno, Esquire</li>\n<li>Trevan Borum, Esquire</li>\n<li>Richard B. Bost, Esquire</li>\n<li>Charles A. Bruder, Esquire</li>\n<li>Santino Ceccotti, Esquire</li>\n<li>Jonathan Chatham, Esquire</li>\n<li>Patrick A. Collins, Esquire</li>\n<li>Kara A. Donoghue, Esquire</li>\n<li>Don A. Erlandson, Esquire</li>\n<li>Christina Fisher, Esquire</li>\n<li>Alessandro Giribaldi, Esquire</li>\n<li>Amy Groff, Esquire</li>\n<li>Lisa M. Grubb, Esquire</li>\n<li>Kelley Huff, Esquire</li>\n<li>Bret Keisling, Esquire</li>\n<li>Ilona Kirshon, Esquire</li>\n<li>Renae Kluk-Kiehl, Esquire</li>\n<li>Christopher Lee, Esquire</li>\n<li>Clarke Madden, Esquire</li>\n<li>Thomas McCarthy, Esquire</li>\n<li>Alex J. Mili Jr., Esquire</li>\n<li>Jeremy Montgomery, Esquire</li>\n<li>Jeni Pilgrim, Esquire</li>\n<li>Charles W. Proctor III, Esquire</li>\n<li>George Rassias, Esquire</li>\n<li>Seth J. Reidenberg, Esquire</li>\n<li>Raymond Ripple, Esquire</li>\n<li>Sean Riley, Esquire</li>\n<li>Chandra J. Rudloff, Esquire</li>\n<li>Jennifer Stonerod, Esquire</li>\n<li>John E. Sullivan, Esquire</li>\n<li>Eric S. Thomspon, Esquire</li>\n<li>Robert Turco, Esquire</li>\n<li>Kevin Urick, Esquire</li>\n<li>Marc A. Werlinsky, Esquire</li>\n<li>Christy L. Williamson, Esquire</li>\n<li>Natalie Woloshin, Esquire </li>\n</ul>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(349, 'Professor Starla Williams Discusses Affirmative Action on the Radio', '2009-03-04', '<script language=\"JavaScript\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/scripts/audio-player.js\">\n		</script><object width=\"290\" height=\"24\" id=\"audioplayer1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" data=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/mp3player/player.swf\">\n<param value=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/mp3player/player.swf\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"playerID=1&amp;soundFile=http://www.witf.org/podcasts/stalk/RadioSmartTalk_Feb232009.mp3\" name=\"FlashVars\">\n<param value=\"high\" name=\"quality\">\n<param value=\"false\" name=\"menu\">\n<param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\"></object>On Monday, February 23rd, Legal Methods Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/WilliamsStarla.aspx\">Starla Williams</a> appeared on <a href=\"http://smarttalk.witf.org/2009/02/mondays-radio-smart-talk_21.html\">WITF 93.3’s Radio Smart Talk program</a> to address the future of affirmative action. Describing her experience, Professor Williams said, “I enjoyed myself. I was very grateful to have the opportunity to talk about the legal issues surrounding affirmative action. Very often, when people talk about affirmative action, they’re coming at it from an emotional standpoint.”<br><br>Matthew Woessner, an Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Penn State’s Harrisburg Campus joined Professor Williams and Smart Talk host Craig Cohen on the program. Cohen opened the program by asking if Barack Obama’s election as President represented a shift towards a leveling playing field that would eliminate the need for affirmative action.<br><br><img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"WilliamsAffirmativeActionPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/WilliamsAffirmativeActionPromo.jpg\">Woessner opened the discussion with a brief introduction to the origins of affirmative action, saying, “In essence, it’s an effort to correct past wrongs, but it has evolved into a policy of promoting diversity – quite a different notion.” Cohen asked Professor Williams whether or not a sense of how long the ‘temporary’ measures of affirmative action were supposed to be in place. “No, I really don’t think that there was a sense,” noted Professor Williams, adding, “I believe that ‘temporary’ meant a way of achieving equal opportunity, and again, how do you measure your success? How do you know you’ve achieved that equal opportunity?”<br><br>Asked about whether or not evidence suggests that we have reached a level playing field, Professor Williams asserted, “The data suggests that we have not yet reached that level playing field, and that some form of diversity and inclusion is necessary,” before adding, “Diversity is a value. It’s a value in business, it’s a value in education, and it’s a value that certainly America embraces.”<br><br>Topics discussed included the fairness of affirmative action, whether or not future affirmative action policies should be based off of economic factors rather than race, and whether or not the qualifications of an individual who benefited from affirmative action could be compromised. Both Professor Williams and Professor Woessner agreed that professional and educational qualification prevents unqualified people from compromising quality of service, but Woessner argued that some minorities might benefit from affirmative action and then be unable to succeed in law school or medical school, which does not further the ultimate objective of affirmative action programs. Professor Williams responded by noting that many students, regardless of whether or not they benefit from affirmative action, fail to succeed in law school for instance and, thus, rates of success or failure among racial or ethnic groups are no indication of the value of affirmative action policies.<br><br>Woessner continued to suggest that affirmative action should be based on socio-economic status rather than race, saying, “I think the beauty is, if you abolish consideration of race, and you achieve many of the same goals by reaching out to economic groups that are disadvantaged. I think that would have a wonderful effect on race relations because it would recognize that we are reaching out to people of need on the basis of where they are in society, not on the basis of something as superficial as skin color.” He added, “I think the election of Barack Obama has demonstrated that most Americans don’t give a whit about race, that they are willing to elect and embrace a black President.” Professor Williams disagreed, noting that Obama possessed qualifications, including a Harvard Law degree, because of opportunities afforded him, and that not all young black men enjoy equal opportunity to achieve. Professor Williams concluded by stating that the future of affirmative action requires an effort to eliminate racial disparity and achieve racial equity in multiple sectors of American society.<br><br>The discussion moved on to Supreme Court decisions in the Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger cases, a consideration of business hiring practices, and the idea of moving away from all privileged classes in college admissions, including legacy.<br><br>To <a title=\"Radio Smart Talk\" href=\"http://smarttalk.witf.org/2009/02/mondays-radio-smart-talk_21.html\">listen to the entire discussion, visit Radio Smart Talk’s website</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(350, 'Lincoln and the Law Program Draws Impressive Crowd', '2009-03-05', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 2px; float: right; width: 447px;\">\n				<object height=\"370\" width=\"437\" id=\"viddler_6287c0cd\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\">\n						<param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\">\n<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/6287c0cd/\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"allowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"allowFullScreen\">\n<embed height=\"370\" width=\"437\" wmode=\"transparent\" name=\"viddler_6287c0cd\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/6287c0cd/\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\nWidener Law’s Delaware Campus hosted an impressive and diverse audience in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom on Monday, February 23rd for a program entitled Lincoln and the Law. Attendees were treated two panel discussions on Lincoln and Legal Ethics and Lincoln and Civil Liberties, as well as a talk by James L. Swanson of the Heritage Foundation, author of the 2006 New York Times bestseller <em>Manhunt: The 12-day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer</em>.<br><br><strong>Lincoln and Legal Ethics</strong><br>Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> welcomed everyone to open the program, saying, “I thank you all for attending. It sounds like it’s going to be a riveting discussion.” Following the Dean’s welcome, Taishoff Professor of Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReedThomasJ.aspx\">Thomas J. Reed</a>, the moderator for the first panel entitled Lincoln and Legal Ethics, introduced the panelists; Delaware Supreme Court Justice Henry duPont Ridgely, chair of the Delaware Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, and University of Houston Law Center Professor Mark E. Steiner, author of <em>An Honest Calling: The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln</em>.<br><br>Justice Ridgely opened the panel discussion, remarking, “Lincoln’s unrivaled success as a President was due in no small part to the skills he developed as a lawyer.” Professor Reed then asked Professor Steiner about three Lincoln anecdotes that suggested Lincoln’s legal ethics might not have been quite as sterling as they are usually portrayed. Joking about Lincoln’s client communication, Professor Steiner said, “There is not one known instance of Abraham Lincoln returning a phone call.” Addressing Lincoln’s behavior in the Melissa Goings, Duff Armstrong, and Robert Matson cases, Prof. Steiner noted that Lincoln’s ethics were consistent, with only the Matson case providing a curious instance because his defense of Matson’s property rights over the slave in question seemed inconsistent with his personal views on slavery.<br><br><iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Lincoln/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: left;\"></iframe><br><strong>Lincoln and Civil Liberties</strong><br>The second panel featured Delaware Supreme Court Justice and Widener Law adjunct <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/HollandRandyJ.aspx\">Randy J. Holland</a>, Widener Law Associate Dean for Information Services and Technology and Director of the Legal Information Center <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/SlingerMichael.aspx\">Michael J. Slinger</a>, and Swanson discussing Lincoln and Civil Liberties. Dean Slinger, who teaches a course on legal issues arising from the Civil War, used a Power Point “quiz” to demonstrate some of the Civil Liberties Lincoln curtailed or suspended during the war. An engaging discussion followed in which Swanson said of the President’s actions, “Lincoln faced an unprecedented insurrection,” and, “Given those circumstances, you bet Lincoln was justified.”<br><br>Dean Slinger noted that state courts were ignored or overruled and stated, “These actions continued throughout the war. President Lincoln decided that he was going to do whatever was necessary to win the war. Justice Holland stated, “When Presidents are embarking on new territory, they are necessarily making things up as they go along,” but Dean Slinger adamantly argued, “Just because the country is at war does not mean the Constitution dies.” Swanson countered that Lincoln’s “point was what value does the Constitution have if he couldn’t protect it?” The panel reached the consensus that significant curtailment of civil liberties did occur under Abraham Lincoln, but the panel could not reach a consensus on the constitutionality of Lincoln\'s actions.<br><br><strong>The Search for Lincoln’s Assassins</strong><br>The evening concluded with an address from Heritage Foundation Fellow James L. Swanson entitled “The Search for Lincoln’s Assassins and the Truth About the Assassination and Trial of the Conspirators.” Joking about his research before writing Manhunt, he said of the long list of books pertaining to Lincoln’s assassination, “I thought, do I have to read them all?”<br><br>Swanson discussed some of the more popular myths surrounding John Wilkes Booth and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, refuting the idea that Booth escaped the Garrett farmhouse or that Lincoln’s assassin was insane. He discussed the conspiracy and events leading up to the assassination, and stated that the military tribunal that tried the conspirators was surprisingly fair and measured given the circumstances surrounding the assassination. He concluded by stating that romanticizing John Wilkes Booth created the most dangerous myth of all, noting unequivocally that Lincoln was the hero of the piece and that Booth should be viewed in the same negative light as more modern assassins such as Lee Harvey Oswald or James Early Ray.<br><br>Lincoln and the Law was jointly sponsored by Widener Law, the Civil War Roundtable of Wilmington, Del., and the Delaware Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(351, 'Professor Robyn Meadows examines the “Battle of the Forms”', '2009-03-07', '<img width=\"284\" height=\"313\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"MeadowsWorkshopPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MeadowsWorkshopPromo.jpg\">On Thursday, February 26th, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/MeadowsRobynL.aspx\">Robyn Meadows</a> spoke to fellow faculty members about her work to examine Uniform Commercial Code section 2-207 and come up with better language to address the ambiguities of the current language. Section 2-207 of the Uniform Commercial Code deals with the conflict between standard form contracts that result in binding agreements, and thus is often referred to as the “Battle of the Forms.”<br><br>Professor Meadows opened with a brief history of section 2-207 of the Uniform Commercial Code, noting that Pennsylvania was the first state to adopt section 2-207 in 1955. Previously, whichever party had submitted the last form received preference when it came to whose terms were honored. In 1987, an attempt to amend Article 2 of the U.C.C began, but the effort never gained enough traction, and eventually it died off without having been accepted in a single state.<br><br>“What I want to do,” asserted Professor Meadows, “is propose a version of 2-207 that’s better than either of these.” She then considered the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods of 1980, or CISG, noting, “The problem with CISG is that it presumes a model of contract negotiation that is unrealistic.” While the United Nations convention offered no support, she still felt that looking internationally might help find a solution, saying, “My thought – where I’m going – is that we should look internationally to see what other countries are doing.”<br><br>Professor Meadows received several helpful comments and suggestions from the faculty members in attendance, and noted that she looked forward to including those suggestions in her continuing research.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(352, 'Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center Attorney Visits Immigration Law Class', '2009-03-08', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 447px; margin: 4px; padding: 4px;\">\n\n<object classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_10ca7a33\"><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"transparent\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/10ca7a33/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/10ca7a33/\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_10ca7a33\" wmode=\"transparent\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\n\nMegan Bremer, the Managing Attorney at the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, spoke to students in Associate Professor Jill Family’s Immigration Law class during the last week of February, offering them a look at her experiences as an immigration attorney and assisting in teaching the class. The Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center is a prominent non-profit organization that provides legal services to immigrants detained by the federal government.<br><br>In addition to speaking about her experiences working with children displaced by armed conflict in the Sudan, Ms. Bremer instructed students about the intricacies of refugee law generally. She spent time on Thursday and Friday going over cases and class assignments with the students, offering insight into how what they were learning would be applied in practice. She discussed persecution claims based on political opinion, membership in a particular social group, race, nationality, or religion and taught the students important lessons about representing clients in immigration court.  During Ms. Bremer’s visit, the students participated in a mock immigration court hearing.<br><br>“It was very generous of Megan to take time out of her busy schedule to share her knowledge and experiences with our class.  It was a great opportunity for students to see the very real and very timely applications of the law and skills they learn in class,” said <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/FamilyJillE.aspx\">Professor Family</a>.<br><br>A graduate of McGill University, Ms. Bremer graduated from Northeastern University School of Law and Tufts University School of Medicine with a joint JD/MPH, and she also has a Master of Education degree from Harvard University School of Education. A member of the Pennsylvania Bar, Ms. Bremer worked primarily as an educator before taking up the practice of immigration law.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(353, 'Regional Event Held in Lancaster', '2009-03-11', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Lancaster/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br>Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub served as the meeting spot for this year’s regional alumni event in Lancaster, PA. A group of 25 alumni, judges, students, and prospective students got to know one another on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at the meet-and-greet. Both campuses and many graduating years were represented at the event which served as a beneficial networking opportunity for attendees. Thank you to Sharon Lopez ’93 and Elizabeth Murdock ’07 who assisted with planning the event. For more information on the Lancaster area alumni group, contact Ashley N. Barton, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations &amp; Development at <a href=\"mailto:anbarton@widener.edu\">anbarton@widener.edu</a> or 717-541-3974. <br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(354, 'Widener Law Hosts National Moot Court Competition', '2009-03-12', '<span style=\"\"><img width=\"284\" height=\"313\" alt=\"MootCourtCompPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MootCourtCompPromo.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">Widener Law will open its doors Thursday, March 12 to students from 24 law schools around the country for a national interscholastic moot court competition.<br><br>The much-anticipated 21st annual <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyDelaware/RubyRValeCompetition.aspx\">Ruby R. Vale Interschool Corporate Moot Court Competition</a> will run four days. As the state’s only law school, Widener is in a unique position to draw on the resources and experience of the distinguished Delaware corporate legal community.  The competition is hosted by Widener University School of Law’s Moot Court Honor Society under the direction of the society’s executive board and competition chairperson Margaret Serrano.<br><br>The Distinguished Scholar Lecture is an integral part of the competition and the society is honored to have U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of the Southern District of New York as this year’s speaker.  <span style=\"font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;\">He will deliver a speech titled “Corporate Criminal Responsibility,” on Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom in the main law building.</span><br><br>The competition advisors include <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh</a>, the Ruby R. Vale professor of corporate and business law and director of the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate &amp; Business Law</a>, and Widener Law Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReganPaulL.aspx\">Paul Regan</a>. Regan authored this year’s competition problem. The problem involves the fiduciary responsibility of directors and corporate executives to oversee and monitor a company\'s operations to promote compliance with legal regulations that govern their businesses. It raises important issues of accountability for senior corporate officials when lower level managers break the law and cause a company to incur substantial fines or criminal penalties.<br><br>“The support from our local legal community makes this one of the best interschool competitions in the nation,” Serrano said. “Students who are accepted to compete bring with them an enthusiasm for corporate law and appellate advocacy, and Widener Law’s own students devote countless hours to ensuring that the needs of the competition are met. The reward is in the experience and we are honored to provide this competition in Mr. Vale’s memory.”   <br><br><span style=\"font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;\">Everyone is welcome to hear Kaplan’s remarks on Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m. or watch the final round of competition on Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. </span><br><br>The final competition round will be judged by Kaplan, Delaware Supreme Court Justices Jack B. Jacobs and Carolyn Berger, Delaware Court of Chancery Vice Chancellor Donald F. Parsons, Jr. and former Delaware Supreme Court Justice Joseph T. Walsh. <br><br>The competition is named for Ruby R. Vale, who lived in Milford, Del. and practiced law in Philadelphia. He was a well-respected corporate practitioner and a prolific writer who penned law review articles, books about legal philosophy, justice and the foundations of society. He is best remembered for his multi-volume work, “Vale\'s Pennsylvania Digest.” Vale died in 1961. The law school is grateful to the Vale family and for the opportunities their generosity has made possible, such as this national competition. This year’s competition participants come from the following law schools:<br></span><ul>\n<li><span style=\"\">American University Washington College of Law </span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Brooklyn Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Capital University Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Emory University School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Florida State University College of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Franklin Pierce Law Center</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Loyola University Chicago School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Marquette University Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Mississippi College School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Ohio State University - Michael E. Moritz College of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Quinnipiac University School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Santa Clara University School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Seton Hall University School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Southwestern Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Tulane University Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">University of Detroit Mercy Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">University of Miami School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">University of Oregon School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">University of Wisconsin Law School</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Wake Forest University School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer University</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Washburn University School of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Western State University College of Law</span></li>\n<li><span style=\"\">William Mitchell College of Law</span></li>\n</ul>\n<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(355, 'Annual John L. Gedid Lecture Series Looks at the Election System', '2009-03-12', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" alt=\"GedidLecturePromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/GedidLecturePromo.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">This afternoon, March 12th, Heather K. Gerken, J. Skelly Wright Professor of Law at Yale Law School, will speak on the Harrisburg Campus at 4:30 in A180 of the Administration Building. Gerken will deliver the Annual <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a> Lecture. Her talk is entitled <em>The Invisible Election: Why Our System Isn\'t Working and How to Fix It</em>.<br><br>A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School, Professor Gerken specializes in election law, constitutional law, and civil procedure. An expert on voting rights and election law, she served as a law clerk for Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and for Justice David H. Souter of the United States Supreme Court. Before joining the Yale faculty in 2006, she served as an Assistant Professor at Harvard Law School. She has frequently served as a commentator for national media outlets including The New York Times, NBC News, the Lehrer News Hour, NCC, NPR, The New Yorker and MSNBC.<br><br>Widener Law began the John L. Gedid lecture series in April 2007 to honor Professor John L. Gedid, who has been a leading figure on the Harrisburg campus since it opened in 1989. Gedid served as the vice dean for the Harrisburg campus for the first six years of its existence, a role he has again filled for the last two years. A beloved professor and active public servant, he also directs the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>, and he was also recently charged with <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb020509gedidappt.aspx\">leading a committee to make recommendations for restructuring operations at the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(356, 'Harrisburg Moot Court Team Brings Home the Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo Award for Brief Writing', '2009-03-12', '<p>&ldquo;I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in the Family Law Competition,&rdquo; offered Bianca Smith of her experience competing in the opening round of the 21st Annual Domenick L. Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Competition, adding. &ldquo;The whole experience, from writing the brief to actually going to the competition, was exciting and fun! I was so lucky to be partnered with Jillian and to have Bret Kiesling, Esq. and Sarah Brown, Esq. as our coaches. Jillian and I could not have accomplished this honor without the help of the&nbsp;Moot Court Honor Society and our wonderful coaches.&rdquo;</p>\r\n<p>The competition took place on the final weekend of February at the Albany Law School, and in addition to advancing to the 2nd round, Bianca and her partner, Jillian Ayoub, took home the 2009 Honorable Victoria A. Graffeo Award for Brief Writing. The duo defeated two other teams to advance to the second round, joining 16 other teams that advanced out of the original 28. Widener Law alumni Bret Keisling &rsquo;05 and Sarah Brown &rsquo;05 coached the successful duo.</p>\r\n<p>\"Participating in an external Moot Court competition was an amazing educational and personal experience. Bianca and I were given two coaches - Bret Keisling, Esq. and Sarah Brown, Esq. - who truly cared about our success as both students and future lawyers,&rdquo; said Jillian of the competition, continuing, &ldquo;We put our heart into this competition and when we won Best Brief, it was a great feeling to know that our hard work and dedication were recognized.\"</p>', '', NULL, '', '', 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(357, 'Widener Law announces 2009 Dean’s Leadership Forum on Diversity: Diversity and Sports', '2009-03-13', '<p>\r\n				<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"DiversitySportsForumPromo2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DiversitySportsForumPromo2.jpg\">In recognition of the integral role athletics plays in American culture, Widener Law will devote its 2009 Dean’s Leadership Forum on Diversity to the topic of diversity and sports. The daylong event founded by Dean Linda L. Ammons and now in its third year will be held on the school’s Harrisburg campus Monday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. [ download the PDF brochure ]<br><br>The program, titled “Diversity and Sports: The History, The Challenges and The Future,” will feature four panel discussions in room A180 of the administration building. Discussion topics include:<br></p>\r\n		<ul>\n<li>Sports, minorities and the press: People of color, females and the disabled as members of the media and as athletes subject to media coverage (10 a.m.)</li>\r\n				<li>Disability and sport: Understanding and accommodating disabled athletes. (11:30 a.m.)</li>\r\n				<li>The influence of Jackie Robinson on the Negro Leagues of baseball: How baseball and diversity would have been affected by a merger between the major leagues and select Negro League franchises. (2 p.m.)</li>\r\n				<li>Domestic violence, athletes and the role that sports organizations should play in counseling athletes and responding to their misconduct. (3:30 p.m.)</li>\r\n		</ul>\n<p>Participants will hear a luncheon keynote address at 12:45 p.m. from University of New Mexico School of Law Professor Alfred Dennis Mathewson, titled “Sports and the African-American Female: The Often Overlooked Minority.” His address will be preceded by introductory remarks from Widener Law Assistant Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/EvansTonyaM.aspx\">Tonya Evans-Walls</a>, an African-American woman who once competed on the women’s professional tennis circuit, and Harrisburg campus Vice Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\"></a><a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb030909leadershipforum.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a>, director of the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>.<br><br>Ammons, one of only four African-American female deans currently running a U.S. law school, began the Dean’s Leadership Forum on Diversity in 2007 with a program on diversity in higher education. Last year’s event focused on diversity in state government. The sports theme was selected for 2009 in recognition of the place the industry occupies in the national consciousness.<br><br>For assistance in organizing the event, Ammons turned to Widener Law Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/CozzillioMichaelJ.aspx\">Michael Cozzillio</a>, who teaches on the Harrisburg campus and writes in subject areas that include race, gender and sports. Cozzillio, co-author of three books, including “Sports and Inequality,” has assembled an impressive array of speakers including nationally recognized legal scholars, historians and social scientists. These individuals represent some of the country’s most outstanding law schools and universities, as well as prestigious organizations such as Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society and Penn State University’s John Curley Center for Sports Journalism.<br><br>“I salute Professor Cozzillio for his help in putting together what promises to be a terrific program,” Ammons said. “The agenda for the day covers such a wide range of diversity issues within the field of athletics that the conversation will be stimulating and cover a lot of ground.”<br><br>The day will begin with continental breakfast and registration at 9 a.m. Ammons will start the program at 9:45 a.m. It has been approved for 5.5 continuing legal education credits for attorneys in Pennsylvania and Delaware. The cost to attend for credits is $75 and includes lunch. The program is open to the general public at a cost of $35 and also includes lunch. Students may attend for free, without receiving lunch or conference materials. To register, or for more information, contact Sandra L. Graeff at 717.541.3965 or <a href=\"mailto:slgraeff@widener.edu\">slgraeff@widener.edu</a>. <br><br>Widener Law is grateful to Michael J. Aiello ’94; Florio Perrucci Steinhardt &amp; Fader of New Jersey; and Eckert Seamans Cherin &amp; Mellott, LLC of Harrisburg and for their sponsorship of this event.<br><br><br><br><br></p>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(358, '38th Annual ABA Conference on Environmental Law Features Strong Widener Connection', '2009-03-14', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ABAEnviroLawPromo.jpg\" alt=\"ABAEnviroLawPromo\" class=\"FloatRight\">The ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources will hold the 38th Annual Conference on Environmental Law from March 12th through the 15th in Keystone, Colorado. Widener Law Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">Jim May</a> served as the Chair of the planning committee for the event, and Distinguished Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DernbachJohnC.aspx\">John C. Dernbach</a> will be a featured speaker, discussing his new book, <em>Agenda for a Sustainable America</em>.<br><br>The ABA’s Annual Conference on Environmental Law is the premier conference on environmental law issues in the world, drawing around 400 leading lawyers, litigators, policymakers, and consultants in the field. Professor May and the planning committee have been putting the event together for a year, and Widener Law has a strong presence at the conference.<br><br>Professor May, in addition to his service as Chair of the Planning Committee, will moderate the plenary keynote panel, \"The Next Generation of Environmental Law.\" Alum Lesley Ann Schaaff, who was also on the planning committee, will moderate a panel on toxic chemicals, and fellow alum and planning committee member Jim Stuhltrager arranged the panel on natural resource damages.<br><br>In addition to Professor Dernbach’s featured address on his new book, two Board Members of the MId-Atlantic Environmental Law Center at Widener will present; author, humorist, and media personality Jeff Yeager will present \"A Cheapskate\'s Guide to Protecting the Planet,\" and David Bookbinder will serve as a panelist for a discussion on Climate Change and the EPA.<br><br>“This year’s theme, “The Next Generation of Environmental Law,” reflects changes at the presidential, congressional, and state level that are certain to transform the field. With so much changing, this is an important conference not to miss,” says Professor May of the event. “We live in astonishing times. Change is in the air, affecting every nook and cranny of environmental, energy, and resources law,” he declares, adding, “The national and world economy hovers like storm clouds on the horizon. It’s hard to know what it all means, and how it will influence law, policy, and practice in the coming years.”<br><br>The Conference will feature 70 presenters, including leading environmental lawyers, policymakers, and advocates, participating in panel discussions and breakout sessions. Dr. Amory B. Lovins, co-founder, chairman, and chief scientist of the Mountain Institute will serve as the Keynote speaker for the conference. Other featured speakers include author and filmmaker Lynne Cherry, Yeager, and Professor Dernbach.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(359, '2009 Ruby R. Vale Distinguished Scholar’s Lecture Examines Corporate Criminal Responsibility', '2009-03-16', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" alt=\"RubyRValePOSTPromo235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/RubyRValePOSTPromo235.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">On Friday, March 13th, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of the Southern District of New York addressed the Widener Law community and participants in the 21st annual <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyDelaware/RubyRValeCompetition.aspx\">Ruby R. Vale Interschool Corporate Moot Court Competition</a> as the 2009 Distinguished Scholar. His speech, titled “Corporate Criminal Responsibility”, touched on the inherent imbalance in favor of prosecutors that occurs in corporate criminal cases.<br><br> Vice Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KellyJPatrick.aspx\">Patrick Kelly</a> welcomed everyone to the Ruby Vale Moot Courtroom, singling out the competitors from the 24 teams as well as the competition judges, including Delaware Supreme Court Justices <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/JacobsJackB.aspx\">Jack B. Jacobs</a> and Carolyn Berger. He also introduced <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh</a>, the Ruby R. Vale professor of corporate and business law and director of the school’s Institute of Delaware Corporate &amp; Business Law.<br><br>Introducing Judge Kaplan, Professor Hamermesh said, “I know him as an extremely intelligent lawyer, and an extremely principled individual,” adding, “It’s a great privilege – a truly great privilege – to introduce Judge Lewis Kaplan.”<br><br>After thanking Professor Hamermesh for the gracious introduction, Kaplan called Delaware “the wellspring of corporate law” and said, “I always found litigating in Delaware to be an exhilarating experience.” He singled out both Delaware’s judges and the Delaware Bar for praise before focusing on the topic of corporate criminal responsibility.<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 3px; float: left; width: 405px;\">\n<p></p>\n<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"333\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/vale%202009.jpg\" alt=\"vale 2009\"></p>\n<span style=\"\" class=\"Caption\">Left to right: Professor Hamermesh, Judge Kaplan, Sylvia K. Siegel, and\nMargaret Serrano, the Ruby R Vale Moot Court Competition Chairperson.</span><p></p>\n</div>\n<br><br>Noting that the power of the prosecution is increased in corporate criminal cases because the mere act of such an indictment is damaging to a corporation, Judge Kaplan stated, “Defense of a federal criminal charge is frequently not an option.” The leverage given to the prosecution as a result creates a difficult imbalance. He cited examples such as the Adelphia Cable scandal, in which he felt that the prosecution used such leverage to force the company to pay a much larger settlement than the crime warranted. He also noted that the supposed deterrent effect of such prosecutions did nothing to stem the problems that led to the current situation on Wall Street.<br><br>Following his lecture, Judge Kaplan took questions from the audience, including questions about further clarification of deterrence and what might be possible solutions to the imbalance of prosecutorial power in such cases. When asked where, when, and how reform might come in the current environment, he answered, “It’s a little like standing under Niagara Falls trying to get the water to go back up.”<br><br>Judge Kaplan graduated from the University of Rochester and earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He clerked for the Hon. Edward McEntee of the U.S Court of Appeals, First Circuit spent over twenty years in private practice in New York before his nomination to the bench in 1994.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(360, 'Widener Law Journal Staff to Blog from National Conference of Law Reviews', '2009-03-17', ' <img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"WLJnclrBlogging2Promo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/WLJnclrBlogging2Promo.jpg\">From March 18th through the 21st, <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawJournal.aspx\">Widener Law Journal</a> Editor-in-Chief Cory Winter and Executive Managing Editor Colette Keilman will attend the National Conference of Law Reviews in Baton Rouge, where they will serve as panelists. The incoming Editor-in-Chief Brianna Davidson, Executive Managing Editor Elizabeth Marx, and Internal Managing Editor Steve Matzura will also attend.<br><br>\"We are excited to have the opportunity to represent the <em>Widener Law Journal</em> and Widener University School of Law at NCLR 2009, and look forward to beginning the leadership transition process that has been so vital to sustaining the Journal\'s commitment to excellence,” says Winter, adding, “Our participation throughout the conference on various panels will show Widener\'s academic leadership as we educate newly elected leaders of law journals from across the country.\"<br><br>The conference represents a unique opportunity for law students to serve on panels that educate other students about the challenges, difficulties, and rewards of working on a law review. During the conference, you can follow the experiences of the students as they blog about the conference on the <a title=\"Widener Law Journal’s website\" href=\"http://widenerlawjournal.org/nclr-2009/\">Widener Law Journal’s website</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(361, 'Career Development Panel Looks at Immigration Law', '2009-03-18', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"CDOImmigrationPanelPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/CDOImmigrationPanelPromo.jpg\">On Monday, March 16th, as part of the Careers in Law Series, the <a href=\"/CampusLife/CareerDevelopment.aspx\">Career Development Office</a> sponsored an immigration law panel featuring two Widener graduates practicing in immigration law, Steven Barsamian, Esq. ’75 and Nahid Wilf , Esq.’91. The panel took place in the library’s Alfred Avins Special Collections Room, offering a quiet backdrop that allowed the students to really interact with the panelists<br><br>After a brief introduction from Assistant Dean for Career Development LeaNora Ruffin, Ms. Wilf spoke about the career path that led her to immigration law, noting that she started out in general practice and that she found that background very helpful. She pointed out that “practicing law is a stressful thing,” and that it is important to find an area of the law that you enjoy. Her own background as an immigrant from Iran helped her connect to her clients, saying, “If you really care about your clients and treat them right, the rest will work itself out.”<br><br><img width=\"400\" height=\"211\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"cdoimmigrationtalk\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/cdoimmigrationtalk.jpg\">“You have to specialize,” emphasized Barsamian, stressing the importance of finding a niche throughout his remarks. He too started out in general practice, but found that immigration law was an underserved market. Discussing the importance of being willing to appear before a judge, he said, “A lot of people are afraid to go to court.” He also emphasized to the students that being a sole practitioner required some business sense. <br><br>Both attorneys graciously took questions from the student audience and addressed a number of issues, including how to develop a client base, advertising, and how helpful knowing a foreign language can be.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(362, 'John L. Gedid Lecture Focuses on How to Fix the Election System', '2009-03-19', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"GedidLecturePOSTPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/GedidLecturePOSTPromo.jpg\">“The system that we use to administer elections is clunky at best and dysfunctional at worst,” asserted Heather K. Gerken, J. Skelly Wright Professor of Law at Yale Law School, as she delivered the Annual John L. Gedid Lecture on Thursday, March 12th. Her talk was entitled <em>The Invisible Election: Why Our System Isn\'t Working and How to Fix It</em>.<br><br>The program opened with a video introduction from <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Dean Linda Ammons</a>, who said, “Good evening ladies in gentlemen in Harrisburg and here in Wilmington, Delaware as well, and on behalf of the faculty, students, and staff of the Widener University School of Law, I welcome you to the 3rd Annual John L. Gedid Lecture,” adding, “in the John Gedid Lecture, the Widener faculty recognizes the contributions of Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John Gedid</a> to this law school and to the legal profession.” She noted that Professor Gedid is “a valued mentor and an esteemed colleague” and thanked him for all that he does before turning the event over to Assistant Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DiminoMichaelR.aspx\">Michael Dimino</a>, who introduced Professor Gerken.<br><br>“She is among the foremost election law authorities in the country, and is perhaps the foremost authority in election law in the country,” offered Professor Dimino in introducing featured speaker Heather Gerken, adding that “Those of us who are personally acquainted with her know that she is far more than this set of amazing accomplishments.”<br><br>“Well, I will just tell you that there is no way that any of this is going to live up to that introduction,” joked Professor Gerken as she took to the podium. She discussed a proposal made by President Barack Obama when he was a Senator to create a “Democracy Index” that would serve as a ranking of states and localities “based on how well their elections are run.” She said of the proposal, “In my mind, this is the first and most useful step that we could take to improve our badly administered election system.”<br><br>Professor Gerken described the election problems encountered in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004 as fundamental. She labeled those problems the “Invisible Election.” She indicated that too much time was spent thinking about the flaws and coming up with theoretical solutions, and that not enough time was devoted to making practical changes in the system. Enumerating some of the problems, she discussed the variety of mistakes that lead to votes being discarded as well as the potential for malicious voter fraud.<br><br>“Despite all this, nothing has happened since 2000 to make our election system better,” asserted Gerken after noting that the events in Florida and Ohio should have served as the necessary impetus for change. “Even a debacle like the 2000 election prompted only the most modest of changes,” she noted, adding, “If that’s not a sign that we need a new approach to election reform, I don’t know what is.” She discussed the factors working against reform, citing partisanship and localism as the two biggest culprits.<br><br>Professor Gerken concluded her talk with the affirmation that a system liked the one proposed by Obama would be a modest first step that would help begin reform in the election system. She took questions from the audience following her lecture, addressing measuring counties in addition to states, the potential for disagreement about what data to collect, and using the adversarial nature of partisanship to spark reform.<br><br>A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School, Professor Gerken specializes in election law, constitutional law, and civil procedure. An expert on voting rights and election law, she served as a law clerk for Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and for Justice David H. Souter of the United States Supreme Court. Before joining the Yale faculty in 2006, she served as an Assistant Professor at Harvard Law School. She has frequently served as a commentator for national media outlets including The New York Times, NBC News, the Lehrer News Hour, CNN, NPR, <em>The New Yorker</em>, and MSNBC.<br><br>Widener Law began the John L. Gedid lecture series in April 2007 to honor Professor John L. Gedid, who has been a leading figure on the Harrisburg campus since it opened in 1989. Gedid served as the vice dean for the Harrisburg campus for the first six years of its existence, a role he has again filled for the last two years. A beloved professor and active public servant, he also directs the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(363, 'Dean’s Leadership Forum on Diversity presents successful event on sports', '2009-03-20', '<div style=\"margin: 5px; float: right; width: 440px;\">\n\n<object width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_11b6c776\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\"><param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\">\n<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/11b6c776/\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"allowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"allowFullScreen\">\n<embed width=\"437\" height=\"370\" wmode=\"transparent\" name=\"viddler_11b6c776\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/11b6c776/\"></embed></object>\n<p> additional videos to be posted</p>\n</div>\n\nThe third-annual Dean’s Leadership Forum on Diversity in sports drew more than 100 people to the Harrisburg campus for a daylong event that provided stimulating discussion on an array of topics.<br><br>The sports world is something of a common denominator in our diverse society, Ammons told the crowd assembled March 17 at the forum in the administration building. She welcomed everyone to the event, where experts from some of the nation’s leading law schools spent the day discussing such sports, minorities and the press; disability and sport; the Negro leagues of baseball and domestic violence and athletes.<br><br>“I am awed by their prolific research,” Ammons said of the day’s speakers.<br><br>Professor Michael Cozzillio, the event’s chief organizer, praised Ammons for her leadership in founding the forum, which in past years has explored topics of diversity in higher education and diversity in state government.<br><br>“Her efforts will leave a permanent legacy,” Cozzillio said. “It’s her vision and support that have made it happen.”<br><br>In addition to the day’s expert panels, participants also heard a luncheon keynote address from University of New Mexico School of Law Professor Alfred Dennis Mathewson, titled “Sports and the African-American Female: The Often Overlooked Minority.” His remarks were preceded by introductory words from Widener Law Assistant Professor Tonya Evans-Walls, an African-American woman who once competed on the women’s professional tennis circuit.<br><iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09DiversityForum/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: left;\"></iframe><br><br><br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(364, 'Harrisburg Team Has Strong Showing at Jessup International Moot Court Competition', '2009-03-21', '<p>&ldquo;This campus only began to offer a course in public international law this semester and the Harrisburg campus was participating in the event for only the third time in its history. Despite these handicaps, this year&rsquo;s team, made up of second year students Kirsten Kutler, Kristy Kirk, Katelyn Cutinello, Kathryn Schwietzer and Hillary Prutzman, made a strong showing,&rdquo; said Associate Professor Katherine Mason Jones about the performance of the Harrisburg campus&rsquo;s team in the Jessup International Moot Court Competition.</p>\r\n<p>The 50th Annual Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition held its Mid-Atlantic Super Regional Competition in Washington, DC on Feb. 19-21. The world\'s largest moot court competition, Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition features a fictional quarrel between countries that goes before the International Court of Justice of the United Nations. Teams from participating law schools prepare both written and oral briefs for both sides of the dispute.</p>\r\n<p>The Harrisburg team won two of its four rounds, defeating teams from Penn State and Widener&rsquo;s Delaware campus. While the team did not advance past the preliminary round of the tournament, team member Kristy Kirk was selected as the 14th Best Oralist out of a large field of competitors. None of the team members had any previous experience in Moot Court competitions.</p>\r\n<p>&ldquo;We are very proud of our team&rsquo;s performance,&rdquo; said Professor Jones.</p>', '', NULL, '', '', 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(365, 'Widener’s Legal Education Institute offers new course of study in forensic nursing', '2009-03-21', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"LEIForensicPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/LEIForensicPromo.jpg\">Nurses with an interest in expanding their careers into the legal field have a new opportunity available through a unique certificate program starting at Widener Law Center’s <a href=\"/ParalegalLNC.aspx\">Legal Education Institute</a>, located on Widener’s Delaware campus.<br><br>Classes begin this summer for a new <a href=\"/ParalegalLNC/Academics/LegalNurseConsultantProgram/LegalNurseConsultantCertificateForensicNursing.aspx\">forensic nursing concentration</a> within Widener’s legal nurse consulting program. Students who complete the 24-credit, eight-course program will receive a certificate of completion with a concentration in forensic nursing. <br><br>A legal nurse consultant is typically an experienced registered nurse who brings medical knowledge to the practice of law. Forensic nurses have specialized training in forensic evidence collection, criminal procedures, legal testimony expertise and more. They serve as a liaison between the legal and medical professions.<br><br>A person who earns a forensic nursing certificate from the Widener Law Center could work as a private consultant who aides in the review of medical records for criminal or civil cases, or serve on a prosecution- or public-defender-office staff, for example. A legal nurse consultant with forensic nursing training might aid defense attorneys in reviewing evidence collection of bodily fluids in old or cold cases, or could contribute to investigations of suspicious deaths or state-required death investigations, as in the case of mass disasters. Many forensic nurses work out of hospital emergency rooms – which tend to be the first point of contact for child abuse or domestic violence victims.<br><br>Students who enroll in the forensic nursing concentration will take <a href=\"/ParalegalLNC/CurrentStudents/AcademicResources/RequiredCoursesLNCCertificate/RequiredCoursesCertificateForensicNursing.aspx\">classes</a> such as “Criminal Mitigation and Ethics” and “Violence and the Law.” Online courses are available. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a mentorship program, where they are placed into a work environment alongside a practicing professional. The experience helps them master skills, boost their resumes and build contacts.<br><br>“A concentration in forensic nursing involves such a new and exciting field. We are pleased to make it a real opportunity for nurses in the region through this program,” said Eileen Grena, Legal Education Institute director. “At a time when the economy has many people re-examining their career choices, this academic certificate is especially valuable, because it can be obtained in less than one year and it can open so many doors.”<br><br>The program’s talented <a href=\"/ParalegalLNC/Academics/LEIFaculty.aspx\">faculty</a> includes Lisa M. Schwind, a registered nurse and assistant public defender for the state of Delaware, who has led that office’s Innocence Project examination of DNA evidence in old cases; Linda A. Fernandes, a legal nurse consultant for the Delaware Public Defender’s Office who has lectured internationally on the topic of legal nurse consulting and Kara DiCecco, a registered nurse who is the chief paralegal with the Wilmington law firm of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz &amp; Bhaya.<br><br>Widener’s Legal Education Institute is the only American Bar Association-approved legal nurse consulting program affiliated with a law school in the region. Known as LEI, the institute’s many programs include ABA-approved paralegal certificates and paralegal certificates with concentrations in corporate law, criminal law, estate administration, health law, litigation and real estate.<br><br>The school will hold an <strong><em>open house for those interested in the legal nurse consultant program and forensic concentration, and the paralegal program, on Wednesday, March 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon</em></strong>. It will be held in Polishook Hall on Widener’s Delaware campus at 4601 Concord Pike. For more information, call 302.477.2205 or email <a href=\"mailto:lei@mail.widener.edu\">lei@mail.widener.edu</a>. <br><br><br><br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(366, 'Law professor taking leave to serve as chief counsel to U.S. senator', '2009-03-22', '<span style=\"\"><img width=\"300\" height=\"266\" alt=\"Moulton300x266Faculty_de\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/Moulton300x266Faculty_de.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">Widener University School of Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> today announced that Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MoultonGeoff.aspx\">Geoff Moulton</a> will take a leave of absence from his teaching duties on the Delaware campus to serve as chief counsel to U.S. Sen. Ted Kaufman of Delaware.<br><br>Moulton will be based in Washington, D.C. for the new position, which will involve advising Kaufman on pending matters, particularly issues facing the Senate Judiciary Committee on which Kaufman sits. Moulton’s leave from the law school begins in May.<br><br>“While we will miss Geoff as he assumes this new role, Widener Law is also proud to share him with Sen. Kaufman and the people of Delaware, because we know how well served they will be by his talents, intellect and insight into the law,” Law Dean Linda L. Ammons said. “Geoff embodies the Widener spirit of civic engagement and his work for Sen. Kaufman and the First State make him a role model for our students. When he returns to Widener, Geoff’s experience in Washington will undoubtedly enrich the experience of our students. I wish him well.”<br><br>Former Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner named Kaufman in January to fill the senate vacancy created when Vice President Joe Biden resigned to serve with President Barack Obama. Kaufman served on Biden’s staff for 22 years, including 19 years as Biden’s chief of staff.<br><br>“Geoff’s combination of experience and knowledge of the law will be an asset to my office and the citizens of Delaware,” said Sen. Kaufman. “While I know he will be missed in Widener’s classrooms, I am pleased that Geoff’s newest avenue of public service leads him to the Senate.”<br><br>It will not be the first time Moulton leaves teaching for an opportunity in public service. He took a four-year leave from Widener Law beginning in 2001 to work as first assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.<br><br>Moulton joined the Widener faculty in 1993 and teaches and writes in the areas of criminal law, criminal procedure, white collar crime and evidence. He has a law degree from Columbia University School of Law and he clerked for former Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist at the U.S. Supreme Court from 1985-86. Other career highlights include jobs as a special counsel at the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, a federal prosecutor and a private practitioner, both in Philadelphia. Moulton served as project director of the Waco Administrative Review for the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 1993, before coming to Widener.<br><br>“I am thrilled and honored to be given this opportunity by Sen. Kaufman and by Widener,” Moulton said. “I have always been drawn to public service and I can’t imagine a more interesting or important time to serve in Washington.”<br><br></span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(367, 'Annual Philadelphia Alumni Reception 2009', '2009-03-23', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09PhilaReception/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br><span style=\"\">A good time was had by all who attended the Annual Philadelphia Alumni Reception that was held on Thursday, March 19, 2009.   More than 240 alumni, judges, faculty, and staff gathered to reunite and network at what is the Alumni Associations largest event of the year.  This year, the Alumni Association’s board of directors each sponsored a student to attend the event, giving the students a first hand opportunity to see how networking works.  The event was held in the beautiful Crystal Tea Room located in Philadelphia’s Wanamaker Building.  Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar of events to save the date for next year’s reception.</span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(368, 'Widener Law Wins Best Brief Award at Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court National Final', '2009-03-23', '<img width=\"384\" height=\"339\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"LefkowitzMootCourt\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/LefkowitzMootCourt.jpg\">“Winning the Dolores K. Hanna National Best Brief and Second Place in the Nation was an absolute honor and a wonderful way to culminate the last four months of work on the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition,” said 3rd year student Sylvia K. Siegel of her team’s success at the National Final. The team of Sylvia Siegel, Adrienne Robertson, and Angelina Freind took home the Dolores K. Hanna National Best Brief award and finished second overall at the National Final on Saturday, March 21st.<br><br>Teammate Angelina Freind, a 2nd year student, added, “The competition was a huge amount of work, but I am so thrilled to have been able to work with such a talented and dedicated group of ladies. This entire experience was a true group effort, and it is incredibly rewarding to be able to compete at such a high level and really test your limits.” Adrienne Robertson described the experience as “exhilarating, educational, personally fulfilling and academically gratifying.”<br><br>An annual competition organized by the International Trademark Association, the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition is unique as the only competition in the United States to focus on trademark and unfair competition law. Named in honor of former Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Chairman Saul Lefkowitz, the competition consists of four regional rounds, with the top team from each region advancing to the National Final Competition in Washington, D.C. The Dolores K. Hanna National Best Brief Award is named after the first female President of the International Trademark Association.<br><br>In addition to the Widener Law team, the National Final featured teams from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, the University of Tennessee College of Law, and the University of Akron School of Law. The McGeorge team won the competition and received the First Place Oralist award as well. Four Administrative Trademark Judges from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and seven interlocutory attorneys from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board served as the judges for the final round.<br><br>“Our coach, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/JohnsonLeslieA.aspx\">Leslie Johnson</a>, went above and beyond the call of duty in her dedication and devotion to our efforts and in her belief in us, and her contribution to our success cannot be emphasized enough,” said Robertson, with Siegel adding, “It would be impossible to not thank Professor Johnson for all that she’s done. She played a critical role in our success and I know that I personally have become a better advocate because of her.”<br><br>Freind called Professor Johnson “an integral part of the team,” and said, “We could never have achieved our success without her tireless support and all of the hours of practice she has shared with us. She has invested so much of her personal time to help us prepare. She was truly tireless in her commitment, firm but constructive in her critiques, and sincere in her happiness in our successes.”<br><br>Professor Johnson turned the praise back on the students, saying, “The Widener Law community owes an incredible debt of gratitude to these three young women for their outstanding brief writing and their excellent oral arguments. It was a thrill for me to be part of this awesome adventure. I couldn’t be more proud.”<br><br>The team members also expressed gratitude for the support shown by the entire Widener Law community. “Faculty members have been incredibly kind and supportive to us - sending us emails, commenting in class and pulling us aside in the halls to share their thoughts and congratulate us. It makes you feel good to be part of such a collegial atmosphere and know that the faculty are taking notice and being supportive of what you are doing,” said Angelina Freind, adding, “It was a wonderful honor to be able to represent Widener and function as ambassadors for the school.”  Echoing her teammate, Siegel observed, “I’m also so grateful for the support and encouragement the Widener community has given us throughout this journey!”<br><br>Summing up the experience, Adrienne Robertson noted, “The collaboration and team effort that was the bedrock of our preparation played a significant role in our success and taught us that, as a team, we are much greater than the sum of our parts.  Not only am I a better advocate as a result, but I have a new and profound appreciation for what we all have the capacity to achieve.”<br><br>Sylvia K. Siegel serves as the President of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyDelaware.aspx\">Moot Court Honor Society</a> and is an Associate Editor of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawReview.aspx\">Widener Law Review</a>. Angelina W. Freind is a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and the Treasurer of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/RepublicanLawCaucus.aspx\">Republican Law Caucus</a>. Adrienne L. Robertson is a 2nd year Extended Division student balancing a full-time job with a family and school, and she too is a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.<br><br>Dean Linda Ammons and the entire Widener Law Community congratulate Sylvia, Angelina, Adrienne, and Professor Johnson on their wonderful accomplishment!', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(369, 'Professor Katherine Mason Jones Takes a Look at Economic Regulation', '2009-03-24', '<script language=\"JavaScript\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/scripts/audio-player.js\">\n		</script><object width=\"290\" height=\"24\" id=\"audioplayer1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" data=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/mp3player/player.swf\">\n<param value=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/mp3player/player.swf\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"playerID=1&amp;soundFile=http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/audio/masonKatherine031809.mp3\" name=\"FlashVars\">\n<param value=\"high\" name=\"quality\">\n<param value=\"false\" name=\"menu\">\n<param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\"></object>\nOn Wednesday, March 18th, Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/JonesKatherineMason.aspx\">Katherine Mason Jones</a> spoke to fellow faculty members about her research, currently titled, “Federalism and Concurrent Jurisdiction in Global Markets: Why a combination of National and State Antitrust Enforcement Provides a Model for Effective Economic Regulation.”<br><br>“The large problem, is that we need to rethink how to regulate effectively in international markets. I think right now, there is pretty widespread consensus that the United States law doesn’t do that very effectively,” said Professor Jones in her opening remarks, adding, “Globalization creates areas of overlapping regulatory jurisdiction, and therefore, potential for conflict.” She also touched on the overlapping of federal and state statutes within U.S. law and the few areas where the two differ.<br><br><img width=\"284\" height=\"313\" alt=\"MasonJOnesWorkshopPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MasonJOnesWorkshopPromo.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">Professor Jones discussed the debate over federalism in antitrust enforcement as well as how multiple jurisdictions interacted with each other in the antitrust cases against Microsoft and Intel. She also covered the role of Congress, prosecutorial discretion, and offered an in-depth look at the interaction between state and federal law as it applies to antitrust enforcement.<br><br>The faculty members in attendance offered several helpful comments and suggestions and asked many questions to help Professor Jones focus her research moving forward.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(370, 'Property-rights maven Susette Kelo to speak on the Delaware campus', '2009-03-25', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"600\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"keloSusette400px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/keloSusette400px.jpg\">The woman behind one of the most famous and controversial decisions out of the U.S. Supreme Court in decades will visit Widener Law’s Delaware campus for a two-hour program on eminent domain Friday, March 27.<br><br>Susette Kelo will be joined at Widener by investigative journalist Jeff Benedict, author of the book “Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage” for a discussion on how the plight of a working-class neighborhood became the focus of a national debate about property rights – and a landmark case in American jurisprudence.<br><br>The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kelo v. New London that governments may use eminent domain to transfer private property to developers in the name of economic development. The 2005 decision sparked public outrage over the potential for government abuse of the power of eminent domain.<br><br>Benedict’s book was called “a fascinating narrative” in a New York Times review by Dahlia Lithwick just published Sunday, March 15. The review likened Kelo’s portrayal in the book as something of a Julia Roberts/Erin Brockovich character who underwent a “reluctant transformation from shy nursing student to national property rights hero.” The book focuses less on the court decision itself and more on Kelo, whose Victorian waterfront house in New London, Conn. came under threat by Pfizer Inc. and the New London Development Corp.’s plans to redevelop her neighborhood with condominiums, a luxury hotel and more.<br><br>The event will run from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom in the Main Law Building on the campus at 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington. It is free and open to the public.<br><br>The program is presented by Delaware Citizens Against Eminent Domain Abuse.<br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(371, 'Widener Law Environmental Clinic Wins Precedent-Setting Victory', '2009-03-26', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"KristlPrimeHookWinPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/KristlPrimeHookWinPromo.jpg\">“This is an extremely important victory for the environment,” <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/EnvironmentalandNaturalResourcesLawClinic.aspx\">Environmental Law and Natural Resources Clinic</a> Director and Associate Professor of Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KristlKennethT.aspx\">Ken Kristl</a> said of the March 24, 2009, ruling that sets a first-in-the-nation precedent for regulating farming and the use of genetically modified crops at national wildlife refuges across the country.<br><br>In <em>Delaware Audubon Society v. Salazar</em>, Chief Judge Gregory Sleet of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware granted summary judgment in favor of Clinic clients Delaware Audubon Society, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, and Center for Food Safety in a challenge to farming practices at the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Sussex County, Delaware.<br><br>Clinic interns and Clinic Director Ken Kristl played a central role in drafting the federal complaint challenging the practice of allowing farming in general and farming with genetically modified crops in particular at Prime Hook. The Complaint alleged that US Department of the Interior and the federal Fish and Wildlife Service violated the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act (NWRAA) by failing to first determine if the farming was compatible with the Refuge’s purpose of protecting migrating birds, violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by allowing the planting of genetically modified corn and soybeans without first preparing an environmental impact statement, and violated the federal Administrative Procedures Act.  The Complaint sought injunctive relief preventing any farming until NWRAA, NEPA, and the APA were complied with.  The Clinic then drafted a motion for - and the briefs in support of - summary judgment on all claims.  Judge Sleet’s ruling found that the federal government violated NWRAA, NEPA, and the APA, and granted the injunctive relief sought in the complaint.<br><br> “Farming can fragment habitats and make it more difficult for native species and wildlife to thrive in a place that is supposedly set up for them.  As part of the motion for summary judgment, we offered evidence which suggested that the genetically modified crops would likely result in the increased use of pesticides and herbicides that would adversely impact the environment.  The court’s ruling requires the federal government to follow the law and consider these environmental impacts,” said Professor Kristl.<br><br>“The ruling is the first applying the NWRAA and NEPA to farming activities at wildlife refuges,” added Kristl.  “Because more than 80 other wildlife refuges across the country allow farming without compatibility determinations or environmental impact statements, the ruling sets a precedent that will likely have national application and impact.”  Indeed, one of the clients is already publicly discussing a plan for nationwide litigation based on the ruling.<br><br>Professor Kristl was especially pleased that the Clinic and its students played such a central role in the case.  “This is the essence of the environmental clinic experience,” he said.  “We had clients that needed our help to address an environmental problem. Students researched the law, marshaled the facts to support our arguments, and now get to see how our advocacy can have a demonstrable legal impact that will protect the environment. It is very exciting to be at the cutting edge of an issue like this.”', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(372, '“Kelo” comes to campus', '2009-03-30', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 2px; float: right; width: 406px;\">\n<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"258\" alt=\"Kelo1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/Kelo1.jpg\"></p>\n<p><span class=\"Caption\">From left, Susette Kelo, Jeff Benedict and John Flaherty of Delaware, introducing them</span></p>\n<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"340\" alt=\"Kelo2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/Kelo2.jpg\"></p>\n<p><span class=\"Caption\">Jeff Benedict and Susette Kelo sign books and autographs after the program.</span></p>\n</div>\n\n\n<span style=\"\">Susette Kelo loved her house. From the moment she called a real estate agent from the front steps to come show her the property – the same agent who would try in vain to talk her out of buying a place that needed so much work.<br><br>Kelo put her heart into making the New London, Conn. property overlooking Long Island Sound a home. Then – after a protracted legal battle she never envisioned the day she moved in – she lost it all in a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court decision that said the government may take private property in the name of economic development. <br><br>“No one in this country to should have to go through what we did, and live with the wolves at our doors as we did for 10 years,” Kelo told a crowd of about 75 people gathered in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom on Friday, March 27. <br><br>Kelo was joined by investigative journalist and author Jeff Benedict, who recently wrote a book about Kelo’s battle to save her home, “Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage.” While Kelo no longer lives in her little pink house, her case sparked public outrage over the potential for government abuse of the power of eminent domain. Supporters have rallied around the country, 40 states have changed their laws to protect people like her and Congress is considering legislation.<br><br>“This case started a revolution,” Benedict told the crowd, which included three Delaware legislators, one New Castle County councilman, dozens of interested citizens and members of the law school community. The event was presented by Delaware Citizens Against Eminent Domain Abuse.<br><br>Pfizer Inc. and the New London Development Corp.’s plans to redevelop Kelo’s neighborhood with condominiums, a luxury hotel and more have yet to materialize. Today, the area is a Brownfield.<br><br>“They put a lot of shovels into the sides of houses,” Benedict said, “but they’ve never put a shovel into the ground.”<br></span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(373, 'The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law Annual Banquet', '2009-03-31', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 2px; float: right; width: 406px;\">\n\n\n\n<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"266\" alt=\"djclalumni1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/djclalumni1.jpg\"></p>\n<p>Pictured (starting left): Justice Jack B. Jacobs, Professor Lawrence A. Hamermesh, Kevin M. Gallagher.</p>\n\n<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"267\" alt=\"djclalumni2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/djclalumni2.jpg\"></p>\n<p>Pictured (starting left): James C. Reed, Charles B. Vincent, Thomas A. Uebler,Lawrence M. Gordon, J. Richard Broughton,  Steven W. Spence (missing in photo John C. Andrade &amp; Charlene Cathcart)</p>\n\n<p><img width=\"400\" height=\"267\" alt=\"djclalumni3\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/djclalumni3.jpg\"></p>\n<p>Pictured (starting left): 4 EICs of DJCL Kevin Gallagher (vol. 34, 2009), Thomas A. Uebler (vol. 32, 2007), Lawrence M. Gordon (vol. 4, 1979), J. Richard Broughton (vol. 24, 1999)</p>\n\n\n\n\n</div>\n\n\n\n<span style=\"\">On Friday, March 27, 2009, The <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a> held their annual law review banquet.  Joined with numerous DJCL/WUSL alumni, authors, and Justice Jack Jacobs of the Delaware Supreme Court, the DJCL honored the 2008-09 board and welcomed in the new 2009-10 board.<br><br>Highlights of the evening included great conversation, Kevin Gallagher\'s impressive speech  on the state of the Journal, and a very touching personal recommendation for Kevin Gallagher\'s dedication, leadership, and overall contribution to the Journal\'s success.  During his tenure as EIC, the DJCL received recognition as being ranked 10th out of 411 specialized law reviews and journals in the Washington &amp; Lee Law Review ranking.<br><br>The Journal was extremely happy to share this event with our alumni, and we look forward to building a relationship with more alumni.  Attending were: Jack J. Jacobs, Justice Delaware Supreme Court; authors Christopher Foulds, Shannon German, J. Travis Laster, Blake K. Rohrbacher, John Mark Zeberkiewicz; and alumni John C. Andrade, J. Richard Broughton, Charlene Cathcart, Lawrence M. Gordon, James C. Reed, Steven W. Spence, Thomas Uebler, and Charles B. Vincent.<br><br></span><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(374, 'Widener Law Review Symposium Looks at Child Witnesses', '2009-03-31', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"ChildwitnessPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ChildwitnessPromo.jpg\">On Friday, April 3rd, the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom on the Delaware campus of Widener Law will serve as the setting for a daylong symposium entitled “The Child Witness.” Offering both Pennsylvania and Delaware CLE credits, the symposium, sponsored by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawReview.aspx\">Widener Law Review</a>, will bring together leading scholars, researchers, practitioners, and jurists from across the nation to participate in six panels exploring the issues surrounding children as courtroom witnesses.<br><br>The symposium will explore the latest studies in child development and their impact on child witness interviewing practices, a child’s competence to testify, appropriate questioning in the courtroom, the use of hearsay in lieu of a child’s live testimony, special accommodations for child witnesses, and ethical issues peculiar to the presentation of child witness testimony. The program is multi-disciplinary, with the first hour devoted primarily to psychology.  The presentation and materials are intended for a diverse audience, including judges, lawyers, paralegals, child advocates and court personnel.<br><br>The program will open with a continental breakfast and registration at 8:00 am. Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\">Jules Epstein</a> and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">John F. Nivala</a>, the Director of the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute.aspx\">Trial Advocacy Institute</a>, serve as the Symposium Co-Chairs.<br><br>To view the Symposium Agenda and participants, and find out how to pre-register, download the brochure and registration form.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(375, 'Military Law Society Sponsors JAG Career Panel', '2009-04-03', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 4px; float: right; width: 258px;\">\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px; padding: 4px; width: 250px;\">\n<img width=\"250\" height=\"132\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/YellowRibbonLogo250trimmed.jpg\" alt=\"YellowRibbonLogo250trimmed\"><p style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;\">A proud participant in the <a href=\"http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/yellow_ribbon/index.htm\">Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Program</a>, Widener Law is committed to providing a positive learning environment to the dedicated service members of the United States armed forces. <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">The Yellow Ribbon series</span> highlights the students, faculty, and programs that connect the Widener Law community with the brave veterans who have served their country so admirably.</p>\n</div>\n<p> </p>\n<object width=\"247\" height=\"379\" id=\"viddler_887e50f0\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\"><param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/887e50f0/\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"allowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"allowFullScreen\">\n<embed width=\"247\" height=\"379\" name=\"viddler_887e50f0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/887e50f0/\"></embed></object>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><span style=\"\" class=\"Caption\">Due to technical issues beyond our control, the aspect ratio of this video makes it appear taller and narrower than expected. However, the audio portion of the video is unaffected</span></span>. </p>\n</div>\n\n\n\n“One of the reasons I love my job is that I get to help people who deserve it the most” offered Major Roy A. Hilferty ’98 of his work as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate for the Delaware National Guard. Major Hilferty’s comments to students came as part of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/MilitaryLawSociety.aspx\">Military Law Society’s</a> 2009 JAG Career Panel that took place on Wednesday, February 18th.<br><br>Military Law Society President Damian Del Pino thanked Taishoff Professor of Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReedThomasJ.aspx\">Tom Reed</a>, Linda Shopland of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/CareerDevelopment.aspx\">Career Development Office</a>, and Assistant Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Deborah McCreery for their assistance before introducing the distinguished panel.<br><br>The panel consisted of; Captain Robert Taishoff of the U.S. Navy JAG, who graduated from Widener Law in 1989, Lt. Col David P Cline of the Widener Law class of 1986, a private practice attorney in Wilmington, DE who has served in the Army Reserves for 25 years, Major John W. Venskus, an attorney in the Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps in 153rd Legal Support Organization, Major Hilferty, who graduated from Widener Law in 1998, Captain Nathaniel J. Himert of the U.S. Air Force and Chief of Adverse Actions, Legal Assistance, and Preventive Law at Dover Air Force Base.], and Captain Rochelle Howard of the U.S. Army JAG Corps, who graduated from Widener Law in 2003.<br><br>Each panelist discussed his or her career path and offered the students in attendance an honest look at a career as a JAG lawyer. Captain Howard gave a detailed breakdown of the training, which consists of 2 weeks at Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA for orientation, JAG School at the University of Virginia for 10 weeks, 1 month at Direct Commissioning Officer Training at either Fort Benning in Georgia or Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and six weeks of a Basic Officer Leadership Course.<br><br><img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatLeft\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MilitaryLawPromob.jpg\" alt=\"MilitaryLawPromo\">Major Venskus addressed age and medical considerations. The panelists also examined some of the differences between how the Army and Navy JAG corps function. Navy split into JAG Corps and Office of General Counsel. Major Hilferty also mentioned that Widener Law will offer a Military Justice class beginning next year.<br><br>In closing the statements from the panelists, Captain Himert said, “I think it’s a great opportunity and I think its something that if you’re really interested in it, I think you should take advantage of it.”<br><br>After the panel’s remarks, they took questions from the audience and discussed issues ranging from unpaid summer internships with the Navy JAG Corps to the differences between direct appointments and the JAG Corps student programs.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(376, '“The Child Witness” offers day of engaging, enlightening discussion about difficult issues', '2009-04-05', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09ChildWitness/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br>The School of Law hosted about 125 people for a daylong event focused on children as legal witnesses, and the unique issues they present. The annual program, presented Friday, April 3 on the Delaware campus by the Widener Law Review, created a buzz and drew positive reviews.<br><br>“This annual symposium is an exceptional event at Widener,” student Robyn Airey-Rose, editor-in-chief of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawReview.aspx\">Widener Law Review</a> said. “It brings the legal community, professors and students together in a unique learning experience.”<br><br>Topics for the event, titled “The Child Witness,” included things like hearsay, interview processes, ethical issues and special courtroom accommodations. Speaker Mimi Rose, Esq., an attorney for the School District of Philadelphia, said the hardest cases she sees involve adolescent incest victims who are asked to testify against the parents who have abused them. <br><br>“There are no easy answers here,” Rose said. “These are very difficult cases and often why they are plea bargained.”<br><br>The symposium was co-chaired by Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\">Jules Epstein</a> and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">John Nivala</a>, director of the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute.aspx\">Taishoff Advocacy, Technology and Public Service Institute</a>. Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> said that between the institute, Widener’s outstanding joint-degree program for psychology and the law, and the school’s role as a leader in representation for domestic violence victims, Widener was a natural to host a symposium on the topic of child witnesses.<br><br>“We offer this symposium as part of Widener’s ongoing commitment to engaging in scholarship that has real and practical benefits and offers guidance on how to make critical improvements in our nation’s system of justice,” she said.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(377, 'Delaware Supreme Court to hear oral arguments at Widener Law', '2009-04-06', '<span style=\"\"><span style=\"\"><img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" alt=\"SupremesPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SupremesPromo.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">Widener University School of Law is pleased to announce the Delaware Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the Wilmington campus on Wednesday, April 8. The Court will convene in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom to hear two cases beginning at 10 a.m.<br><br>The Court will sit en banc for both cases. Briefs on the cases are available at the circulation desk in the law library, for students who want to read about the arguments in advance. The cases are:<br><br>10 a.m. Bromstad-Deturk v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. This case involves uninsured motorist coverage under three insurance policies. It presents a question on whether Delaware law precludes “stacking” of the three separate policies. Each side will get 25 minutes to make its argument and arguments should conclude shortly before 11 a.m.<br><br>Attorney Beverly L. Bove, who represents Bromstad-Deturk, is a 1979 Widener Law alumna.<br><br>11 a.m. James Cooke v. State of Delaware.  Cooke is appealing his March 2007 Superior Court conviction and death sentence for the rape and strangulation of University of Delaware sophomore Lindsey Bonistall, who was found dead in her burning apartment near the university campus in May 2005. Cooke’s appeal raises several issues, including a challenge to his trial counsel’s decision to pursue a verdict of guilty but mentally ill. Each side will get 45 minutes to make its argument, so this case is expected to finish around 12:30 p.m.<br><br>Attorneys Joseph A. Gabay and Jennifer Kate Aaronson, who represent Cooke, are Widener Law alumni. Gabay graduated in 1982 and Aaronson was a member of the class of 1995.<br><br>“We are thrilled to welcome the Delaware Supreme Court back to campus, as their presence here enriches the legal education experience for our students,” Law Dean Linda L. Ammons said. “I am grateful to the Supreme Court for giving us this access to their proceedings. It is a valuable teaching tool.”<br><br>The oral arguments are open to the public and will follow the same protocol the Court uses when it sits in its own courtroom in Dover. Protocol also requires everyone who attends the hearings to submit to a security check before entering the Vale Courtroom. Capitol Police will be on campus the day of oral arguments to provide security for the Court, as the officers normally do when the Court sits in Dover. No one may enter or exit the courtroom after an oral argument has started, although entry and exit between oral arguments are permitted. Anyone who creates a disturbance must leave the courtroom and may not return, and the Court prohibits outward displays of emotion by people in the gallery.<br><br><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Food, drink, BlackBerry devices and all other electronic devices including cellular phones and pagers will not be allowed in the courtroom.</span><br><br><br><br><br><br></span><br><br><br><br></span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(378, '2009 Harrisburg Alumni Reception', '2009-04-07', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09HbgReception/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br> 2009 Harrisburg Alumni ReceptionThe acoustic debut of duo Steve Matthes ’92 and Doug Wolfberg ’96 was a big hit at the Annual Harrisburg Alumni Reception on Friday, April 3, 2009. Vice Dean John L. Gedid brought greetings to alumni and guests at the reception and Widener Law Alumni Board President Steven Barsamian provided the alumni welcome prior to the performance at the Fire House Restaurant in downtown Harrisburg. <br><br>Over 85 people enjoyed the music while catching up with faculty and friends. Graduates from the very first Widener Law graduating class of 1975 all the way to our most recent graduating class took part in the reception. Alumni in attendance were not only from the region, but also traveled from as far away as New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. <br><br>We are already looking forward to next year’s reception and hope you are too!<br><span style=\"FONT-SIZE: 14pt\"><br></span><br>\nDid you attend this year\'s event? Take the post-event survey by clicking here <a href=\"http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=1tWG7cXjwuf_2bPUcKUAADDg_3d_3d\">Click Here to take survey</a>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(379, '“Judges Day” connects Widener Law with regional jurists', '2009-04-07', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09JudgesDay/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe> The second-annual Judges Day brought more than 20 jurists from four states to the Delaware campus in an event designed to nurture the important relationship between the law school and the bench.<br><br>Organized by Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/DalyErin.aspx\">Erin Daly</a>, associate dean for faculty research and development, Judges Day brings members of the bench onto campus for classroom visits, meetings with Dean<a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\"> Linda L. Ammons</a> and her staff, talks with the faculty about their research and opportunities to discuss their thoughts about the legal profession and legal education. Law clerks to the judges also held an informational session with Widener students who were interested in learning more about clerking opportunities.<br><br>Daly told the judges at a luncheon in the Barristers’ Club that the school founded the event in 2008 to thank them for all they do in support of the law school. “No law school can survive without friends, without the people who hire and mentor our students, who judge our moot courts and who teach as adjuncts and special guests,” she said.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"JudgesDayPostPromo235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/JudgesDayPostPromo235.jpg\">The day was also a chance for the school and the judges to get to know one another better. Associate Professors <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\">Jules Epstein</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KristlKennethT.aspx\">Kenneth T. Kristl</a> and <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MirkayNicholasA.aspx\">Nicholas A. Mirkay III</a> all made presentations about their work and scholarship. The judges also met with Distinguished Professors <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/StraussAndrewL.aspx\">Andrew Strauss</a> and <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/LipkinRobertJustin.aspx\">Robert J. Lipkin</a> and Taishoff Professor of Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReedThomasJ.aspx\">Thomas Reed</a>, who directs the <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/vetclinic\">Veterans Law Clinic</a>.<br><br>The judges came from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey courts and ended their day with a reception in the Alfred Avins Special Collection Library room, where Ammons and Daly thanked them for making the day at Widener part of their busy schedules. <br><br>“We hope you all can come back next year when we do this again,” Daly said.<br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(380, 'Members of the Pearce Family Visit Widener Law', '2009-04-08', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 3px; float: left; width: 440px;\">\n				<object width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_708a3a7c\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\">\n						<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/708a3a7c/\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"allowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"allowFullScreen\">\n<embed width=\"437\" height=\"370\" name=\"viddler_708a3a7c\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/708a3a7c/\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\n\nOn Wednesday, April 1st, Widener Law welcomed Mrs. Arlene Pearce, mother of Hugh B. Pearce, and Dr. Robert Pearce, brother of Hugh B. Pearce to the Delaware campus for a scholarship reception and the final round of the <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb040809pearceresults.aspx\">20th Annual Hugh B. Pearce Trial Advocacy Competition</a>. Several members of the Widener Law class of 1990 who were classmates of Hugh also attended the event, including Widener Law National Advisory Council member Leif Sigmond Jr.<br><br><br>Widener Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> welcomed Hugh’s mother, brother, and classmates and presented Arlene and Robert with gifts of appreciation. Robert showed a brief but powerful PowerPoint presentation he had put together in remembrance of his older brother. The reception offered the gathered alumni an opportunity to catch up with some of their former Professors, and marked the creation of a scholarship in honor of Hugh B. Pearce. The scholarship will benefit a rising second year student who has demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to community or public service, as exemplified by Hugh\'s life.<br><br>H<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09HughPearce/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 520px; height: 385px; float: right;\"></iframe>ugh Bryan Pearce enrolled at Widener Law in August of 1987 and maintained a full course schedule while serving as a helicopter pilot with the Delaware National Guard. On June 17th, 1989 while performing maneuvers with the National Guard, Chief Warrant Officer Hugh B. Pearce and five others lost their lives when the UH-1 Iroquois they were flying crashed in dense fog shortly after midnight near Yarmouth, Massachusetts. <br><br>In the wake of Hugh’s death, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReedThomasJ.aspx\">Thomas Reed</a> and John Wherry, Esq., at the time an adjunct faculty member directing the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program, created a competition between the two best advocates in <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute/CopyofIntensiveTrialAdvocacyProgramDelaware.aspx\">ITAP</a> and the two best advocates from Professor Reed’s Advocacy concentration course. They named the competition in honor of Hugh, who Professor Reed called “an especially gifted student with a flair for advocacy.” The competition later evolved into a trial advocacy competition pitting a team of advocates selected from the Delaware campus by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/TrialAdvocacyHonorSocietyDelaware.aspx\">Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society</a> against a team from the Harrisburg campus selected by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/TrialAdvocacyHonorSocietyHarrisburg.aspx\">Trial Advocacy Honor Society</a> there.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(381, 'Harrisburg Team Wins 20th Annual Hugh B. Pearce Trial Advocacy Competition', '2009-04-09', '<div style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 400px\">\r\n				<p>\r\n						<img width=\"400\" height=\"396\" alt=\"hughpearce1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/hughpearce1.jpg\"></p>\r\n				<p>(Left to Right): Associate Professor J. Palmer Lockard II, Miranda Blazek (HB), Amir Raminpour (HB), and Harrisburg Dean of Students Ann Fruth.</p>\r\n				<p>\r\n						<img width=\"400\" height=\"325\" alt=\"hughpearce2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/hughpearce2.jpg\"></p>\r\n				<p>(Left to Right): Gwenn Miller (DE), R. Mark Taneyhill (DE), Honorable Gene E.K. Pratter, Miranda Blazek (HB), and Amir Raminpour (HB). </p>\r\n		</div>\"The tipping point for the defense was that you used the evidence more effectively to support your theme,” said the Honorable Gene E. K. Pratter, federal district court judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in declaring the Harrisburg team of Miranda Blazek and Amir Raminpour the winners of the 20th Annual Hugh B. Pearce Trial Advocacy Competition.<br><br>Before a sizable audience in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom, the Harrisburg team of Blazek and Raminpour represented the defendant, Anthony Daniels, against the State of NITA. The Delaware team of R. Mark Taneyhill and Gwenn Miller prosecuted on behalf of the state.  The prosecution tried to prove that the defendant, Anthony Daniels, murdered his boss and the lover of his estranged ex-wife Buffy Daniels on the night of March 22nd, 2008. Despite the prosecution’s attempts to prove that Anthony Daniels murdered his boss out of a sense of wounded pride, defense counsel skillfully provided reasonable doubt, in part by suggesting that Buffy Daniels was a “scorned woman” seeking revenge in the midst of a bitter divorce.<br><br>Upon returning from her deliberations, Judge Pratter offered both teams some general advice, but she was very complimentary of the work of each participant. She praised all of the participants for their extemporaneous speaking ability, and said that each of them offered “extremely relaxed, well-paced oral arguments.”<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"HughPearcePostPromo235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/HughPearcePostPromo235.jpg\">Judge Jerry R. Parker of the Second District Court of Appeals in Tampa, Florida prepared the problem used for the competition, State of Nita v. Anthony Daniels, on behalf of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. Competition Chairpersons Elissa A. Greenberg of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/TrialAdvocacyHonorSocietyDelaware.aspx\">Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society</a> on the Delaware campus, and Ryan Wotus of the Harrisburg <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/TrialAdvocacyHonorSocietyHarrisburg.aspx\">Trial Advocacy Honor Society</a> performed the organizational work necessary to carry off the competition, with able assistance from Moe Levine Secretary Doris Zinck on the Delaware campus and Mary Lou Morin on the Harrisburg campus. Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/LockardJPalmer.aspx\">J. Palmer Lockard II</a> served as the faculty advisor for the Harrisburg Trial Advocacy Honor Scoiety and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">John F. Nivala</a>, Director of the The <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute.aspx\">Taishoff Advocacy, Technology and Public Service Institute</a>, and Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\">Jules Epstein</a> served as the faculty advisors for the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(382, 'Dr. Jeff McKinney to Deliver Diversity Week Address', '2009-04-10', ' <img width=\"300\" height=\"424\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"McKinneyJeff3\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/McKinneyJeff3.jpg\">On Thursday April 16th at 4:30 p.m. in the Barrister’s Club, Dr. Jeff McKinney, President of the Angkor Group, will lead a collaborative discussion entitled “The Business Case for Diversity: Why we need it, how we achieve it.” Sponsored by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationDelaware.aspx\">SBA</a>, <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/AmericanAssociationforJustice.aspx\">ATLA</a>, and <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/ParentsAttendingLawSchool.aspx\">Parents Attending Law School</a> as part of Diversity Week, the presentation will examine the importance of diversity in the legal profession, the struggle to attract and retain diverse attorneys, and how diversity can enhance overall performance.<br><br>Dr. McKinney graduated from Indiana University, earning a BA and MA in Speech Communication and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. He spent 12 years teaching at Indiana University, teaching courses on a variety of topics including; cultural awareness, white privilege, GLBT issues, social/class privilege, public speaking, and business communication. As Senior Associate Director of the Project on Academic Success at Indiana University, Dr. McKinney assisted 16 colleges and universities in the State of Indiana in examining enrollment and retention of minority student population. He also helped develop programs to assist schools in recruiting and retaining more students from underrepresented backgrounds.<br><br>Currently teaching communication courses at Harold Washington College, Dr. McKinney recently created The Angkor Group, to address the issues of multiculturalism and diversity in law firms, other professional services firms, educational institutions, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.<br><br>Dinner will be provided.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(383, 'James Cawley Honored as Adjunct of the Year', '2009-04-11', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"257\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"GedidAmmonsCawleyHbAward\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/GedidAmmonsCawleyHbAward.jpg\">Since 1994, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbgAdj/CawleyJamesH.aspx\">James Cawley</a> has served as a member of Widener Law’s adjunct faculty on the Harrisburg campus, teaching Administrative Law, Public Utility Law, and Appellate Advocacy. On March 31st at the annual Adjunct Dinner, held at the Harrisburg Hilton, Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> and Vice Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John Gedid</a> presented Cawley with the Adjunct Faculty Distinguished Service Award. Cawley currently serves as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.<br><br>A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, James Cawley earned his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1970. After serving as one of the seven original law clerks to the judges of newly created Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, he was appointed Majority Counsel to the Pennsylvania Senate Consumer Affairs Committee. After serving as Chief Counsel to the Senate Majority Floor Leader, he was twice nominated and confirmed as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, serving from November 1979 until September 1985.<br><br>Chairman Cawley returned to the private practice of law concentrating on administrative law and appellate practice, where his client included public utilities and competitive telephone, electric and natural gas providers. On April 25, 2005, Governor Edward G. Rendell nominated him to return to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and the Senate of Pennsylvania confirmed him on June 9, 2005 for a term ending March 31, 2010. Shortly after he took office, his colleagues elected him Vice Chairman, and, on August 19, 2008, Governor Rendell appointed him Chairman.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(384, 'Widener Law student attends highly competitive institute program in California', '2009-04-12', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"425\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"SpringerCraig2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SpringerCraig2.jpg\">Widener University School of Law is pleased to announce that third-year student Craig Springer of Brookhaven, Pa. was recently awarded an American Bankruptcy Institute scholarship. <br><br>As part of the scholarship, Springer recently spent three days at a program in California put on by the institute in cooperation with Pepperdine Law School. The program, known as the W.M. Matthew Byrne, Jr. Judicial Clerkship Institute, is designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of federal judicial clerks.<br><br>Springer will graduate in May and has accepted a clerkship with Judge Kevin Gross in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.<br><br>While in Malibu, Calif. for the March 19-21 program, Springer attended intensive courses designed in consultation with a number of the country’s leading judges. The experience was intended to provide federal bankruptcy law clerks with practical knowledge the judges determined would be most useful for their pending clerkships. The program is highly competitive and Springer was one of only 20 law students in the country accepted to attend.<br><br>Springer serves as internal managing editor for <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a>. He transferred into Widener Law two years ago from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan, out of a desire to study law through Widener’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a>, in preparation for a career as a corporate bankruptcy attorney.<br><br>“Craig’s scholarship to attend this highly-regarded institute program was a terrific accomplishment and we at Widener Law are very proud of him,” Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> said.<br><br>Springer is the son of John and Arianne Springer of Brookhaven.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(385, 'Assistant Dean LeaNora Ruffin assumes presidency of the National Association for Law Placement', '2009-04-12', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"375\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"RuffinLeanora2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/RuffinLeanora2.jpg\">Widener University School of Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> today congratulated LeaNora Ruffin, assistant dean of <a href=\"/CampusLife/CareerDevelopment.aspx\">career development</a>, on assuming the presidency of the National Association for Law Placement. Ruffin was installed as the organization’s leader on April 3 at the organization’s 2009 Annual Education Conference in Washington, D.C. She will serve a one-year term.<br><br>The National Association for Law Placement, or NALP, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating legal career counseling and planning, recruitment and retention and the professional development of law students and lawyers. Ruffin joined the association, which is comprised of legal employers and law school members, in 1998. <br><br>As NALP embarks on it strategic planning process for 2010-2015, Ruffin said she is committed to making sure the plan reflects the association’s core values while fully appreciating the ever-changing nature of the legal industry. Ruffin’s business plan also places a particular focus on leadership, innovation and technology and market positioning for the association.<br><br>Ruffin has worked in Widener Law’s Career Development Office for 10 years and has served as its assistant dean since 2000. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.<br><br>“Assistant Dean Ruffin takes this role at a challenging time in our nation’s history, when legal career professionals need the support of her service more than ever,” Ammons said. “I commend her for taking on this commitment in the spirit of civic engagement, which so aptly reflects the heart of our mission at Widener Law.”<br> <br>Ruffin lives in Bear, Del. with her husband, Michael. She works out of Widener’s Delaware campus.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(386, 'Harrisburg Moot Court Team Wins Best Brief at 24th Annual Dean Jerome Prince Evidence Competition', '2009-04-13', '<p><img class=\"FloatRight\" src=\"{staticroot}site/files/oldnewsfiles/BestBriefHBGmootWinners.jpg\" alt=\"BestBriefHBGmootWinners\" width=\"400\" height=\"533\" />\"The Prince Competition features many of the top ranked law schools in the U.S. For any team to win best brief is a fantastic achievement; Matt and Megan were great,&rdquo; said Professor&nbsp;<a href=\"{staticroot}Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/CapowskiJohnJ.aspx\">John Capowski</a> of the performance of the&nbsp;<a href=\"{staticroot}CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyHarrisburg.aspx\">moot court</a> team of Matthew Eyet and Megan Durr at the 24th Annual Dean Jerome Prince Evidence Competition.</p>\r\n<p>In winning the Best Brief Award at the Brooklyn Law School competition, Matt and Megan were the best in a field of 36 teams that included teams from NYU, Hastings, Georgetown, and Cornell. The team also advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition, under the direction of alumna Jeni Pilgrim of the class of 2008. Professor Capowski served as the team&rsquo;s faculty coach, while Pilgrim coached the team at the competition.</p>\r\n<p>Professor Capowski noted, &ldquo;This is Widener\'s first time winning best brief at Brooklyn, but this was the second time in the last three years that we were among the top eight teams overall. Jeni Pilgrim, Widener Harrisburg \'08, who served as our alumni coach was on the team three years ago. Our students have been doing a great job competing among the best.&rdquo; Because of the win, future Prince Competition programs will list Widener-Harrisburg among the winners of the Best Brief Award.</p>\r\n<p>The entire Widener Law Community congratulates Megan and Matt on their wonderful accomplishment.</p>', '', NULL, '', '', 0, 'on', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(387, 'Law school hosts public program for National Health Care Decisions Day', '2009-04-14', 'National Health Care Decisions Day 2009 will be observed in the First State with a free public education forum at Widener Law designed to help Delawareans discover and declare their end-of-life decision making preferences.<br><br>The School of Law and its <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/HealthLawInstitute.aspx\">Health Law Institute </a> have joined with the Delaware Academy of Medicine, Christiana Care Health System, Delaware Hospice and the Delaware End-of-Life Coalition to present a program on Thursday, April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom.<br><br><img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/NatlHealthCareDayPromo2.jpg\" alt=\"NatlHealthCareDayPromo\" class=\"FloatLeft\">The event will feature roughly 60 minutes of presentations on topics ranging from the nature of end-of-life care, people’s legal rights under Delaware law – particularly after they lose the capacity to control what happens to their bodies – and what kind of paperwork is involved in declaring one’s wishes in advance. The remaining 30 minutes will be devoted to an open discussion between the presenters and the audience, with ample opportunity for questions. <br><br>Presenters will include medical and legal professionals, along with representatives of the clergy and hospice. Widener Law Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/FichterAndrewJ.aspx\">Andrew J. Fichter</a>, executive director of institute programs at the school, will moderate. Blank advance directive forms and other pertinent paperwork will be available to take home.<br><br>“This program is intended to assist people of all ages, not just the elderly,” Fichter said. “People who put their preferences in writing ensure their last wishes are carried out even when circumstances prohibit them from speaking for themselves. We encourage people to join us and take the simple steps necessary to avoid the confusion and family controversies that can arise when a person becomes incapacitated and lacks a living will.”<br><br>National Health Care Decisions Day, observed with programs and events across the country on April 16, is an initiative designed, in part, to encourage people to express their wishes regarding health care. More information is available at <a href=\"http://nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org/\">nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org/</a>. Localized information can be found at delawaredecisions.org.<br><br>Widener’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/HealthLawInstitute.aspx\">Health Law Institute </a>is ranked among the nation’s top-10 programs in U.S.News &amp; World Report’s 2009 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools. The school has maintained a near-constant presence among the elite health law programs singled out by the news magazine in recent years.<br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(388, 'Delaware County Alumni Chapter CLE Luncheon', '2009-04-15', '<div style=\"float:right; width: 404px; margin: 6px;\">\r\n\r\n\r\n<img width=\"400\" height=\"229\" alt=\"DelCoAlumniChapterCLELuncheon\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DelCoAlumniChapterCLELuncheon.jpg\"><p><span class=\"Caption\">Pictured (l-r): John W. Schmehl, Chair, Tax Group; Gino J. Benedetti ’90, Co-Chair, Labor and Employment Law Group; Mark H. Vacha, Member, Corporate Department; and Joseph F. Kessler, Chair, Real Estate Group.</span></p>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Delaware County Alumni Chapter, chaired by Jonathan Peri ’99, hosted a CLE luncheon on Monday, March 30th at D’Ignazio’s Townehouse Restaurant in Media, PA. The CLE portion of the program was titled <em>Highlights of the Stimulus Plan: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009</em>. Michael J. Tierney ‘93 with the law firm of Dilworth Paxson coordinated with four other attorneys from their Philadelphia office to present the program. Thirty-four of our Delaware County alumni attended.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(389, 'Widener Law presents daylong conference on sports and entertainment law', '2009-04-15', ' <img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"SportsEntPromo2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SportsEntPromo2.jpg\">Leading attorneys in sports and entertainment law will gather on the Delaware campus of Widener University School of Law on Friday, April 17 for a daylong conference on hot topics in television, film, sports, music and ethics.<br><br>The program will bring together a battery of practicing lawyers, business officials and academics for a day of stimulating discussion on key issues, including the process of creating a “remake” of an original television show or film and the process of sampling the musical work of others.<br><br>The conference, now in its fourth year, is presented by the law school and its <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/SportsandEntertainmentLawSociety.aspx\">Sports and Entertainment Law Association</a>. <br><br>For practicing attorneys in Delaware and Pennsylvania attendance at the program offers five continuing legal education credits, including one ethics credit. The registration cost for attorneys attending for credit is $125 and includes lunch; the fee for Widener Law alumni is $100. The event is free for students and members of the general public, but does not include program materials or lunch. Students who want to attend the luncheon and receive program materials will be charged $25.<br><br>Registration and continental breakfast the day of the conference run from 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information or to register, contact Constance Sweeney, coordinator for special programs, at 302-477-2177 or e-mail <a href=\"mailto:mailto:cmsweeney@widener.edu\">cmsweeney@widener.edu</a>. <br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(390, 'Delaware Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom', '2009-04-17', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Supremes/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe> “Today, what you’re about to witness is history in the making,” said Associate Provost and Dean of the Law School <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>. “We have the best state Supreme Court in the United States seated here,” she said, adding, “We are quite privileged to have this opportunity,” before the justices heard oral arguments in the case of James Cooke v. State of Delaware.<br><br>The Supreme Court heard two cases in the special session held in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom at Widener Law’s Delaware campus on Wednesday, April 8th. The courtroom was packed for both cases, with many students taking the valuable opportunity to see the Supreme Court hear oral arguments. The estimated crowd for the second hearing was estimated at 260 individuals between the Ruby Vale and the two overflow rooms showing the arguments via live video feed.<br><br>The first case, heard at 10 a.m., was Bromstad-Deturk v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., a case involving how three insurance policies defined uninsured motorist coverage, and whether or not Delaware law precludes those policies from “stacking.” Widener Law alumna Beverly L. Bove of the class of 1979 represented Bromstad-Deturk.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"SupremesPromoPOST235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SupremesPromoPOST235.jpg\">The second case, heard shortly after 11 a.m., James Cooke v. State of Delaware, appealed Cooke’s March 2007 conviction and death sentence for the May 2005 rape and murder of University of Delaware sophomore Lindsey Bonistall on the grounds that his trial counsel violated Cooke’s rights by refusing his demands to seek a not guilty verdict and instead pursue a verdict of guilty but mentally ill. Attorneys Joseph A. Gabay, Widener Law class of 1982, and Jennifer Kate Aaronson, Widener Law class of 1995, served as Cooke’s appellant attorneys, while Deputy Attorney General Paul Wallace represented the state.<br><br>“I would like to thank the Supreme Court and their staff members, in particular Mr. Steve Taylor and Ms. Kathy Howard for working with our staff here in making these arrangements possible,” said Dean Ammons in her opening remarks, adding, “In addition, a thank you to Connie Sweeney for coordinating with the visit of the Supreme Court.”', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(391, 'Diversity pipeline competition happens Saturday', '2009-04-17', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"DiversityPipelinePromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DiversityPipelinePromo.jpg\">Students on Widener Law’s Delaware campus will spend Saturday, April 18 doing their part to boost diversity in the legal profession, by hosting a competition designed to spark an interest in the law among undergraduate students.<br><br>The “Diversity Pipeline Mock Trial Competition” will begin at 9 a.m. in various classrooms and conference rooms. Twenty eight undergraduate students from around the region have signed up to compete in the event, where they will act as attorneys and play out a criminal trial involving fictitious allegations of an undergraduate hazing that ends in the death of a student. Competitors come from a range of backgrounds, and many are of ethnicities which have been traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. <br><br>The competitors will make opening statements, question witnesses and submit evidence and make closing arguments – all before a panel of law professors and area attorneys, who will judge their performances. Widener Law students will volunteer as bailiffs and as witnesses, to be questioned on the witness stand by competitors. <br><br>The school’s <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationDelaware.aspx\">Student Bar Association</a> has organized the competition, which is drawing competitors from several schools including Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Temple University, Widener University and more. The program is being done in conjunction with the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division diversity initiative.<br><br>The competitors are not law students, but the competition allows them to “play” lawyer for a day, exposing them to the professional life of a trial attorney in the hopes it may inspire the undergraduates to consider careers in law. Prizes for the top competitors include Kaplan scholarships for LSAT prep courses.<br><br>The program is being run entirely by Widener Law students. Competitors are being paired in advance with Widener Law student volunteers who have agreed to act like mentors in preparation for Saturday’s event. <br><br>“Our short-term goal with this event is to give these students a hands-on experience with the law while they are still undergraduates. If this event plants a seed that leads them to pursue a legal career, then the profession benefits as well,” said law student Bill Newman, a member of the Student Bar Association who is organizing the competition.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(392, 'Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law to offer new degrees', '2009-04-18', 'Widener University School of Law today announced it will begin offering three new degrees through its prominent <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a> on the Delaware campus. <br><br>The school is currently enrolling for the new degrees, which are designed to benefit management-level professionals who deal with regulatory issues often confronting corporations and other business organizations. Although the coursework is offered through the School of Law, not all the degrees require students to already hold a J.D., or law degree, to enroll.<br><br>The degrees include:<br><br>Master of jurisprudence. This program is designed to equip students holding a bachelor’s or equivalent degree for work in corporate and business environments requiring regulatory and compliance, risk management, contract drafting, negotiating and related skills.<br><br><strong>Doctor of juridicial science</strong>. This doctoral program is designed for attorneys who have an interest in corporate and business law and policy who seek to produce substantial work of publishable quality. Either a law degree or master of laws degree is a pre-requisite.<br><br><strong>Doctor of laws</strong>. This program is designed for professionals who hold a master’s degree and want to enhance their expertise through a substantial scholarly research and writing project under personal supervision of Widener Law faculty. It will involve research and writing on corporate- and business-law topics.<br><br>The programs are all approved by the American Bar Association and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.<br> <br>“We are pleased to offer these new degrees to the community, particularly at a time when many are re-examining their career goals and potential,” Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> said. “This endeavor solidifies Widener’s standing as a comprehensive resource center for legal and policy education and research.”<br><br>For more information, click on “<a href=\"/Academics.aspx\">academics</a>” on the homepage or contact Karla Harris at 302.477.2704 or <a href=\"mailto:kmharris@widener.edu\">kmharris@widener.edu</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(393, 'Widener Law Journal tapped to publish prestigious collection of legal articles', '2009-04-19', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"WLJArticlesPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/WLJArticlesPromo.jpg\">Widener Law is pleased to announce its <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawJournal.aspx\">Widener Law Journal</a>, the student-run journal based on its Harrisburg campus, has published a collection of articles written in observance of the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Trial Judges.<br><br>The judicial organization, which is a division of the American Bar Association, invited the Widener journal to publish the collection. The law students began by putting out a call for papers on a broad range of suggested topics and the final collection features nine articles written by eight judges from around the country. Two other articles were written by legal academics. The national conference’s current and immediate past presidents wrote the introduction.<br><br>The collection is titled “A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Conference of State Trial Judges,” and article topics include judicial independence, forensic science challenges, the commitment to fairness, jury system innovations, elected-versus-appointed judges, prison overcrowding and more.<br><br>“These are articles that are highly useful to trial judges,” Widener Law Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/RobinetteChristopherJ.aspx\">Christopher J. Robinette</a> said. Robinette is the faculty advisor to the law journal.<br><br>The journal staff will be honored for producing the publication when members attend the American Bar Association’s annual meeting held July 30-Aug. 4 in Chicago. Journal Editor-in-Chief Cory S. Winter said 150 copies of the publication will be distributed to those who attend the ABA event.<br> <br>“Law reviews dream of publishing a collection of articles that have such potential to impact the court system and we are especially grateful to our administration and the authors for the confidence they instilled in us to take on this special project,” Winter said. “With trial judges playing an ever-increasing role in America’s judiciary, we hope that this issue will be an enlightening one for the bench, bar and academic communities.”', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(394, 'Conference explores ways medical and legal specialists can work together to help those in need', '2009-04-20', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"MedicalLegalPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MedicalLegalPromo.jpg\">Widener Law will host a daylong program that looks at the issue of how peoples’ unmet legal needs may be contributing factors to their health problems, and how medical-legal partnerships can aid indigent patients and underserved populations.<br><br>The program, “Medical Legal Partnerships,” will be presented Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the law campus at 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington. It is presented by the law school and its nationally-ranked <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/HealthLawInstitute.aspx\">Health Law Institute</a>. <br><br>The medical-legal partnership was created in 1993 by a Boston pediatrician who realized many of his repeat patients would be unable to achieve long-term good health unless some of the legal problems they faced were remediated. For example, apartments that lacked heat or were filled with mold called for legal – not just medical – responses. The insight spawned the creation of the Medical-Legal Partnership for Children, and, since then, medical-legal partnerships have sprung up across the country, including in Delaware and Pennsylvania.<br><br>The conference will bring together legal service providers, academics and national leaders of the medical-legal partnership movement for an animated discussion on these vital initiatives. The speaker list includes Ellen Lawton, the executive director of the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership.<br><br>The day will begin with a welcome from Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> and Health Law Institute Director and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx\">John G. Culhane</a>. The panel schedule includes: <ul>\n<li>\n<strong>9:45 a.m.</strong> An introduction and overview of the medical-legal partnership.</li>\n<li>\n<strong>10:45 a.m.</strong> Lessons from urban and rural populations on starting a medical-legal partnership.</li>\n<li>\n<strong>1:30 p.m.</strong> The law school clinical teaching model for medical-legal partnerships.</li>\n<li>\n<strong>2:30 p.m</strong>. A mock classroom exercise for a law-medicine seminar.</li>\n</ul>Attorneys who attend will be eligible for four continuing legal education credits (including one ethics credit) in Pennsylvania and 4.3 credits (including one ethics credit) in Delaware. The registration fee for those who attend for credits is $100, and $75 for Widener Law alumni. Those who attend, but not for credits, will be charged a $50 registration fee. The registration fees include lunch. Students may attend for free without lunch or conference materials. To register, contact Karla Harris at 302.477.2704 or <a href=\"mailto:kmharris@widener.edu\">kmharris@widener.edu</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(395, 'Networking Workshop Offers Students Tips on How to Develop Valuable Contacts', '2009-04-20', '<div class=\"Caption\" style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 390px\">\n<img width=\"386\" height=\"284\" alt=\"cdoNetworkingPanel\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/cdoNetworkingPanel.jpg\"><p>Arthur J. Bousel and Janaki Catanzarite</p>\n</div>\n<br>“The key to building relationships is to help others, and others will help you,” said Arthur J. Bousel of Lawyer 2 Lawyer Coaching in addressing a group of Widener Law students as part of a networking workshop in the Barrister’s Club on April 13th.<br><br>Sponsored by <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/ParentsAttendingLawSchool.aspx\">Parents Attending Law School</a> and the <a href=\"/CampusLife/CareerDevelopment.aspx\">Career Development Office</a>, the workshop offered students valuable tips on how to develop and maintain a network of contacts. In addition to Bousel, students heard from Janaki Catanzarite, a graduate of Widener Law who works for Pepper Hamilton, LLP.<br><br>Parents Attending Law School President Shana Pinter offered a warm welcome to everyone in attendance and introduced both panelists. Bousel opened the event by covering what he considered the most important principle of networking, emphasizing that people should endeavor to try and be helpful to those they come in contact with. Catanzarite echoed that thought as well, noting that it is easier to develop contacts by asking how you might help them than it is by asking favors of them before you know them.<br><br>The evening offered the students in attendance a chance to hear practical suggestions for developing professional connections, and tips on how to find employment in the current economic climate.<br><br>A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, Arthur J. Bousel earned his JD-MBA from Columbia Law School and Graduate School of Business. He worked as the Dean for Professional &amp; Legal Career Development at Valparaiso University School of Law and Director of Professional Development for the law firm of Stradley Ronon before becoming a legal career coach.<br><br>Janaki Catanzarite is an associate in the Investment Management Practice Group of Pepper Hamilton LLP and a member of the firm\'s Sustainability, CleanTech and Climate Change Team. She graduated from Sydenham College of Commerce &amp; Economics in Bombay, India and earned her legal degree from The Government Law College. She came to the United States in 2000 and earned her LL.M from Widener Law in 2002.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(396, 'Policy and Pizza in the Pit Series Looks at Diversity in Sports', '2009-04-21', '<img width=\"550\" height=\"233\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"CozillioPoliticsPizza\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/CozillioPoliticsPizza.jpg\">“Sports have always been perceived as a national and international common denominator. Unfortunately, that’s no always the case,” explained Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/CozzillioMichaelJ.aspx\">Michael J. Cozzillio</a> in addressing why people look to sports to examine an issue like diversity. Professor Cozzillio spoke to a sizable group of students on the Harrisburg campus about the issue of diversity in sports on March 12th as part of the Policy and Pizza in the Pit series on March 12th.<br><br>Calling the theme of his talk “the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Professor Cozzillio began with some of the positives, noting some of the most celebrated incidents of barriers being broken, including Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, the success of Tiger Woods in golf, or the achievements of Venus and Serena Williams in tennis. “All sports, hopefully, are beginning to open their doors,” he said. He also cited Title IX and its success in making available collegiate athletic opportunities for women as well as the so-called “Rooney Rule” in the NFL that requires NFL teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching positions.<br><br>Discussing areas where the sports world has had a bad track record with diversity, Professor Cozzillio noted that Major League Baseball’s integration efforts took far too long. He also observed that despite the success of Tiger Woods, professional golf has changed little, and that many sports, such as horse or stock car racing, specifically Nascar, rarely see minority participation. He also cited gender discrimination, discussing the fact that women coaches get paid less and that there remain barriers for female sports reporters and referees.<br><br>Finally, Professor Cozzillio addressed areas where the track record of the sports world with regard to diversity issues is truly ugly. He cited the media’s often-negative portrayals of minority athletes, the abusive treatment of college athletes, and the issue of athletes and domestic violence as particular areas that need to be addressed. “The leagues and college athletic associations need to take stronger stands,” he said, advocating greater education efforts to address some of these problems.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(397, 'Supreme Court Rules in Entergy Corp. v. Riverkeeper, Inc., et al', '2009-04-22', '<img height=\"266\" width=\"300\" alt=\"May300x266Faculty_de\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/May300x266Faculty_de.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">On April 1, 2009, the Supreme Court issued a split 5-1-3 decision that upholds what was the Bush Administration’s application of the Clean Water Act to allow regulators to perform a “cost-benefit analysis” before requiring compliance with technology requirements for so-called “cooling water intake structures” that kill millions of fish annually across the country. Entergy v. EPA, PSEG Fossil v. Riverkeeper, and Utility Water Group v. Riverkeeper, _ U.S. _, Nos. 07-588, 07-589 and 07-597. <br><br>Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">Jim May</a> wrote an amicus brief in support of Respondent Riverkeeper to the Supreme Court last fall on behalf of some of the nation’s top environmental law professors. In their ruling, however, the Supreme Court held that “The EPA permissibly relied on cost-benefit analysis in setting the national performance standards and in providing for cost-benefit variances from those standards.” <br><br>\"Justice Scalia, writing for a majority, gets it exactly backward,” says Professor Jim May of the Supreme Court’s April 1st ruling in the case of <em>Entergy Corp. v. Riverkeeper, Inc., et al</em>. “The Supreme Court has a long tradition of finding that formal cost-benefit analysis is only required when Congress expressly authorizes it. Here, the Court for the first time in four decades of modern environmental law reaches the opposite conclusion, holding that EPA may use a cost-benefit analysis as a means of diminishing technology based requirements when Congress is silent as to the role application of costs to environmental benefits. Consequently, the outcome of this case could have profoundly negative effects not only on the environmental concerns 316(b) was designed to protect, but also on the technology-based undergirding of the CWA and the rest of environmental law.”<br><br>May’s amicus brief examines the relevant language, structure and history of the CWA, including the role of costs in setting technology-based standards. First, he explains that the history of water pollution regulation before 1972 demonstrates that Congress wisely chose to meet water quality standards by adopting performance-based standards based on technological capabilities rather than balancing costs and benefits based on water quality impacts. Second, he shows how experience under the Clean Water Act vindicates Congress\'s choice: the technology-based standards adopted under the Clean Water Act have produced significant environmental benefits without causing economic disruption or absurd results. <br><br>\"This decision is a crushing misapplication of federal law, as in it allows some of the world\'s largest fish killing facilities to continue to crush fish and other aquatic life with impunity,” notes May. He points out potential local impact of the ruling, citing the Salem Nuclear Generating Station and DuPont Chambers Works as the exact type of facilities covered by the ruling.<br><br>May explains four dimensions that will limit ruling’s adverse effect. First is that the ruling is narrow. While the Court held CBA is not \"categorically forbidden\" under Section 316(b), it did not hold that 316(b) requires it. <br><br>Second, the Obama Administration can fix it. The entire Phase II Rule is -- consistent with the Second Circuit\'s ruling the Court did not upend, which is all of it other than CBA -- headed back to EPA for reconsideration. On remand, EPA still must reconsider the Phase II Rule and, in doing so, will have the discretion to decide not to use CBA analysis or to use it more narrowly. Indeed, the Court expressly held that it would be \"plausible\" for EPA to decide not to use CBA analysis at all under Section 316(b), and that there are limits on the extent to which how it applies. <br><br>Third, the Court left intact the Second Circuit\'s remand to EPA on all the other grounds. This includes EPA\'s failure to explain the basis of its rules, and that mitigation is no substitute for technology. <br><br>Last, Phase II Rule\'s measurable and enforceable degree of reduction in impingement and entrainment for existing plants beats the status quo.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(398, 'Widener Law launches Environmental Law Center', '2009-04-22', '<div style=\"margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 4px; float: right; width: 405px; \">\n<img width=\"400\" height=\"267\" alt=\"environmental law center faculty photo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/environmental%20law%20center%20faculty%20photo.jpg\"><p><span style=\"\" class=\"Caption\">From left, Distinguished Professor Andrew L. Strauss, center Associate Director and Professor James R. May, Associate Professor Kenneth T. Kristl, Widener Delaware campus Vice Dean and Professor J. Patrick Kelly, Law Dean Linda L. Ammons, center Director and Distinguished Professor John C. Dernbach, Professor Jean M. Eggen, and Professor David R. Hodas</span></p>\n</div>As countries around the world prepare to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, Widener University School of Law is pleased to announce it is forming an Environmental Law Center that will harness the expertise of the environmental law faculty on both of its campuses in a new effort to benefit its students and the public.<br><br>Seven faculty members from Widener’s Harrisburg, Pa. and Wilmington, Del. law campuses will make up the center. Law Dean<a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\"> Linda L. Ammons</a> has named Distinguished Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DernbachJohnC.aspx\">John C. Dernbach</a>, who teaches on the Harrisburg campus, to lead the center in a two-year term as director. Delaware campus Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">James R. May</a> will serve as associate director. <br><br>“Society is more focused than ever on a future of sustainability – and the positive environmental, economic and security effects it can have on our world,” Ammons said. “We at Widener Law see an opportunity in that for the powerful environmental law program we’ve built on both of our campuses. Our new center will focus the resources of our exceptional environmental faculty on assisting state, local and national environmental efforts toward sustainability.” <br><br>Working under the motto “Law for Sustainability” the center’s list of ambitious goals includes:<br><ul>\n<li>Studying, making proposals for and evaluating the implementation of environmental, energy and climate-change programs in Pennsylvania and Delaware at the state and municipal levels.</li>\n<li>Developing, advocating for and evaluating innovative laws and legal proposals relating to the environment, energy and climate change. This will be done by putting on conferences open to the public and through faculty research and writing.</li>\n<li>Helping public and private decision makers solve legal problems relating to environment, energy and climate change.</li>\n<li>Collaborating with other higher-education institutions on environmental, energy and climate-change matters.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"EnviroLawCenterOpenPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/EnviroLawCenterOpenPromo.jpg\">The center is also intended to help Widener students engage in environmental law through coursework, externships and opportunities to work in the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/EnvironmentalandNaturalResourcesLawClinic.aspx\">Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic</a>. The new center will work to ensure students are offered the appropriate courses and that they graduate prepared for careers in environmental law, energy and climate change – specialized opportunities that are expected to grow exponentially in the next decade.<br><br>The center will be guided by an advisory board, which is still being assembled, to enhance its interaction with the community. The law school will officially launch the center in the fall 2009 semester, during an event that will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic and the celebration of 25 years of environmental law at Widener.<br><br>Other faculty members who are part of the center all teach on the Delaware campus. They include:<br></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Delaware campus Vice Dean and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KellyJPatrick.aspx\">J. Patrick Kelly</a>\n</li>\n<li>Distinguished Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/StraussAndrewL.aspx\">Andrew L. Strauss</a>\n</li>\n<li>Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EggenJeanMacchiaroli.aspx\">Jean M. Eggen</a>\n</li>\n<li>Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HodasDavidR.aspx\">David R. Hodas</a>, [see also: <a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/climatechangelaw\" title=\"Climate Change Law: Mitigation &amp; Adaptation Book Companion Site\">Climate Change Law: Mitigation &amp; Adaptation Book Companion Site</a>.]<br>\n</li>\n<li>Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KristlKennethT.aspx\">Kenneth T. Kristl</a>\n</li>\n</ul>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(399, 'Former governor visits Delaware campus', '2009-04-23', '<div class=\"Caption\" style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 500px\">\r\n				<img width=\"500\" height=\"307\" alt=\"pete dupont 8\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/pete%20dupont%208.jpg\"><p>from left, Students Bonnie Copeland, Damien Tancredi, Rob Gordon, Caitlin Quinn, Law Dean Linda L. Ammons, former Delaware Gov. Pete du Pont, and students Ozge Otarsi, Kevin Gallagher and Bill Alleman.</p>\n</div>\r\nA popular retired Delaware politician recently told a luncheon audience on the Delaware campus that his goal in speaking with them was to “get somebody in the room to run for governor when the time comes.”<br><br>“It is absolutely the best job going,” Pierre ‘Pete’ du Pont said on his Thursday, April 16 visit to the school. Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> invited the former Republican Delaware governor, who served from 1976 to 1984, to have lunch on campus after they were introduced by retired Delaware Supreme Court Justice William T. Quillen, a Widener Law adjunct.<br><br>Du Pont delighted his Widener audience of 60 students, faculty and staff with stories of his law school days at Harvard and his accomplishments as governor.<br><br>He recalled former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno as a close classmate in law school – and one who had a terrific sense of humor. He spoke about competing in the finals of a Harvard moot court competition in front of an audience of 500 and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron White as the judge. “That makes your heart stop a little,” he said.<br><br>After law school, du Pont returned to Delaware and took a job with the Du Pont Co. at its Wilmington headquarters, and he resigned in 1968 to begin his political career. Life as a governor, he said, was rewarding because as the state’s leader he could get people talking with new policy ideas, sign good bills and veto bad ones. He spoke of his accomplishments in creating the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council, the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission and the Financial Center Development Act, which brought banks, credit card companies and thousands of jobs to the First State.<br><br>“I know it’s nice to be a lawyer,” he said, “but you really ought to be a governor, because it’s a great, great job.”<br><br>Today, du Pont is retired from Richards, Layton &amp; Finger. He is a regular columnist in the Wall Street Journal.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(400, 'Alum Recently Returned from Iraq Visits with Students', '2009-04-23', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 258px; PADDING-TOP: 4px\"><div style=\"BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; BORDER-TOP: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid; WIDTH: 250px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid\">\n<img width=\"250\" height=\"132\" alt=\"YellowRibbonLogo250trimmed\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/YellowRibbonLogo250trimmed.jpg\"><p style=\"FONT-SIZE: 11px; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); FONT-FAMILY: Verdana\">A proud participant in the <a href=\"http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/yellow_ribbon/index.htm\">Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Program</a>, Widener Law is committed to providing a positive learning environment to the dedicated service members of the United States armed forces. <span style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\">The Yellow Ribbon series</span> highlights the students, faculty, and programs that connect the Widener Law community with the brave veterans who have served their country so admirably.</p>\n</div></div>“I love Widener, and I loved my time here,” said Captain William Obringer ‘05 of the Army JAG Crops on his return to Widener Law’s Wilmington campus. “I wanted to be able to share my experiences as a lawyer in Iraq with the students here.”<br><br>Deployed to Iraq in November 2007, Captain Obringer served as an Operational Law Attorney for the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division-Baghdad or MND-B until he returned to the United States in February of 2009. The Operational Law division of MND-B supported over 40,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, advising the command staff of 4th Infantry Division on International Law, the Law of Armed Conflict, Rules of Engagement, Detention Operations, ethical responsibilities, Escalation of Force, and the Iraqi reconstruction. In September of 2008, he became Chief of Operational Law for MND-B supervising several attorneys who dealt with such important issues as the transition from lethal targeting combat operations to warrant-based targeting under Iraqi law and the implementation of the Status of Forces agreement with Iraq.<br><br><img width=\"215\" height=\"235\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"obringerWill2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/obringerWill2.jpg\">Describing his deployment as “more rewarding” than he imagined, Captain Obringer noted that Baghdad is “becoming a vibrant city despite 30 years of war and mismanagement. You could see signs of hope.” Discussing the path forward for Iraq, he said, “The rule of law needs to be strengthened in Iraq. That’s what the U.S State Department and the military will be focusing on.”<br><br>Captain Obringer talked to students about his experiences as an attorney deployed overseas and the legal questions posed to him about International Law and the Law of Armed Conflict. He noted that the most frequent questions he received while deployed were “about the Rules of Engagement, detainees, and psychological operations.”<br><br>Of his experiences as a member of the JAG Corps, Captain Obringer says, “It’s not like being a civilian lawyer at all. Flexibility is the key. You get to try different areas of the law and you get to see parts of the country and the world that you wouldn’t otherwise. I feel very lucky.”<br><br>Captain Obringer was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions in a forward deployed environment. The entire Widener Law community wishes him well in his next Army deployment this time in Alaska where he will now be trying cases.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(401, 'School of Law lecture spotlights constitutional issues raised by Bush administration’s wartime decisions', '2009-04-24', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 8px; float: right; width: 500px;\">\n\n\n<img width=\"300\" height=\"450\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"young lecture 19\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/young%20lecture%2019.jpg\"><br><br><p><span class=\"Caption\">Professor Robert C. Power, left, the outgoing H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law, with Professor James R. May, the incoming H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law.</span></p>\n<img width=\"500\" alt=\"young lecture 19\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/young%20lecture%209.jpg\"><p><span class=\"Caption\">Standing, from left, Sharon Bob Young, PhD, H. Alan Young, Esq., Toni Young, Stuart B. Young, Esq., Law Dean Linda L. Ammons, Ronell Young Douglass and Dr. William Douglass. Seated from left, Professor Laura K. Ray, Distinguished Professor Robert J. Lipkin, Professor Robert C. Power, the outgoing H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law, Professor James R. May, the incoming H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law and Professor Alan E. Garfield.</span></p>\n<img width=\"500\" alt=\"young lecture 19\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/young%20lecture%204.jpg\"><p><span class=\"Caption\">Professor Robert C. Power delivers the 2009 H. Albert Young Lecture in Constitutional Law at the Hotel DuPont.</span></p>\n\n</div>\n\nThe role of government lawyers during war time and how they interpret the constitution was the subject of the 2009 H. Albert Young Lecture, a biannual event that is a highlight at Widener Law.<br><br>Harrisburg campus Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/PowerRobertC.aspx\">Robert C. Power</a>, the H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law, delivered the lecture in the du Barry Room of the Hotel DuPont on Tuesday, April 14 before a crowd of about 50 people.<br> <br>Power teaches and writes in areas of constitutional law, the law of higher education, organized crime, criminal law and ethics. He was named the H. Albert Young fellow in 2007 and the term runs through this June. The Young lecture is typically delivered as the faculty member’s fellowship draws to a close.<br><br>Power discussed recent controversies involving the actions of Justice Department attorneys during the Bush administration, and he compared department officials John Yoo and Jack Goldsmith. Yoo’s legal opinions approved extreme interrogation techniques in apparent violation of United States and international law; Goldsmith attempted to correct what he perceived as lawless action by the government. <br><br>Power also held out the late H. Albert Young as an example of someone who provided a model for government lawyers who try to meet their duties as lawyers and public servants. “Part of his legacy is the extraordinary responsibility that public lawyers have to administer their offices in a way that is loyal to the Constitution and to the structure of government,” he said.<br><br>The H. Albert Young Fellowship in Constitutional Law was endowed in 1998 by the Young Foundation of Wilmington, Del. in honor of the late H. Albert Young, a highly respected attorney and former Delaware attorney general. The fellowship enables a Widener University School of Law professor to conduct and publish research in the area of Delaware or U.S. constitutional law.<br><br>Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> announced at the conclusion of the lecture that Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">James R. May</a> will succeed Power in holding the fellowship. His term begins July 1.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(402, 'Dr. Jeff McKinney Delivers Diversity Week Address', '2009-04-25', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"424\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"McKinneyJeff3\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/McKinneyJeff3.jpg\">“People are tired of diversity. There is a sense of diversity fatigue out there,” said Dr. Jeff McKinney on Thursday April 16th in the Barrister’s Club, where he led a collaborative discussion entitled “The Business Case for Diversity: Why we need it, how we achieve it.” Sponsored by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationDelaware.aspx\">SBA</a>, <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/AmericanAssociationforJustice.aspx\">ATLA</a>, and <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/ParentsAttendingLawSchool.aspx\">Parents Attending Law School</a> as part of Diversity Week, the presentation examined the importance of diversity in the legal profession, the struggle to attract and retain diverse attorneys, and how diversity can enhance overall performance.<br><br>In introducing Dr. McKinney, Dom del Pino, President of the ATLA, said, “We are very proud to have Dr. McKinney here, and we are very interested in what he has to say.” Following the introduction, Professor McKinney had each table of students and professors in attendance write down and discuss some of their own experiences and thoughts on diversity.<br><br>The exercise led into a discussion not only of the value of diversity, but of the different definitions and approaches to the subject. The discussion touched on socio-economic differences as well as cultural ones. Several people noted the difficulty law firms had in attracting diverse associates, and some suggested that associates who did not fit into the traditional mold might feel unwelcome. “Corporations have tackled this issue head on. When women and minorities leave law firms, that where they go. They become in-house counsel,” noted Dr. McKinney in explaining why the experience of an audience member in a corporate legal department could have been so different.<br><br>Dr. McKinney graduated from Indiana University, earning a BA and MA in Speech Communication and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. He spent 12 years teaching at Indiana University, teaching courses on a variety of topics including; cultural awareness, white privilege, GLBT issues, social/class privilege, public speaking, and business communication. As Senior Associate Director of the Project on Academic Success at Indiana University, Dr. McKinney assisted 16 colleges and universities in the State of Indiana in examining enrollment and retention of minority student population. He also helped develop programs to assist schools in recruiting and retaining more students from underrepresented backgrounds.<br><br>Currently teaching communication courses at Harold Washington College, Dr. McKinney recently created The Angkor Group, to address the issues of multiculturalism and diversity in law firms, other professional services firms, educational institutions, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(403, 'DuPont Diversity Pipeline Program Brings Promising Howard High Students to Widener Law', '2009-04-26', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 447px; PADDING-TOP: 3px\"><object id=\"viddler_e778fe11\" height=\"370\" width=\"437\" classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\"><param value=\"11562\" name=\"_cx\">\n<param value=\"9790\" name=\"_cy\">\n<param name=\"FlashVars\">\n<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/e778fe11/\" name=\"Movie\">\n<param value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/e778fe11/\" name=\"Src\">\n<param value=\"Window\" name=\"WMode\">\n<param value=\"0\" name=\"Play\">\n<param value=\"-1\" name=\"Loop\">\n<param value=\"High\" name=\"Quality\">\n<param value=\"LT\" name=\"SAlign\">\n<param value=\"0\" name=\"Menu\">\n<param name=\"Base\">\n<param value=\"always\" name=\"AllowScriptAccess\">\n<param value=\"NoScale\" name=\"Scale\">\n<param value=\"0\" name=\"DeviceFont\">\n<param value=\"0\" name=\"EmbedMovie\">\n<param name=\"BGColor\">\n<param name=\"SWRemote\">\n<param name=\"MovieData\">\n<param value=\"1\" name=\"SeamlessTabbing\">\n<param value=\"0\" name=\"Profile\">\n<param name=\"ProfileAddress\">\n<param value=\"0\" name=\"ProfilePort\">\n<param value=\"all\" name=\"AllowNetworking\">\n<param value=\"true\" name=\"AllowFullScreen\"></object></div>“You need to be able to synthesize lots of information in a short time,” said <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HoweBarksdaleSydney.aspx\">Sydney Howe-Barksdale</a>, Director of the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/PublicInterestOpportunities/PublicInterestResourceCenter.aspx\">Public Interest Resource Center</a> and Professor of Legal Methods, as she described the skills required to be a lawyer to 17 students from Howard High School. The students visited Widener Law’s Delaware Campus on Wednesday, April 8th as part of the DuPont Diversity Pipeline Project.<br><br>Assistant Dean for the Office of Student Affairs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/WilliamsSerenaM.aspx\">Serena Williams</a> greeted the students, and then they enjoyed a tour of the law school campus and the Legal Education Institute. Afterwards, they had an informative session with Dr. Howe-Barksdale, in which she discussed with the students their plans for the future and what it would take to get into law school.<br><br>With the Delaware Supreme Court at Widener Law two hear two oral arguments in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom, the Howard High students were treated to the unique opportunity to watch the proceedings in the case of James Cooke v. State of Delaware via a live video feed to their classroom.<br><br><img width=\"500\" height=\"218\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"dupontDiversityGroup\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/dupontDiversityGroup.jpg\">While enjoying a luncheon at the Barrister’s Club, the students were treated to advice from a panel of current law students and paralegal students. 1st year student Andre Webb of the class of 2011 and 3rd year student Ada Oqbonna Chiejina of the class of 2009 spoke about their experiences as law students while Patrina Wallace and Amanda Benton, both of the class of 2009, discussed their experiences in the Legal Education Institute’s paralegal program.<br><br>The students left with a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of law school. The Widener Law community offers a special thanks to DuPont for their support of the Diversity Pipeline Project.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(404, 'Free Public Education Forum Looks at End-of-Life Decision Making', '2009-04-26', '<img width=\"450\" height=\"185\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"MedicalLegal\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MedicalLegal.jpg\">On Thursday April 16th, 2009, Widener Law’s Delaware campus hosted a free public education forum at Widener Law focused on helping people prepare advance directives to make their end-of-life preferences clear. Describing the advance directive, Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/FichterAndrewJ.aspx\">Andrew J. Fichter</a>, executive director of institute programs at the school, noted, “It is a legal document that deals with legal rights, but it is also a document that deals with issues of healthcare.”<br><br>Professor Fichter served as moderator for the event, which gather a panel of experts together to discuss end-of-life care issues from several different directions. Dr. John Goodill, Dirctor of Pain Management &amp; Palliative Care and Co-Chair of the Ethics Committee at Christiana Care Health System, spoke first. He enumerated many of the problems that plague end-of-life care and stressed that advance directives “allow a person’s wishes to be known” and “lessen the burden for family or a surrogate decision-maker.”<br><br>Donna M. Casey, Nurse Manager &amp; Co-Chair of the Ethics Committee at Christiana Care Health System spoke about how advance directives work in hospitals. She pointed out that Hollywood often glamorizes resuscitation efforts, but that in reality, only about 1% of such patients end up healthy enough to go home again. Brenda K. Pierce, Corporate Counsel for Christiana Care Health System offered a legal perspective on the issue. She recommended “people also sign a Power of Attorney,” in addition to the advance directive, and reminded everyone that an advance directive in Delaware must be signed by the individual, dated, and signed by two witnesses. She ended by encouraging everyone, “Think about it now and not when you’re coming into the hospital.”<br><br>Rev. Timothy D. Rodden, Director of Pastoral Services for Christiana Care Health System spoke about the spiritual side of end-of-life care, and encouraged everyone to go to the web site for Aging with Dignity to examine their Five Wishes program. Alan Henderson, Medical Account Executive for Delaware Hospice, Inc. spoke last. Discussing how hospice care can help patients, he said, “It’s not about giving up, it’s about being comfortable.”<br><br>Blank advance directive forms and other end-of-life care documents were freely distributed to those in attendance. Widener’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/HealthLawInstitute.aspx\">Health Law Institute</a> joined with the Delaware Academy of Medicine, Christiana Care Health System, Delaware Hospice and the Delaware End-of-Life Coalition to sponsor the event.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(405, 'Professor John Culhane to Blog for Equality Forum 2009', '2009-04-27', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"CulhaneBloggingPromo235 2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/CulhaneBloggingPromo235%202.jpg\">From Monday, April 27th through Sunday, May 3rd, Philadelphia will play host once again to <a title=\"Equality Forum\" href=\"http://www.equalityforum.com/index.cfm\">Equality Forum</a>, “the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum.” Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx\">John G. Culhane</a>, Director of Widener Law’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/HealthLawInstitute.aspx\">Health Law Institute</a>, will serve as the official blogger for the event.<br><br><strong>To follow along with Professor Culhane’s experiences,</strong> take a look at his blog, <a href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/\" title=\"WordInEdgewise\">WordInEdgewise</a>, where he will post daily updates.<br><br>Professor Culhane will be reporting on a range of panels, speakers, and events to take place as part of Equality Forum. As he writes on <a href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/\" title=\"WordInEdgewise\">WordInEdgewise</a>, “Once again, the organizers have assembled a ridiculously accomplished and interesting array of panels and speakers, on topics ranging from gay families, to politics, to legal developments, to religion, to the special challenges faced by racial and transgendered minorities.”<br><br><span style=\"\">\"I\'ve always thought Equality Forum was a great event, and I\'m excited and honored to be able to serve as \"official blogger\" for the event,” says Professor Culhane, adding, “I expect to be running around to a bunch of events that will be important for people who care about LGBT issues, talking to the participants, and then blogging about them late into the night. What\'s a week of sleep?<br><br>Even though finals are coming up, I encourage everyone to check out the schedule and attend what you can. There\'s a line-up of luminaries, and almost everything is free.\"</span><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(406, 'Dr. Marjan Peeters Visits Widener Law’s Harrisburg Campus', '2009-04-28', '<img width=\"211\" height=\"236\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"PeetersMarjan\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/PeetersMarjan.jpg\">“It’s great to be here in Harrisburg,” said Dr. Marjan Peeters on Tuesday April 21st, right before she addressed members of the faculty, staff, and students at Widener Law’s Harrisburg Campus on “EU Climate Policy and the Striking Emergence of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading”.<br><br>A renowned lecturer on international, european and national environmental law, Dr. Peeters visited Widener Law for a week at the invitation of Distinguished Professor of Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DernbachJohnC.aspx\">John C. Dernbach</a>. In introducing Dr. Peeters to the audience, Professor Dernbach joked, “Marjan and I met in Mexico City at a conference. So if you’re wondering what the value of these conferences is, sometimes we bring people with us.”<br><br><div style=\"float:right; width: 447px; padding: 3px; margin: 4px;\">\n<object classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" width=\"437\" height=\"333\" id=\"viddler_503dd16d\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/503dd16d/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/503dd16d/\" width=\"437\" height=\"333\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_503dd16d\"></embed></object>\n\n</div>\n“The central topic of my lecture is the striking emergence of greenhouse gas emissions trading in Europe,” opened Dr. Peeters, before reminding the audience to “remember that the EU is not a state.” She discussed the importance of the Principle of Subsidiarity in the European Union, noting that there is a shared competence for environmental policy among the EU institutions and the Member States. “You must look at both the European Union standards and those of the individual member states for getting a comprehensive overview of European climate policy,” she emphasized.<br><br>Dr. Peeters covered the EU ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union’s emission reduction targets for all member states for 2012-2020, and the differences in national programs, such as the British Climate Change Act of 2008. She observed that the idea of emissions trading was initially rejected in Europe as “pollution for sale,” and that many advocated a tax system instead. Individual member states were not comfortable with giving the European Union power over taxes, however.<br><br>“The European Union Commission moves forward quickly and claims to be a ‘Green Leader,’” said Dr. Peeters, adding, “I feel they should be a bit more modest as we still have a lot to learn, in particular regarding the emissions trading instrument.” She concluded by noting that the EU now governs emissions trading, rather than member states, and that there will be no more national allocation plans after 2013.  Yet, she said, enforcement is still left to member states. At the conclusion of her talk, Professor Peeters took questions from the attentive audience, answering a variety of questions about allocations and enforcement.<br><br><img width=\"235\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"PeetersMarjan\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/PeetersMarjan2Promo235.jpg\">Dr. Peeters kept a busy schedule for the entire week. In addition to her presentation at Widener’s Harrisburg campus, she attended a legislative briefing at the state capitol on Tuesday morning and met with state government officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Later in the afternoon, she spoke at Lebanon Valley College. On Wednesday the 22nd, she traveled to Washington to meet with EPA officials, and on Friday, she presented her talk to faculty members on the Widener Law Delaware Campus. She also visited the Gettsyburg battlefields with her son, Sjoerd, on their way back to the airport on Saturday.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(407, 'Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium Brings Together Experts', '2009-04-28', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"367\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"sportsentertainment\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/sportsentertainment.jpg\">“I’d particularly like to thank the students from the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/SportsandEntertainmentLawSociety.aspx\">Sports and Entertainment Law Association</a> for putting this together,” said Vice Dean Patrick Kelly in his welcome to open the Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium on Friday, April 17th, before he turned the program over to SELA Co-President Robert E. Gordon. Gordon then introduced Widener Law adjunct professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/MurphyAlexander.aspx\">Alexander Murphy</a>, who teaches Entertainment Law and serves as advisor to the Sports and Entertainment Law Association.<br><br>The daylong Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium packed the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom on Widener Law’s Delaware campus with legal professionals and students interested in discussing current, exciting topics in Sports and Entertainment Law.<br><br>The first panel discussion of the day featured Murphy and Justin B. Wineburgh of Cozen O’Connor, a 1997 graduate of Widener Law, discussing the process of creating “remakes” of original films or television shows. While Murphy discussed the general process of how a producer gets a movie made, Wineburgh spoke about his experience defending the producers who worked to turn the Japanese film <em>Ringu</em> into the American remake, <em>The Ring</em>, from a lawsuit brought by another producer who claimed he had the rights.<br><br>The symposium also featured a music panel entitled <em>The Process of Sampling the Work of Others</em>, a sports panel on <em>The Legal Impact of Fantasy Sports</em>, and an <em>Ethics</em> panel. Professor Murphy and SELA Co-Presidents Daniel A. Burton and Robert E. Gordon put the program together with assistance from Widener Law Special Programs Coordinator Connie Sweeney.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(408, 'Widener Law Student Honored with Scholarship by Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia', '2009-04-29', '<div style=\"margin: 3px; padding: 3px; float: right; width: 400px;\">\n<img width=\"335\" height=\"297\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/barristersawards1.jpg\" alt=\"barristersawards1\"><p class=\"Caption\">Dean Ammons with Sayde Ladov, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. </p>\n<img width=\"400\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/barristersawards2.jpg\" alt=\"barristersawards2\"><p class=\"Caption\">Professor Nathaniel Nichols with his wife. </p>\n<img width=\"400\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/barristersawards3.jpg\" alt=\"barristersawards3\"><p class=\"Caption\">Charles Gibbs, Dean Ammons, State Representative Tony Payton, and Judge Jacqui Frazier-Lyde. </p>\n<img width=\"400\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/barristersawards4.jpg\" alt=\"barristersawards4\"><p class=\"Caption\">Widener Law Graduates Gabriela Arce de Smith, Nicolas Lombo, and Antonia M. Pfeffer. </p>\n</div>On Saturday, April 25th, the Barrister’s Association of Philadelphia presented Widener Law 4th year Extended Division student Charles Gibbs with a scholarship at the Annual Awards and Scholarship Gala held at the Ballroom at the Ben Franklin House. Gibbs and four other students attending area law schools were awarded scholarships.<br><br>The Honorable Lydia Y. Kirkland won the A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Award, and during her acceptance, she acknowledged Widener Law Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Programs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NicholsNathanielC.aspx\">Nathaniel C. Nichols</a> as her first employer.<br><br>Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/WilliamsSerenaM.aspx\">Serena M. Williams</a>, and Associate Professor of Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/TurezynKathleenMarie.aspx\">Kathleen M. Turezyn</a> were also in attendance.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(409, 'Rohm &amp; Haas Senior Executive Vice President Visits With Widener Law Students', '2009-04-30', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; float: right; width: 500px;\" class=\"Caption\">\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"283\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/rohmhaas.jpg\" alt=\"rohmhaas\"><p class=\"Caption\">Robert Lonergan with Professors Larry Hamermesh and Paul Regan and students from Advanced Corporations, Corporate Finance, and The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law.</p>\n</div>\nRobert Lonergan, former General Counsel and Senior Executive Vice President of Rohm &amp; Haas, visited the Delaware campus of Widener University School of Law on the afternoon of Thursday, April 23rd to discuss the recent merger between Rohm &amp; Haas and Dow Chemical. Mr. Lonergan spoke with students in Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReganPaulL.aspx\">Paul Regan</a>\'s Advanced Corporations seminar and Ruby R. Vale Professor of Corporate and Business Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence Hamermesh</a>\'s Corporate Finance class, as well as members of <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a>.<br><br>Mr. Lonergan\'s gave a first-hand review of the background of the recent acquisition of Rohm &amp; Haas by Dow Chemical. Mr. Lonergan signed the merger agreement on behalf of Rohm &amp; Haas. This deal was highly publicized in 2008, and resulted in a lawsuit filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery before Chancellor William B. Chandler, III.   <br><br>Dow Chemical agreed to acquire Rohm &amp; Haas and entered into an agreement on July 10, 2008 for approximately $15.3 billion. This original cash deal constituted a seventy-four percent premium over Rohm &amp; Haas\'s trading price in July 2008. Dow apparently anticipated that it would obtain significant funding for it acquisition of Rohm &amp; Haas from another pending transaction with the Kuwaiti government. When the Kuwaiti government backed out of that deal in late 2008, Dow attempted to avoid its acquisition of Rohm &amp; Haas.<br><br>On January 26, 2009, Rohm &amp; Haas filed suit in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking, among other rulings, specific performance requiring Dow Chemical to perform its obligations under the July 10, 2008, merger agreement.  Dow Chemical and Rohm &amp; Haas ultimately settled and, under court order, consummated the merger on April 1, 2009.  <br><br>Mr. Lonergan\'s presentation detailed the events of the merger negotiations.  He explained the timeline of the acquisition from its early stages of negotiation to the April 1st consummation. Mr. Lonergan concluded his presentation by answering questions from professors and students regarding the role he played throughout the lengthy merger process.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(410, 'Wilmington Alumni Chapter Hosts Reception', '2009-05-01', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09WilmReception/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><span style=\"\">The Widener University School of Law Wilmington Alumni Chapter hosted a reception on Thursday, April 30, 2009.  The reception provided a wonderful networking opportunity for area alumni and it also gave them a chance to meet Dean Linda Ammons and other faculty and staff from the Law School.  Dean Ammons provided the audience with the latest updates of what is happening at the Law School, and she encouraged them to visit the campus and see all of the physical improvements that have taken place.<br><br>The purpose of the chapter is to build a mutually beneficial relationship between the Law School and its alumni that provides an opportunity for alumni to come together for social and intellectual enrichment.  In addition, the chapter will provide a network for graduates in the region.  We are looking forward to meeting all of our Delaware alumni at future events.</span>\n		<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(411, 'Harrisburg Honor Societies and SBA Recognized', '2009-05-02', '<div style=\"margin: 5px; float: right; width: 556px;\">\n<img width=\"555\" height=\"241\" alt=\"HbgHonorSBARecognized\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/HbgHonorSBARecognized.jpg\"><p class=\"Caption\">Left to Right: Brandon Pierce (SBA), Allison Keffer (MCHS), Rachelle Armbruster (TAHS), Cory Winter (Law Review), Dean Linda L. Ammons, Brianna Davidson (Law Review), Grant Cannon (TAHS), Shawn-Ryan White (MCHS) and Nicole Santo (SBA).</p>\n</div>On April 19, 2009, the Harrisburg Campus held the 10th Annual Student Recognition Dinner at the Hilton Hotel to honor the graduating members of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyHarrisburg.aspx\">Moot Court Honor Society</a>, <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/TrialAdvocacyHonorSocietyHarrisburg.aspx\">Trial Advocacy Honor Society</a>, the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawJournal.aspx\">Widener Law Journal</a>, and the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationHarrisburg.aspx\">Student Bar Association</a>.<br><br>The Widener Law Journal recognized Stephen Matzura for writing the Best Student Article, Brant Hershey as the Distinguished Senior Staff Member, and Elizabeth Marx received the Distinguished Service Award.<br><br>The Moot Court Honor Society recognized Jorge Conforme and Nicole Santo for their victory in the Annual <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/MootCourtHonorSocietyDelaware/MootCourtHonorSocietySpringCompetition.aspx\">Harrisburg-Delaware</a> Inter-campus Competition. In addition, Jorge was also recognized as the Best Oralist in the Competition while Greg Moran and Travis Anderson received appreciation for writing the Best Brief for the Competition.<br><br>The Society also recognized Bianca Smith and Jillian Ayoub who won the <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb031309mootbriefaward.aspx\">Best Brief Award</a> at the Annual Domenick L. Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Competition held in Albany, New York. Megan Durr and Matt Eyet were recognized for <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb041509princompbestbrief.aspx\">writing the Best Brief</a> at the 24th Annual Dean Jerome Prince Evidence Competition held in Brooklyn, New York.<br><br>Miranda Blazek and Amir Raminpour were the winners of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society\'s annual inter-campus <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb040809pearceresults.aspx\">Hugh B. Pearce Trial Advocacy Competition</a>, and the Society also recognized Grant Cannon and Fawn Smith as the Best Advocates.<br><br>Finally, the Student Bar Association recognized Alina Habba and Kristin Sadari as outstanding section representatives.<br><br>The event also served as the introduction of the Executive Boards for the Widener Law Journal, Moot Court Honor Society, Trial Advocacy Honor Society, and Student Bar Association for the 2009-10 year.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(412, 'Professor Geoffrey Holland Discusses Freedom of Speech in Australia', '2009-05-04', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 440px; margin: 5px;\"><object classid=\"clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" id=\"viddler_9d411fb6\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/9d411fb6/\">\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed src=\"http://www.viddler.com/player/9d411fb6/\" width=\"437\" height=\"370\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" name=\"viddler_9d411fb6\"></embed></object></div>\n\n\n\n“Unlike the U.S., Australia doesn’t have any entrenched protection of free speech,” said University of Technology Sydney Law Professor Geoffrey Holland to members of the faculty and staff on Widener Law’s Delaware campus. A participant in Widener Law’s <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/SydneyAustralia.aspx\">summer program in Sydney</a> since it moved to UTS in 2001, Professor Holland spoke about freedom of speech laws in Australia as part of a faculty development event on Monday, April 27th.<br><br>Noting that there is no explicit protection for free speech in Australia in part because there is no bill of rights, Professor Holland emphasized that Australian free speech law relies on an implied protection in the Constitution. “It is unlikely,” he said, “that we will see any expansion or modification of the implied protection.” <img width=\"400\" height=\"268\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"holland visit\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/holland%20visit.jpg\">Indicating that case law extended constitutional protection to political speech in particular, he joked, “Defamation is certainly alive and well in Australia.”<br><br>Throughout the presentation, Professor Holland answered questions from curious faculty members. Professor Hodas asked whether or not the truth of a statement could be considered a proper defense if one was sued for revealing something about another person, to which Professor Holland responded, “Truth could only be used as a defense if it could be proven that the it was in the public’s interest to know the information.”<br><br>Professor Holland answered a number of other questions on the subject of free speech and touched on Australia’s common law tradition, sedition laws, censorship, and ongoing though unlikely to succeed anytime soon efforts to write a bill of rights.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(413, '2009 Haile L. Alford Memorial Conference Features Delaware Governor', '2009-05-04', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 3px; float: right; width: 408px;\">\n<img width=\"400\" height=\"265\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/haile%20alford%20markell%20conf.jpg\" alt=\"haile alford markell conf\"><p class=\"Caption\">From Left to Right: Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena, 08-09 Chair of the Multicultural section of the Delaware State Bar Association, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Dean Linda L. Ammons, and the Honorable Joshua Martin. <br></p>\n</div>“It’s very good to be here today. All of the other times I’ve been in this room, it’s been for debates,” joked Delaware Governor Jack Markell has he addressed a large audience in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. Governor Markell spoke about the state of Delaware’s economy on Friday, May 1st as part of the 2009 Haile L. Alford Memorial Conference, an event sponsored by the Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section of the Delaware State Bar Association.<br><br>Dean <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\" title=\"Linda L. Ammons\">Linda L. Ammons</a> spoke briefly before Governor Markell’s appearance, welcoming those attending the conference. She noted that Widener Law is proud to provide a home for the Haile L. Alford Memorial Conference and said, “We talk about it as if it is our own event. Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena, 2008-2009 Chair of the Multicultural Section of the Delaware State Bar Association followed Dean Ammons to the podium and introduced Governor Markell.<br><br>“The country is going through the most difficult time in sixty years, and Delaware is not immune to that,” said Governor Markell as he opened his comments on the state’s economy. “All of the state’s revenue streams are down,” he stated, adding, “What we have at this moment is a $778,000,000 budget deficit.” He stressed the importance of being responsible, saying, “Don’t make financial commitments based upon revenue streams that are not sustainable, ”and in discussing necessary steps to try and make up the budget shortfall, including cutting salary for state employees, he noted, “We cannot cut our way to prosperity.”<br><br>In addition to noting some of the hard cuts in his budget proposal, Governor Markell spoke about the need to attract businesses and entrepreneurs, saying, “There is no excuse for a state of our size not to be more nimble.” After discussing some proposals aimed at fostering small businesses, he discussed his general philosophy about how to bring businesses and entrepreneurs into the state before taking questions from the audience ranging in topic from why DelDOT is cutting projects to his relationship with the state legislature.<br><br>In addition to Governor Markell’s talk, the conference featured a morning panel entitled Inhouse Counsel and the Economic Downturn with Kymberly D.H. Hernandez, Esq. of Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Vera Holmes, Esq. of Ashland, Inc., Thomas A. Warnock, Esq. of E.I. duPont Nemours and Company, and moderated by Ernest A. Tuckett, III, Esq. of E.I duPont Nemours and Company. The afternoon panel, Serving Delawareans of Color in the Economic Downturn featured a distinguished panel as well: Rashmi Rangan, Esq. of Delaware Community Reinvestment, Paulette Sullivan Moore, Esq. of the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Vivian L. Rapposelli, Esq. of the Department of Services for Children, Youth, &amp; Families, Deborah Wilson, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and moderator Emilie R. Ninan, Esq. of Ballard Spahr Andrews &amp; Ingersoll LLP.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(414, 'Classes Come Together to Celebrate Milestone Reunions', '2009-05-05', ' <iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09ReunionClasses/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe>On Saturday, May 2, 2009 the Law School classes of 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004 gathered together to celebrate their milestone reunions. The classmates reminisced at a cocktail reception that was enjoyed by all who attended. In addition to the reception, the graduates took advantage of touring the campus. For those who have not been back to the school in the last 15 years or more, they were especially pleased with the many physical updates since their days as students. The graduates continued their celebration by joining each other for dinner at local establishments in the area that they frequented while students in the Wilmington area.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(415, 'Delaware State Bar Association Honors Widener Law Alum and Commends Overseer', '2009-05-05', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 408px; PADDING-TOP: 3px\">\n<img width=\"400\" height=\"342\" alt=\"DSBALawDay1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DSBALawDay1.jpg\"><p class=\"Caption\">Allen M. Terrell, Jr., Esq., a member of Widener Law\'s Board of Overseers, received a commendation for his service to the Delaware Bar Association</p>\n<img width=\"400\" alt=\"DSBALawDay1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DSBALawDay2.jpg\"><p class=\"Caption\">Gary C. Linarducci \'75 and Dean Linda Ammons</p>\n<img width=\"400\" alt=\"DSBALawDay1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DSBALawDay3.jpg\"><p class=\"Caption\">Deborah McCreery, Gary C. Lindarducci, \'75 and Dean Linda Ammons</p>\n</div>On Wednesday, May 6th, the Delaware State Bar Association held the 2009 Delaware Law Day Luncheon. The Delaware Bar awarded Widener Law graduate Gary C. Linarducci, Esq. of the class of 1975 the Community Service Award.<br><br>“As attorneys, we have a unique set of skills to help our neighbors and our communities. Our ability to communicate, to organize, to lead, and to analyze are all qualities that are extremely valuable to schools, hospitals, charitable organizations, and other groups that do great work in our communities,” said Linarducci in his remarks after accepting the award from Richard E. Franta, Esq. He closed by saying, “To all of you in the audience that have spent many years helping your neighbors and communities with your time, your talent, and your financial resources, I share this award with you. Thank you.”<br><br>Allen M. Terrell, Jr., Esq., the President of the Delaware State Bar Association and a member of Widener Law’s Board of Overseers, opened the program with a welcome, and introduced the keynote speaker, the Honorable Jack Markell, Governor of Delaware. Terrell received a commendation for his service to the Delaware State Bar Association.<br><br>In addition to the Community Service Award presented to Mr. Linarducci, the Delaware State Bar Association presented the Liberty Bell Award to Elaine Markell.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(416, 'Harrisburg’s Class of 1999 Celebrates Their Ten Year Reunion', '2009-05-06', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Reunion1999x2/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br><br>Members of the Harrisburg campus class of 1999 marked their ten year reunion on Saturday, May 2, 2009. The alumni and their guests celebrated the special occasion at Scott’s Grille in downtown Harrisburg, exchanging personal and professional highlights, and reminiscing about days past. Class members traveled from all over Pennsylvania, from Maryland, Virginia and as far away as Indiana and Texas, to partake in the festivity. Committee members who helped make this event a great success were Eric Kniskern (Chairman), LeaAnn Heltzel, Kelly Hoover-Thompson, George Kostolampros, and Mark Owens.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(417, 'Widener Law Hosts Academic Support and Bar Programs Workshop', '2009-05-06', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 5px; WIDTH: 409px; PADDING-TOP: 4px\">\n<img width=\"400\" height=\"247\" alt=\"academic support1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/academic%20support1.jpg\"> <span class=\"Caption\">Professor Hillary Burgess of Hofstra Law School discussed \"conversational prejudice,\" a topic focusing on how gender and cultural assumptions can influence conversational styles during counseling sessions. </span><img width=\"400\" alt=\"academic support1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/academic%20support2.jpg\"><span class=\"Caption\">Professors Larasz Moody of Villanova Law School, Heather Zuber of Western State University College of Law, Louis Schulze of New England Law, and Hillary Burgess of Hofstra Law School, enjoy a moment of conversation during the Workshop. </span>\n</div>On Friday, April 24th, The Academic Support and Bar Programs offices hosted a workshop for law school academic support and bar program professionals from around the country. The Workshop allowed participants to share innovative techniques for supporting academic and bar success. Professor <a title=\"Maryann Brown\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/BrownMaryann.aspx\">Maryann Brown</a>, Co-Director of Academic Support Programs on the Delaware campus, provided introductory and welcoming remarks.<br><br>Widener presenters included Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/HemingwayAnnaP.aspx\">Anna Hemingway</a>, Director of Academic Support on the Harrisburg campus. Professor Hemingway discussed the benefits of first-year academic support classes and the design considerations necessary for such course offerings. Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/YarbroughMicahJ.aspx\">Micah Yarbrough</a>, Director of Bar Programs on the Delaware campus, presented on the post-graduation costs associated with taking a bar examination and the importance of advance counseling on these matters so students can plan effectively. Professor <a title=\"Alice Eakin\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EakinAlice.aspx\">Alice Eakin</a>, Co-Director of Academic Support Programs on the Delaware campus, discussed note-taking in a digital age, with an emphasis on learning theory, metacognition, and the benefits and drawbacks of laptops in the classroom.<br><br>Other presenters included Professor Louis Schulze, from New England Law; Professor Alison Nissen, from Rutgers-Camden School of Law; Professor Shahabudeen Khan, from Shepard Broad Law Center, Nova Southeastern University; Professor LaRasz Moody from Villanova Law School; Professor Debra R. Cohen, from the University of Baltimore School of Law; Professor Hillary Burgess, from Hofstra Law School; and Professor Heather Zuber, from Western State University College of Law.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(418, 'Golf Outing in Harrisburg Raises Money for Alumni Scholarship', '2009-05-06', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Golf/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br>An 8:30 am shotgun start kicked off the Third Annual Alumni &amp; Friends Golf Outing for LRAP on Saturday, May 2, 2009. This year’s outing took place at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course in Harrisburg, PA.<br><br>Jeff Watson ‘03, Nate Giunta ‘03, Greg Mills ‘03, and Matt Monaghan ’05 took the first place prize at outing with a score of 59. The second place foursome, scoring 62, was Joel McNaughton ‘07, Mark McNaughton ‘03, Adam Reedy ‘07, and Zach Campbell ‘04. The all-student foursome earned third place honors with a score of 64: Adam Zei, Shawn-Ryan White, Patrick Daley, and Kyle Meyer. The winning team received a complimentary round of golf at Dauphin Highlands.<br><br>Sarah Brown ’05 and student Patrick Daley won the female and male longest drive competitions. Each winner received an item signed by PGA golfer Jim Furyk, a Hilton Harrisburg gift certificate, and bottle of wine. Winner of the 50/50 drawing was Jennifer Zimmerman ’02. Other raffle prizes included local restaurant gift certificates, Widener Law gear, golf items, museum tickets, and an overnight stay at the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, to name a few.<br><br>Widener Law would like to extend a special thank you to the golf outing sponsors who helped make this event possible and for their support the alumni scholarship fund. Of Counsel Sponsors for the 2009 outing were Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney PC; and, Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires and Newby LLP. Partner Sponsors included Centric Bank; Class of 1999 Reunion Committee; K&amp;L Gates; Lightman Welby Stoltenberg &amp; Caputo; and, Page Wolfberg &amp; Wirth. Amy Groff, Esq. ’04; Premier Reporting; and, Williamsburg Estates supported the golf outing as Associate Sponsors. Student golfer sponsors were Deryck Henry ‘95 and Scott Blissman ’97. The hole-in-one car was sponsored by Sutliff Cadillac HUMMER Saab.<br><br>Thank you also to the committee members who helped make this year’s outing a successful event and build the Loan Repayment Assistance Program fund: George Bibikos ’03, Scott Blissman ’97, Jan Budman ’06, Christian Dais ’92, Deryck Henry ’95, James Matelevich-Hoang ’06, Paul Ruffolo ’05, and Jennifer Zimmerman ’02.<br><br>For more information on the annual golf outing contact Ashley N. Barton, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations &amp; Development, and 717-541-3974 or <a href=\"mailto:anbarton@widener.edu\">anbarton@widener.edu</a>. We are already looking forward to next year’s outing!', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(419, 'Delaware Historical Society Honors Vice President Joe Biden', '2009-05-07', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; padding: 2px; float: right; width: 502px;\">\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"290\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/biden%20award%20group.jpg\" alt=\"biden award group\"><p class=\"Caption\">Professors Wesley M. Oliver, James R. May, John G. Culhane, Jean Macchiaroli Eggen, Susan A. King, Vice President Joe Biden, Dean Linda Ammons, Robert L. Hayman, Jr. and Vice Dean J. Patrick Kelly </p>\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"425\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/biden%20award%20ammons%20minner.jpg\" alt=\"biden award ammons minner\"><p class=\"Caption\">Former Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Widener Law Dean Linda Ammons</p>\n</div>On Thursday, May 7th, Widener Law Dean <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\" title=\"Linda Ammons\">Linda L. Ammons</a>, Vice Dean <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KellyJPatrick.aspx\" title=\"J. Patrick Kelly\">J. Patrick Kelly</a>, and Professors <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/OliverWesleyM.aspx\">Wesley M. Oliver</a>, <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\" title=\"James R. May\">James R. May</a>, <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx\" title=\"John G. Culhane\">John G. Culhane</a>, <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EggenJeanMacchiaroli.aspx\" title=\"Jean Macchiaroli Eggen\">Jean Macchiaroli Eggen</a>, <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KingSusanA.aspx\" title=\"Susan A. King\">Susan A. King</a>, and <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HaymanRobertL.aspx\" title=\"Robert L. Hayman, Jr.\">Robert L. Hayman, Jr.</a> attended the Delaware Historical Society’s 2009 History Makers Award Luncheon, where Vice President and former Widener Law adjunct Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was honored as the third recipient of the History Makers Award.<br><br>The event took place at the Chase Riverfront Center, and the Vice President took time to chat with guests in the lobby before the luncheon. After a rendition of God Bless America sung by Tina Betz, Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society Joan Reynolds Hoge offered a welcome and a few opening remarks.<br><br>Valerie Biden Owens spoke next, giving her brother a wonderful introduction before Anne Canby, the president of the board of the Delaware Historical Society, presented the award.<br><br>Dean Ammons said of Vice President Biden’s remarks after accepting the award, “The Vice President gave a riveting speech on how privileged he is to serve in this capacity and how he is more optimistic now then he was when he started more than thirty years ago.”', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(420, 'Legal “boot camp” helps prepare law students for courtroom careers', '2009-05-12', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"ITAP09Promo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ITAP09Promo.jpg\">While most law students around the country take a break after final exams this month, more than 165 students on Widener’s two campuses will enter a seven-day legal “boot camp” of sorts to hone the skills they’ll need to try cases in a courtroom.<br><br>Now in its 23rd year on the Delaware campus and 17th year on the Harrisburg campus, the program is one of only a handful nationwide. About 60 judges, attorneys and legal academics from around the country will travel to Wilmington – and another 50 to Harrisburg – to serve without pay as program faculty members because they want to impart their enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to tomorrow’s generation of American trial lawyers. <br><br>Known as the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program, or ITAP, the program’s days are filled with rigorous study, simulations and breakout sessions that divide the students into small groups of eight to 10. The Delaware campus runs its program under the direction of <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">Professor John Nivala</a> from May 14 to15 and 17 to 21. The Harrisburg campus runs its program under the direction of <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/LockardJPalmer.aspx\">Associate Professor J. Palmer Lockard II</a> from May 15 to 16 and 18 to 22.<br><br>The program is highlight by the annual Distinguished Lecture in Trial Advocacy and Professionalism, to be given this year in Delaware by state Superior Court Judge Jan R. Jurden. She will speak on Wednesday, May 20 at 4 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. Students in the Harrisburg program will hear from attorney Roxanne Conlin, the first female president of the American Trial Lawyers Association and a former candidate for Iowa governor. She will speak on Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m. in room A180 of the administration building. <br><br>“Widener\'s unique Intensive Trial Advocacy Program gives students a realistic, practical experience in trial advocacy – including the responsibilities and pressures experienced by trial advocates,” said Harrisburg’s Lockard. “By the end, ITAP shows students that, with hard work and good coaching, they can take the discrete fundamental skills needed to try a simple case and turn them into a successful trial performance.”<br><br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(421, 'Law school readies for commencement ceremonies', '2009-05-15', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; MARGIN: 5px; WIDTH: 505px; PADDING-TOP: 3px\">\n<img width=\"494\" height=\"383\" alt=\"student awards h 13\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/student%20awards%20h%2013.jpg\"><p class=\"Caption\">From left, Law Dean Linda L. Ammons, students Cory S. Winter and Brianna Davidson and University President James T. Harris III at the student awards ceremony April 28 on the Harrisburg campus. Winter won the dean\'s award and Davidson won the president\'s award.</p>\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"333\" alt=\"student awards d 17\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/student%20awards%20d%2017.jpg\"><p class=\"Caption\">From left, Law Dean Linda L. Ammons, students Damien N. Tancredi and Christina M. Marinakis, and University Senior Vice President and Provost Jo Allen at the student awards ceremony April 21 on the Delaware campus. Tancredi won the dean\'s award and Marinakis won the president\'s award.</p>\n</div>Widener Law is pleased to announce both of its law campuses will hear <a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/grads09/\">commencement </a>addresses from alumnus U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy.<br><br>Murphy, a 1999 graduate of the Harrisburg campus, will speak at the Delaware graduation on the campus lawn Saturday, May 16 and again Sunday, May 17 at the Harrisburg graduation in The Forum at the Capitol Complex. He will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the Harrisburg ceremony.<br><br>Murphy is widely considered to be a rising star in national politics. He was the first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress and he served as a captain in the U.S. Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division in Baghdad between 2003-2004. He was later awarded the bronze star for service. Murphy has also worked in private practice and early in his career was an associate professor of constitutional law at West Point. He was elected to Congress in 2006.<br><br>In Harrisburg, the 112 graduates will also hear from class valedictorian Adam Santucci. Other ceremony highlights will include two graduates receiving their diplomas with a relative – who is a Widener Law alumni – congratulating them on stage.<br><br>In Delaware, the 271 graduates hear from regular-division valedictorian Courtney Schultz and extended-division valedictorian Bonnie Copeland. Three graduates will be congratulated on stage by a relative who is a Widener Law alumni.<br><br>Both campuses already honored student award winners at ceremonies held in late April. Two of the most prestigious honors were the dean’s award and the president’s award. The dean’s award is given annually to the graduating student who, in the dean’s opinion, has demonstrated outstanding legal aptitude, exemplary service, significant leadership skills and the potential to become an outstanding member of the legal community.<br><br>In Harrisburg, Dean <a title=\"Linda L. Ammons\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> presented the dean’s award April 28 to Cory S. Winter and in Delaware she gave it on April 21 to Damien N. Tancredi.<br><br>The president’s award is given to the second-year student who has demonstrated scholastic achievement and possesses high potential for meaningful contribution to the law school, the community and the profession. <br><br>In Harrisburg, Widener University President James T. Harris III presented the award to Brianna Davidson. University Senior Vice President and Provost Jo Allen stood in for Harris at the Delaware program and gave the honor to student Christina M. Marinakis.<br><br>[<a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/grads09/\">Commencement 2009 Site</a>]', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(422, 'Vice Dean Gedid Speaks at Pennsylvania Bar Association Day on the Hill', '2009-05-16', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"314\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"gedid235px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/gedid235px.jpg\">Harrisburg Vice Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a> spoke at the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division Day on the Hill CLE program that took place on May 4th and 5th. Vice Dean Gedid, who serves as a Pennsylvania Commissioner to the National Conference of Commissioners for Uniform State Laws, spoke on several pending Commission statutes that are about to become final. Once the statutes are finalized, the Pennsylvania Legislature will consider them for adoption.<br><br>Vice Dean Gedid spoke at length about the Revised Model State Administrative Procedure Act, for which he served as reporter.  He suggested that the Model APA should be used to improve the Pennsylvania Administrative Agency Law, which dates back to 1946, when administrative law was in its infancy.<br><br>Professor Gedid also spoke at length about the new Uniform Collaborative Law Act, which addresses an emerging area of the law for which there is no statutory guidance. Private groups have created a settlement-encouraging practice of party collaboration to settle. The practice involves parties by contract agreeing to appoint lawyers solely to represent them in negotiation, and those lawyers are barred from litigating the same case. This practice creates incentives to negotiate honestly and productively, and replaces arbitration and mediation. The Act prevents or discourages the practice of using negotiation in order to gain an advantage during the litigation phase of a case if negotiations fail. The new uniform act draws upon collaborative practices that have worked successfully and provides default rules for parties to follow in pursuing collaborative settlement.<br><br>In addition to his participation in the Day on the Hill CLE, Vice Dean Gedid was an organizer and the keynote speaker at a Pennsylvania Bar Institute continuing legal education symposium held on April 14, 2009 at PBI headquarters in Mechanicsburg, PA. The symposium, attended by about one hundred lawyers, also included Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Cynthia Baldwin, Commonwealth Court Chief Judge Bonnie Leadbetter, and Commonwealth Court Judges Renee Kohn-Jubelirer and Dante Pellegrini.<br><br>Vice Dean Gedid spoke on the subject of procedural due process in agency litigation, a subject on which he has published extensively. He addressed the confusion in the definition of procedural due process that federal cases beginning in the early 1970\'s have caused in Pennsylvania procedural due process cases.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(423, 'Widener Law Students Take Top Spots in Intellectual Property Law Writing Competition', '2009-05-18', 'Students Daniel Bell-Jacobs and Kelly Lombardo of Widener Law’s Harrisburg campus placed first and second respectively in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s 2009 Intellectual Property Law Section Annual Writing Competition.<br><br>Widener Law adjunct professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbgAdj/SantaMariaCarmen.aspx\">Carmen Santa Maria</a> encourages students in his intellectual property class to submit their papers to the competition each year. Professor Santa Maria is the Patent Division Leader at the law firm McNees, Wallace &amp; Nurick LLC.<br><br>“The Executive Committee of the Intellectual Property Law Section selects the first and second place winners, both of which come with cash awards, and publication of their papers in the quarterly IP Section News Letter,” says Professor Santa Maria of the competition process.<br><br>Established in 2004, The Intellectual Property Law Section writing contest affords law students in their second or third years the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of intellectual property law, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. The competition is open to second or third year law students enrolled in Pennsylvania law schools including Drexel University, Duquesne University, Penn State Dickinson, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Villanova University and Widener University.<br><br>The Widener Law community congratulates Daniel and Kelly for this wonderful achievement.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(424, 'Widener Law graduates receive degrees', '2009-05-19', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09Grads/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br><br>The 368 graduates who received degrees in two law commencement ceremonies this weekend were advised to “follow your gut and follow your heart.”<br><br>U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Murphy, a 1999 Widener Harrisburg alumnus, was the honored speaker at both the Delaware and Harrisburg ceremonies. Murphy, 35 and an Iraq War veteran, harkened back to his days as a student in the Harrisburg Civil Clinic, and memories including how Professor Michael Cozzillio, warned his students to “bring their A game” because he would have taught no differently at Harvard Law.<br><br>“You should leave here knowing you’ve been taught by the best,” Murphy said. <br><br>Murphy acknowledged the challenging times currently facing the country, and he explained he was no stranger to challenges – having launched a congressional campaign with just $322, no name recognition and people he loved telling him to wait. He won one of the country’s closest races by 1,518 votes, having been outspent by $3 million.<br><br>“Remember that drive and determination, when you leave here today, will get you where you want to go. You have what it takes to succeed,” he said.<br><br>The Delaware campus commencement, held Saturday, May 16 on the school green, also featured remarks by regular-division valedictorian Courtney Liliane Schultz and extended-division valedictorian Bonnie Egan Copeland. Student Bar Association President Matthew A. DeNucci IV gave the outstanding faculty award to Associate Professor <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\" title=\"Jules Epstein\">Jules Epstein</a>. Law Dean <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\" title=\"Linda L. Ammons\">Linda L. Ammons</a> gave the Douglas E. Ray excellence in faculty scholarship award to Professors <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/RayLauraK.aspx\">Laura Ray</a> and <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ConawayAnnE.aspx\" title=\"Ann E. Conaway\">Ann E. Conaway</a>.<br><br>The Harrisburg campus commencement, held Sunday, May 17 at the Forum in Harrisburg’s Capitol Complex, also featured remarks by valedictorian Adam L. Santucci. Student Bar Association President Kenneth C. Robinson announced a class gift of five trees and a general scholarship fund donation. He also gave the outstanding faculty award to Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/HusseyMichaelJ.aspx\">Michael J. Hussey</a>. Ammons gave the Douglas E. Ray excellence in faculty scholarship award to Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/RobinetteChristopherJ.aspx\">Christopher J. Robinette</a>.<br><br>Widener University President James T. Harris III told graduates at both ceremonies that each day brings an opportunity to demonstrate acts of tolerance, justice and equality. “Give people the respect they deserve and recognize that mutual respect is the basis for a civil society,” he said.<br><br>Ammons told the graduates their class was personally significant for her because most of them began their law school careers as she became Widener’s dean. She commended the classes’ spirit for public service, with 65 Delaware-campus graduates donating 7,409 pro bono hours of service since their first year of law school, and 13 Harrisburg-campus graduates donating 1,775 pro bono hours of service.<br> <br>“Lawyers have the awesome capacity to change lives and affect history. The tools we use are words,” she said. “Words can heal or hurt, build or destroy, motivate or oppress. Use a word to make this world a better place.”<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(425, 'Vice Dean Gedid Honored by American Law Institute', '2009-05-26', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"270\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"gedid ammons ali award\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/gedid%20ammons%20ali%20award.jpg\">On Tuesday, May 19th, the American Law Institute held a special luncheon honoring new life (25-year) members and new 50-year members as part of the 86th Annual Meeting held in Washington, D.C. Harrisburg Campus Vice Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a> and Dean <a title=\"Linda L. Ammons\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> attended the luncheon, where Vice Dean Gedid was recognized by the American Law Institute as a new life member.<br><br>Helaine M. Barnett, President of Legal Services Corporation, served as the featured speaker at the luncheon. Before becoming President of the Legal Services Corporation in 2004, she served as a practicing lawyer with The Legal Aid Society of New York City. The recipient of the 2008 Fellows Award for Public Service from the ABA Young Lawyers Division, Ms. Barnett too became a new life member of the American Law Institute at the luncheon.<br><br>Of his 25 year service as an elected member of the Institute, Vice Dean Gedid reflected that participation in preparation of various restatements was not only an opportunity to directly improve and clarify the law, but was also a source of many insights into different areas of law that he brought into the classroom in his teaching.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(426, 'The Honorable Jan R. Jurden Delivers Annual Distinguished Lecture on Trial Advocacy and Professionalism', '2009-05-27', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"267\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"jurdenDeITAP\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/jurdenDeITAP.jpg\">On Wednesday, May 20th, the Honorable Jan R. Jurden of Delaware’s Superior Court spoke to students in the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute/CopyofIntensiveTrialAdvocacyProgramDelaware.aspx\">Intensive Trial Advocacy Program</a> on the Delaware campus, delivering the Annual Distinguished Lecture on Trial Advocacy and Professionalism.<br><br>Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">John F. Nivala</a>, Director of Widener Law’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute.aspx\">Taishoff Advocacy, Technology &amp; Public Service Institute</a>, introduced Judge Jurden, saying, “We are really fortunate to have Judge Jan R. Jurden here to speak with us today.” Addressing a large audience of enthusiastic students in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom, she said, “It is so refreshing as a Judge to see advocates who are passionate about what they are doing.”<br><br>In her lecture, entitled “Everything I Ever Needed to Know about Trial Advocacy and Professionalism I Didn’t Learn In Law School (But Don’t Worry . . . I Didn’t Take Widener ITAP),” Judge Jurden stressed the importance of civility in the legal profession. “Humility and civility comes up time and time again,” she said. Discussing the fact that some of the students sitting in the audience might wind up on opposite sides of the same case, she stressed, “Just because you’re adversaries doesn’t mean that you have to be rude to each other.”<br><br>After the conclusion of her remarks, Judge Jurden took questions from the audience. When a student asked her what advice she might have to help them for their mock trials the next morning, she joked, “Don’t drink tonight.”<br><br>A Delaware native, Jan R. Jurden served in the United States Army before earning her B.A. from Muhlenberg College and her J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law in 1988. After graduation, she joined the law firm of Young, Conaway, Stargatt &amp; Taylor as an associate with a focus on corporate, commercial, and personal injury litigation. In 1996, she became a partner, and in May of 2001, she was appointed to the Superior Court of Delaware. A member of the Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court, the American Bar Association, the Delaware State Bar Association, and the National Association of Women Judges, she has taught as an adjunct professor at Widener Law, the University of Delaware, and Wilmington College.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(427, 'Roxanne Conlin Delivers Distinguished Lecture in Trial Advocacy to Harrisburg ITAP Students', '2009-05-28', '<img width=\"348\" height=\"468\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"conlinLockardITAPHB\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/conlinLockardITAPHB.jpg\">“Nearly everyone thinks that the civil justice system is out of control,” said Roxanne Conlin, Esq. as she addressed the students in the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program on Widener Law’s Harrisburg campus on Thursday, May 21st. She refuted that belief a moment later, asserting, “It is the civil justice system that provides the only check on corporate greed.”<br><br>“I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to introduce our speaker, Roxanne Conlin,” said Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/LockardJPalmer.aspx\">J. Palmer Lockard</a>, Director of the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute/IntensiveTrialAdvocacyProgramHarrisburg.aspx\">Harrisburg ITAP program</a> before turning the podium over to Conlin, who kept the rapt attention of her audience with personal tales of cases she worked on. She stressed the importance of serving as an advocate for one’s client numerous times while emphasizing the importance of the civil justice system as a vehicle for protecting individuals who are victimized. “The concepts on which are civil justice system is based are not moot,” she affirmed.<br><br>In addition to sharing anecdotes from some of the many cases she was involved in, Ms. Conlin showed the students a variety of documents that highlighted what she was discussing, including documentation from the litigation surrounding the Ford Pinto that proved Ford knew about the gas tank problems. At the conclusion of her talk, she took questions from the students. Asked what one piece of advice she would give to young lawyers, she said, “Be flexible, but you have to do what makes you happy in life because life is short.”<br><br>Roxanne Conlin received her B.A. and J.D., as well as a Masters Degree in Public Administration, from Drake University. She served as an Assistant Attorney General for Iowa from 1969 to 1976 before being appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa in 1977, at the time only the second woman appointed by a President as a United States Attorney. In 1982, she won the primary to become the Democratic candidate for governor of Iowa, but she lost the general election narrowly. From 1992 to 1993, she served as the first female president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. A nationally recognized and respected trial lawyer, she now has her own law firm, Roxanne Conlin &amp; Associates, in Des Moines, Iowa.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(428, 'Professor Juliet Moringiello Addresses the General Motors Bankruptcy', '2009-06-03', '<img width=\"185\" height=\"231\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"MoringielloNEW185\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MoringielloNEW185.jpg\"> \"It’s a procedure to reorganize. A smaller GM is going to emerge and be more profitable,” says <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/MoringielloJulietM.aspx\">Professor Juliet M. Moringiello</a> of the recent news of the General Motors bankruptcy filing, adding, “Under the protection of the bankruptcy courts, they get to do it more quickly.” Given her interest and expertise in bankruptcy law, several news outlets have contacted her for her take on the situation.<br><br>Maureen Milford of the News Journal spoke to Professor Moringiello to get her thoughts on the General Motors bankruptcy for an article that appeared in <em>USA Today</em> entitled <a title=\"“How will GM’s bankruptcy affect economy?”\" href=\"http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-06-01-gm-economy_N.htm\">“How will GM’s bankruptcy affect economy?”</a> An extended version of that story, <a title=\"“State’s economy will feel shock, but decline has been ongoing,”\" href=\"http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090602/NEWS/906020322/1006/NEWS\">“State’s economy will feel shock, but decline has been ongoing,”</a> appeared in the <em>Wilmington News Journal</em> on June 2nd. Professor Moringiello also spoke about the bankruptcy during an evening broadcast on WDEL 1150 AM on June 1st.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"GMMoringielloPromo235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/GMMoringielloPromo235.jpg\">Emphasizing that bankruptcy would “not be a magic wand,” but rather “an opportunity to reorganize,” Professor Moringiello stressed that “Filing for bankruptcy is not what makes a company fail. They file for bankruptcy because they are failing.” She noted that part of what made the General Motors bankruptcy so interesting was the complexity of the negotiations, saying, “The idea is that a lot of the negotiations took place before the filing. The filing is really to seal the deal.”<br><br>Addressing the closing of Delaware’s General Motors Boxwood Road plant, Professor Moringiello emphasized that the plant might well have been closed regardless of whether or not General Motors filed for bankruptcy, saying of plant closings, “Those could happen either way because the company can’t meet its obligations. Bankruptcy simply allows it to deal with all of those issues in one place.” She also addressed negotiations with the United Auto Workers union, stating, “It would be hard for the car companies to emerge from the bankruptcy without the support of the unions.”<br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(429, 'Professor John Culhane’s Blog Provides Outlet for Thoughtful Discourse', '2009-06-09', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"CulhaneJune09Promo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/CulhaneJune09Promo.jpg\">\"Blogging has been both a revelation and a drug for me. I find I keep up with what\'s going on in a number of different areas, and then I feel compelled to weigh in. I\'ve written about many different issues, as you can see from the blog: Everything from serious issues like gay rights, <a title=\"criminal law and justice\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/blog/2009/06/08/vigilante-justice-ok-in-philadelphia/\">criminal law and justice</a>, abortion, and politics, to the occasional amusing or <a title=\"pop cultural posts\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/blog/2009/06/06/up/\">pop cultural posts</a>,” says <a title=\"Professor John Culhane\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx\">Professor John Culhane</a> about <a title=\"WordinEdgewise\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/\">WordinEdgewise</a>.<br><br>Professor Culhane started blogging at <a title=\"wordinedgewise.org\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/\">wordinedgewise.org</a> in January of 2009, and in the short months since, the blog has really taken off and opened up a number of exciting opportunities. \"I love the immediate feedback from readers,” he says, adding, “I\'ve been writing about my evolving thoughts on the <a title=\"late-term abortion controversy\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/blog/2009/06/02/beginnings-of-life-impossible-issues/\">late-term abortion controversy</a> that was reanimated by the killing of the doctor in Kansas a couple of weeks ago, and that\'s involved me with a <a title=\"good-spirited back-and-forth\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/blog/2009/06/03/certainties-if-only/\">good-spirited back-and-forth</a> with the blogger for The Atlantic, Andrew Sullivan. My thinking about profound questions is evolving as a result of these conversations.\"<br><br>From April 27th through May 3rd, Professor Culhane had the opportunity to serve as the official blogger for the 2009 Equality Forum in Philadelphia. Discussing the opportunity to fill that role, he notes, “As the blogger for Equality Forum, I was able to interview and write about San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, controversial Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, leaders in the nascent Russian GLBT movement, and many more people.\" He also followed the <a title=\"legal case in California over Proposition 8\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/blog/2009/05/26/reaction-to-prop-8-decision-analysis-to-follow/\">legal case in California over Proposition 8</a> on the blog; \"I like synthesizing and explaining court decisions to a non-professional audience. I live-blogged the Prop 8 oral arguments, and issued summaries of the decision when it came down, as well as the <a title=\"Iowa Supreme Court\'s decision\" href=\"http://wordinedgewise.org/blog/2009/04/03/analysis-of-iowa-marriage-equality-decision/\">Iowa Supreme Court\'s decision</a> in that marriage equality case.”<br><br>While the blog has given him a forum to discuss his thoughts on a wide range of topics, that has not stopped Professor Culhane from exploring the more traditional avenues of academic research. \"I still enjoy more in-depth legal research and analysis. This is a completely different thing. It\'s much more immediate, and even visceral at times. I find that doing it gives me ideas for more traditional scholarship. It also keeps me current in ways that are often interesting to my students,\" he says.<br><br>If there has been one downside to the frenzied activity on the blog over the last several months, it’s the self-induced pressure to keep up the momentum. As Professor Culhane wryly notes, \"But I\'m afraid to take a day off.\" <br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(430, '2009 Summer Study Abroad Programs Set to Begin', '2009-06-10', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"SummerBlogsPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SummerBlogsPromo.jpg\">Widener Law’s four exciting Summer Study Abroad Programs are set to begin shortly, providing students with the opportunity to learn important lessons about how the law functions in other countries while enjoying a host of wonderful cultural opportunities.<br><br>Widener Law’s oldest Study Abroad program, the <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/NairobiKenya.aspx\">Nairobi, Kenya</a> program begins on June 15th and runs through July 16th, affording students the unique opportunity to study subjects such as International Environmental Law or Comparative Constitutional Law while exploring all that Kenya has to offer from safaris to beautiful beaches and the majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro. Students Brandy Ryan and Jennifer Bailey from the Wilmington campus will be <a title=\"Nairobi Blog\" href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/nairobi/\">blogging from Nairobi</a>.<br><br>The Summer Abroad program in <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/GenevaSwitzerland.aspx\">Lausanne, Switzerland</a> began on June 1st and runs through June 30th. Hosted by the University of Lausanne, the program affords students the opportunity to study the law in the heart of Europe while enjoying picturesque views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Less than an hour away, the city of Geneva itself provides a wonderful cultural experience.<br><br>Running from June 19th through July 20th, the Summer Abroad Program in <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/SydneyAustralia.aspx\">Sydney, Australia</a>, held in conjunction with the University of Technology Sydney, allows students to visit the famous Sydney Opera House, scuba dive around the Great Barrier Reef, or hike in the outback when not studying International and Comparative Commercial Law, Comparative Civil Procedure, or Comparative Family Law.<br><br>The Summer Program in <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/VeniceItaly.aspx\">Venice, Italy</a> takes place from June 15th through July 15th, providing students the chance to further their legal education while exploring one of Europe’s most famous cities. Held in cooperation with the Department of Legal Studies at the University of Venice, this program lets students enjoy Venice’s rich cultural heritage while studying subjects such as International Sales Law or European Union Law. Harrisburg Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/MeadowsRobynL.aspx\">Robyn Meadows</a> and student Nigel Scott will be <a title=\"Venice Blog\" href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/venice/\">blogging from Venice</a> during the program.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(431, 'Widener Women\'s Network Welcomes Dr. Kathleen McNicholas', '2009-06-10', '<div style=\"float:right; width: 304px; margin: 6px;\">\n\n\n<img width=\"300\" height=\"286\" alt=\"alumni wwn 1.jpg\" src=\"~/media/Images/AlumniNews2009/alumni%20wwn%201.aspx\"><p><span class=\"Caption\">Pictured (l-r): Miriam Barish ‘92 and Dr. Kathleen McNicholas ‘06.</span></p>\n\n\n<img width=\"300\" height=\"271\" alt=\"alumni wwn 2.jpg\" src=\"~/media/Images/AlumniNews2009/alumni%20wwn%202.aspx\"><p><span class=\"Caption\">Pictured (l-r): Vivienne Crawford ‘77 and Renae Axelrod ‘91</span></p>\n\n\n<img width=\"300\" height=\"225\" alt=\"alumni wwn 3.jpg\" src=\"~/media/Images/AlumniNews2009/alumni%20wwn%203.aspx\"><p><span class=\"Caption\">Pictured (l-r): Renae Axelrod ‘91 (Alumni Association President), Whitney Deemey ‘08, and Elizabeth Stano ‘08 take a moment to network at the Widener Women’s \nNetwork luncheon.</span></p>\n</div>\n\nOn Friday, June 5, 2009 the Philadelphia Chapter of the Widener Women\'s Network welcomed Dr. Kathleen W. McNicholas, M.D., J.D., as the guest speaker at their networking luncheon.  Dr. McNicholas, a cardiothoracic surgeon, shared with the group some of her knowledge for good heart health on the topic of  Lawyering in a Recession:  Stress Management Tips.<br><br>The event was sponsored by Miriam Barish ‘92 at her law firm, where she is a partner, Anapol, Schwartz, Weiss, Cohan, Feldman &amp; Smalley in their Philadelphia office at 1710 Spruce Street.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(432, 'Delaware State Bar Association Holds Annual Bench and Bar Conference', '2009-06-16', ' <img width=\"391\" height=\"377\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"benchandbar2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/benchandbar2.jpg\">On Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 the Delaware State Bar Association held its annual Bench and Bar Conference at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Dean <a title=\"Linda L. Ammons\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> and Widener Law adjunct professor <a title=\"Richard K. Herrmann\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HerrmannRichardK.aspx\">Richard K. Herrmann</a> of Morris James LLP moderated a CLE program entitled “Online, In-Line and Out of Line: The Use of Technology in the Legal Profession from 12:30 to 4:15 pm.<br><br>Allen Terrell, outgoing President of the Delaware State Bar Association and a member of Widener Law’s Board of Overseers, presided over the annual meeting that took place that evening. The Honorable Myron T. Steele, Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court, delivered a State of the Judiciary Address, and Michael Rogers, Futurist-in-Residence for the New York Times Company and writer of the Practical Futurist column for MSNBC, delivered the keynote address.<br><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(433, 'JURIST Academy Encourages Minority Undergraduates to Pursue Law School', '2009-06-17', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; float: right; width: 405px;\">\n<img width=\"400\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/juristacademy1b.jpg\" alt=\"juristacademy1\"><p> </p> <img width=\"400\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/juristacademy2b.jpg\" alt=\"juristacademy2\">\n</div>From June 1st to June 12th, Widener Law’s Delaware campus played host to promising, minority students entering their Junior or Senior year of college interested in learning about law school.<br><br>The JURIST Academy program offered the students a taste of what law school would be like, with a Torts class taught by Professor <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/CulhaneJohnG.aspx\" title=\"John Culhane\">John Culhane</a>, a Criminal Law class with Associate Professor <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\" title=\"Jules Epstein\">Jules Epstein</a>, and Legal Analysis and Writing and Financial Literacy class with <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HoweBarksdaleSydney.aspx\" title=\"Sydney Howe-Barksdale\">Sydney Howe-Barksdale</a> and <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/FerrellIvaJohnson.aspx\" title=\"Iva Johnson Ferrell\">Iva Johnson Ferrell</a>. In addition,  the students enjoyed field trips to area courts, and the program provided students insight into the law school admissions process, including an LSAT review and preparation course with Ken Gross.<br><br>This year’s JURIST Academy boasted 28 students interested in becoming lawyers, and the program aimed to improve necessary skills like reading comprehension and writing ability. In addition to trying to give the students the skills necessary to succeed in the classroom, the camp offered those who attended a clear picture of the goals necessary for admission to law school as well as the sizable financial commitment required.<br><br>“As an African-American who is part of the bar,” said PIRC Director and JURIST Academy program coordinator Sydney Howe-Barksdale, “ I was fortunate enough to make it through. Now I am in a position to help tell those coming behind me what it’s about.”<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/JuristAcademy2009Promo235.jpg\" alt=\"JuristAcademy2009Promo235\" class=\"FloatLeft\">Widener Law Dean <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\" title=\"Linda L. Ammons\">Linda L. Ammons</a> said of the program, “Widener is proud to have advanced beyond the ‘talking’ phase of the need for a more diverse bar and bench, and to have moved into an ‘action’ phase where we are able to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to affecting real change.”<br><br>Sponsors of the program included Du Pont, Morris James LLP, Potter Anderson &amp; Corroon LLP, Richards Layton &amp; Finger, the South Asian Bar Association of Delaware, and the Multicultural Judges &amp; Lawyers Section of the Delaware State Bar Association.<br><br><a title=\"DiscoverLaw.org\" href=\"http://www.discoverlaw.org/\">DiscoverLaw.org</a>, a campaign developed by the Law School Admission Council to encourage minority students to discover legal education opportunities, also served as a sponsor for the Jurist Academy.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(434, 'Justice Randy Holland participates in 2009 Qatar Law Forum', '2009-06-24', ' <img width=\"433\" height=\"289\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"hollandQuatar\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/hollandQuatar.png\">Delaware Supreme Court Justice <a title=\"Randy J. Holland\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/HollandRandyJ.aspx\">Randy J. Holland</a>, a Widener Law adjunct on the Delaware campus, traveled to Doha, Qatar in late May to participate as a featured panelist at the Qatar Law Forum, which ran from May 29th through the 31st. Justice Holland gave a presentation entitled From Delaware to Doha: The Legal Environment Necessary for Corporate Centers and Thriving Financial Markets, as part of a panel he was on with the General Counsel of the World Bank, the Chief Justice of Dubai’s International Financial Centre Court and General Counsel of the Malaysia Securities Commission.<br><br>The 2009 Qatar Law Forum, entitled Global Commitment to the Rule of Law, featured a keynote address by Lord Nicholas Phillips, President-Elect of the Supreme Court of England. Former Chief Justice of England Lord Harry Woolf and High Court Judge Sir William Blair, the brother of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, served as co-chairs for the event.<br><br>While at the Qatar Law Forum, Justice Holland appeared on the BBC World News in a thirty-minute segment with Lord Woolf and the Executive Director of the Dubai Economic Council, Lubna Qassim.<br><br>Attended by hundreds of judges and notable legal scholars from around the world who were specifically invited for the event, the Qatar Law Forum brought together global leaders in law to discuss topics such as the globalization of justice in the 21st century, international dispute resolution methods, legal reform in an Islamic context, and the legal environment for financial markets.<br><br>Justice Holland teaches courses in State Constitutional Law and Appellate Practice.<span style=\"FONT-SIZE: 14pt\"><br></span>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(435, 'Widener Law welcomes new staff and faculty', '2009-07-01', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 205px; margin: 5px; padding: 3px;\">\n<img width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"meadows200px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/meadows200px.jpg\"><p>Professor Robyn Meadows</p>	\n<img width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"powers200px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/powers200px.jpg\"><p>Professor Robert C. Power</p>\n<img width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"pollard200px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/pollard200px.jpg\"><p>Professor Randle B. Pollard</p>\n\n<img width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"kennedy200px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/kennedy200px.jpg\"><p>Professor Darlene Kennedy</p>\n\n\n<img width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"sealing200px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/sealing200px.jpg\"><p>Professor Keith E. Sealing</p>\n</div>\n\n<span style=\"\">Widener Law welcomes and congratulates new faculty and staff members in addition to current members of the law school community who take on new leadership roles, all effective today.<br><br>“This is a great group of people and we are fortunate to have them on our team,” <a title=\"Dean Linda L. Ammons\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Dean Linda L. Ammons</a> said. “Their appointments will strengthen Widener Law’s intellectual and administrative initiatives, and I look forward to the unique contributions each person will bring to the job.”<br><br>The changes include:<br><br><a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/MeadowsRobynL.aspx\">Professor Robyn Meadows</a> takes over as vice dean of the Harrisburg campus. The job is the most senior role in the dean’s cabinet for Harrisburg and involves overseeing day-to-day operations at the school. Meadows joined the Widener faculty in 1991 and teaches and writes in the areas of contracts, secured transactions, sales and leases and payment systems. She earned her law degree from University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law in 1983 and an LL.M. from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law in 1991. Meadows lives in Harrisburg. She replaces Vice Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a>, who will return to teaching and devoting his full attention to directing the school’s Law &amp; Government Institute, one of Widener Law’s signature programs.<br><br><a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/PowerRobertC.aspx\">Professor Robert C. Power</a>, takes over as associate dean for faculty research and development on the Harrisburg campus. Power will focus primarily on the needs of the faculty relative to scholarship, teaching and professional development. Power joined the Widener faculty in 1990 and teaches and writes in the areas of Constitutional law, administrative law, criminal law and professional responsibility. He earned his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in 1975. Power lives in Derry Township, Pa. He replaces <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/RaekerJordanSusanM.aspx\">Professor Susan Raeker-Jordan</a>, who will focus on her full-time teaching.<br><br><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Randle B.  Pollard</span> joins the Harrisburg faculty as an associate professor of tax law. Pollard served as senior counsel at Ice Miller LLP in Indianapolis from 2004 to 2008, when he left to be a field organizer for President  Barack Obama’s campaign. He was domestic tax counsel for Eli Lilly and Co. for five years before going to Ice Miller. Pollard earned a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1988 and a LL.M. in taxation from the school in 1996. He is relocating to Harrisburg this summer.<br><br><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Darlene Kennedy</span> will join the Delaware campus as a visiting associate professor of federal income tax and property law. Kennedy is an associate member of the Baltimore City Planning Commission. She has been a consultant since 2005 for numerous Washington, D.C. law firms where she assisted principals in litigation preparation and did analysis and briefings on legal, factual, regulatory and policy issues. Prior to her consulting work, Kennedy served as a visiting professor of law at The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2005. She was a tenure-track assistant professor of law at Regent University School of Law in Virginia from 1998 to 2002. Between the academic appointments, she worked as counsel and chief of staff to the assistant attorney general in the tax division of the U.S. Department of Justice and as special assistant to the assistant secretary for public and Indian housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Kennedy holds a law degree from Syracuse University College of Law and an LL.M. in taxation from the University of Baltimore School of Law.<br><br><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Keith E. Sealing</span> joins the Harrisburg campus as dean of students. Sealing comes to Widener from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, where he has served as assistant dean for student affairs since August 2007. Prior to that, he worked as assistant dean for student administration at the Syracuse University College of Law. In his new role at Widener he will handle student academic advising and counseling, oversee all student groups and work closely with all office that provide student services. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing programs that help students develop personally and professionally. He replaces <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/FruthAnnElizabeth.aspx\">Ann E. Fruth</a>, who held the position for two years and will return to her role as a legal writing professor. Sealing earned his law degree from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law in 1985. He is relocating to Mechanicsburg.<br></span>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(436, 'Widener Law Participates in Yellow Ribbon Program', '2009-07-28', '<strong>UPDATE: ONLINE FORM NOW AVAILABLE!<br><br>&gt;&gt; <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/online-forms/fayellowribbon_form.html\">Yellow Ribbon Program Application Form </a><br><br>HOW TO APPLY </strong>- The <a href=\"http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_ribbon.htm\" title=\"Yellow Ribbon Program\">Yellow Ribbon Program</a>, part of the <a href=\"http://www.gibill.va.gov/\" title=\"Post-9/11 GI Bill\">Post-9/11 GI Bill</a>, is a voluntary program that allows universities to fund additional tuition expenses exceeding the amount of the core benefit provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which is determined based on the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Institutions participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program can contribute up to 50% of the expenses that exceed the base benefit, and the Department of Veterans Affairs then matches the amount provided by the institution.<br><br>Widener Law has elected to fund up to five JD students on each campus at the 100% participation rate for up to 36 credits for 2009-2010, including summer. Widener Law will contribute up to $9,450 for Delaware Campus law students and up to $7,470 for Harrisburg Campus law students. The difference in funding between the two law campuses is due to Veterans Affairs benefit calculations, and is different between Harrisburg and Delaware due to the different base award as determined by state.<br><br>Students participating in the Yellow Ribbon program will pay nothing out of pocket towards their tuition for the fall and spring semesters. Summer expenses will be determined by how much of the maximum award was used during the fall and spring. After the base award, the Law School and VA will split the balance of the tuition due. The contribution will be paid by grant or scholarship with any previously awarded scholarship funds constituting the school’s Yellow Ribbon contribution to that student. Applications for the Yellow Ribbon program must be considered on a first-come-first-served basis.<br><br>Widener is currently developing a process for students to apply for the Yellow Ribbon program. Students will shortly be notified via email to their Widener Campus Cruiser accounts of the application process. Updates will be posted on law.widener.edu as well. <br><br>Students interested in applying for the Yellow Ribbon Program should take note of the following requirements: <ul>\n<li>In order to be considered for the program, a student must be a JD student for the 2009-2010 academic year.</li>\n<li>You must have applied to the VA for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and expect that you will be approved to receive the maximum (100%) basic benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>To apply, interested students should take the following steps: </strong><ul>\n<li>Apply to the VA for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. We recommend that students complete this process through the <a href=\"http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/How_to_Apply.htm\" title=\"G.I. Bill Electronic Application Form\">electronic application form</a> provided on the VA’s website.</li>\n<li>Fill out a simple web form that will be made available on the Widener Law website on <strong>July 28th at 10:00 am</strong>. This form will collect directory information only and reserves your place in line by time stamping when the form is submitted.</li>\n</ul>Please visit the <a href=\"/Admissions/OldAdmissionsSite/CostsandFinancialAid/TypesofAid/VeteransEducationBenefits.aspx\">Financial Aid Office’s veterans benefits page</a> for general information.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(437, 'Widener Law Journal Honored at National Conference of State Trial Judges 50th Anniversary Celebration', '2009-08-10', '<div style=\"margin: 5px; padding: 4px; float: right; width: 450px;\">\n<img width=\"423\" height=\"328\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/abaChicago1.jpg\" alt=\"abaChicago1\"><p>Professor Chris Robinette, Dean Linda Ammons and Judge William C. Carpenter, Jr. \'76.<br></p>\n<img width=\"340\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/abaChicago2.jpg\" alt=\"abaChicago2\"><p>Professor Chris Robinette.</p>\n<img width=\"423\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/abaChicago3.jpg\" alt=\"abaChicago3\"><p>Judge Calvin Scott (DE), Judge James E. Lockemy (SC), Professor Chris Robinettte, Judge William C. Carpenter Jr. (DE), Dean Linda Ammons, Justice Henry duPont Ridgely (DE), and Judge William J. Caprathe, Chair of the National Conference of State Trial Judges (MI).</p>\n<img width=\"416\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/abaChicago4.jpg\" alt=\"abaChicago4\"><p>Dean Linda Ammons and Judge William F. Dressel (Ret.), President of the National Judicial College.</p>\n</div>“I think this was a tremendous recognition for Widener. Numerous judges told me that they felt the topics covered in the issue were extremely relevant and useful to trial judges,” said Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/RobinetteChristopherJ.aspx\">Christopher J. Robinette</a> after the <a href=\"http://widenerlawjournal.org/\" title=\"Widener Law Journal\">Widener Law Journal</a>’s May symposium issue, “A Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Conference of State Trial Judges,” was honored at the 50th Anniversary event.<br><br>Widener Law Dean <a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\" title=\"Linda L. Ammons\">Linda L. Ammons</a> and Robinette, faculty advisor to the Widener Law Journal, attended the National Conference of State Trial Judges 50th Anniversary Celebration held Friday, July 31st in the Hancock Building as part of the Annual ABA Conference held in Chicago. Chief Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald of the Supreme Court of Illinois served as the keynote speaker.<br><br>The National Conference of State Trial Judges, a division of the American Bar Association, invited the Widener Law Journal to publish the collection at the suggestion of Judge William C. Carpenter, Jr. ‘76, a Widener Law Alum and a member of the National Conference of State Trial Judges 50th Anniversary Committee. The journal staff, led by Editor-in-Chief Cory S. Winter, put out a call for papers on a broad range of suggested topics. The final collection featured nine articles written by eight judges from around the country and two articles written by legal academics.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(438, 'Orientation and Introduction to Law Schedules', '2009-08-11', 'Orientation for 1st year students on the Delaware campus begins on Wednesday, August 12 with the Introduction to Law class set to begin on Thursday, August 13th. 1st year students on the Delaware campus can download the Orientation Schedule and Introduction to Law Syllabus below:<br><br><img width=\"15\" height=\"17\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"word icon\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/bullet_word.gif\">Fall 2009 Orientation Schedule (.doc) updated 08/11/09<br><br><img width=\"15\" height=\"17\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"word icon\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/bullet_word.gif\">Introduction to Law August 2009 Syllabus (.doc) updated 08/11/09', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(439, 'Widener Law attorneys among the Main Line’s best', '2009-08-12', '<img width=\"500\" height=\"334\" alt=\"mainline500px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/mainline500px.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">Some of Widener Law’s most successful graduates can be found on the glossy pages of <em>Main Line Today</em> magazine.<br><br>The culture and lifestyle publication that covers Philadelphia’s Main Line and its western suburbs has announced its “Top Lawyers 2009” list and seven of the 12 best are Widener Law alumni.<br><br>The August issue hit newsstands July 27 and the top-lawyer story is teased on the cover.<br><br>The magazine accepted nominations in 12 practice areas and hundreds of lawyers cast votes to determine who would be named the best.<br><br>“We are so proud to see our alumni singled out in this way, not only because it shows that Widener Law graduates are tops in their fields – but because it illustrates the level of respect they hold in the legal community,” Law Dean Linda L. Ammons said.<br><br><strong>Among the best were:</strong><br><br><strong>Real estate law:</strong> Scott R. Reidenbach, ‘97 of Reidenbach &amp; Associates, LLC in Radnor, Pa. He was chosen out of 29 nominees.<br><br><strong>Family law:</strong> Gregory P. LaMonaca ’95 of The Law Office of Gregory P. LaMonaca, PC in Media, Pa. He was chosen out of 20 nominees. <br><br><strong>Divorce law:</strong> Kate Vetrano ‘80 of Vetrano &amp; Vetrano in King of Prussia, Pa. She was chosen from 24 nominees.<br><br><strong>Personal injury litigation:</strong> Timothy F. Rayne ‘95 of MacElree Harvey, Ltd. in Kennett Square, Pa. He was chosen from 25 nominees.<br><br><strong>Workers’ compensation law:</strong> David R. Cherry ‘95 of Cherry, Fieger &amp; Marciano, LLP in Media, Pa. He was chosen from 18 nominees.<br><br><strong>Personal bankruptcy:</strong> Robert E. O’Connor ‘95 of The Law Offices of Robert E. O’Connor in Media, Pa. He was chosen from seven nominees. <br><br><strong>Tax law:</strong> Ernest D. Palmarella ’78 of Palmarella, Curry &amp; Kelly PC in Wayne, Pa. He was chosen from five nominees.<br><br>All the honorees attended the Delaware campus. Read the <a href=\"http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/August-2009/Top-Lawyers-2009/%20\" title=\"Main Line Today Top Lawyers 2009\">full story</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(440, 'Law students spend summer in public-service mode', '2009-08-14', 'Summer for four Delaware campus students has been a time to educate area senior citizens about their legal rights – and to spread the word about services of the Pennsylvania Civil Clinic.<br><br>Thanks to a generous grant from the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation, students Katrina Shea, Kolleen McGinnis, Meryl Peterman and Kathryn O’Connell were able to create a public awareness campaign that informed seniors of their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. <br><br>Known as the Financial Literacy Program for Seniors, the program got its start after clinic Director and Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NicholsNathanielC.aspx\">Nathaniel C. Nichols</a> noticed the rising age of the clinic’s low-income clients. He was also hearing a lot of stories from clients who felt harassed by debt collectors. With the help of the law school’s development office, Nichols was able to secure the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation funding that provided the students a way to provide a public service, earn a summer paycheck and gain valuable insight to the law. <br><br>The students studied the law, developed a curriculum for educating seniors about it and took it on the road to senior centers in Delaware County – the jurisdiction served by the law clinic. They have also counseled seniors individually about the law, and worked on several of the clinic’s bankruptcy and debt-collection-harassment cases.<br><br>“The main point of our presentation is empowering you,” Peterman, a third-year law student, said at the outset of a 30-minute talk she gave with McGinnis, a second-year law student at the Chester Senior Center on July 16. She went on to explain why it is important for seniors to pay their debts, what rules debt collectors must play by under the law and how to handle a debt collector’s calls.<br><br>Nichols, who also attended the presentation, took the opportunity to explain to the roughly 50 seniors in the room about Widener’s law clinic and how students can help those in financial trouble with legal representation. The students said the work was personally rewarding.<br><br>“Everybody’s been really responsive and we’ve had a lot of people calling the clinic and asking questions,” McGinnis said.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(441, 'Professor Capowski visits China for Conference on Evidence Law and Forensic Science.', '2009-08-15', '<div style=\"margin: 5px; padding: 4px; float: right; width: 500px;\">\r\n				<img width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/capowski1.jpg\" alt=\"capowski1\"><p>Attendees of the 2nd International Conference on Evidence Law and Forensic Science in Bejing, China</p>\r\n				<img width=\"500\" height=\"395\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/capowski2.jpg\" alt=\"capowski2\"><p>Professor John J. Capowski.</p>\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"404\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/capowski3.jpg\" alt=\"capowski3\"><p>Professor John J. Capowski.</p>\n</div>In July, Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/CapowskiJohnJ.aspx\">John J. Capowski</a> returned to Beijing to present at the 2nd International Conference on Evidence Law and Forensic Science.<br><br>The conference focused on the continuing development of China\'s first evidence code and brought together evidence scholars from China, Scotland, England, Australia, and the United States and representatives of the various branches of China\'s government .<br><br>Professor Capowski\'s presentation focused on how China\'s Uniform Provisions of Evidence, while modeled after our Federal Rules of Evidence, serve their reform effort.  In addition to presenting his article, Professor Capowski co-chaired a panel on interdisciplinary research on evidence law.\r\nBecause the article he presented in Beijing in 2007 has been published in Chinese in two of China\'s leading law journals, his conference host told him he is \"a famous evidence scholar in China.\"  He intends to continue his work with those involved in studying and reforming China\'s legal system.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(442, 'Welcome first-year students!', '2009-08-18', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 5px; WIDTH: 500px; PADDING-TOP: 4px\">\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"333\" alt=\"dewelcome1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DE_Welcome_Prof2009_1.jpg\"><p>Dean Linda L. Ammons welcomes 1st year students to the Delaware campus.</p>\n<img width=\"500\" height=\"333\" alt=\"dewelcome2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DE_Welcome_Prof2009_2.jpg\"><p>Delaware Superior Court Judge William C. Carpenter Jr., \'76 adminsters an affirmation of professionalism to 1st year students on the Delaware campus.</p>\n</div>The School of Law recently held “Welcome to the Profession” events for its first-year, regular- and extended-division students attending both campuses.<br><br>The school welcomed 174 new students to its Harrisburg campus on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and another 382 students to its Delaware campus on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The events marked the start of the academic year for all first-year students.<br><br>Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> spoke at both events. She welcomed the students and spoke, among other things, about positive study habits – and how there is no such thing as a dumb question. <br><br>“Ask it, research it, think about it. Hold on to your dreams. Law school is the bridge from your aspirations to your realizations,” she said. <br><br>Other speakers for the Harrisburg program included Student Bar Association President Nicole Santo, alumnus Sean Welby, Esq., ’92, who spoke on behalf of alumni, and Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer. Welby was a member of the class that entered the Harrisburg campus when it opened in 1989; the campus will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with a special Founder’s Day Event.<br><br>Other speakers for the Delaware program included Student Bar Association President Destiny A. Prater, Associate Dean for Student Affairs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/GoldbergSusanL.aspx\">Susan L. Goldberg</a>, Delaware State Bar Association President Benjamin Strauss, Esq., ’90, Widener Law Alumni Association President Renae B. Axelrod, Esq., ’91 and Delaware Superior Court Judge William C. Carpenter Jr., ’76.<br><br>Jubelirer and Carpenter administered an affirmation of professionalism to the new students. <br><br>“It is a wonderful profession you are joining today,” Carpenter said.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(443, 'Widener Law professor assumes leadership roles with ABA committee and PA immigration group', '2009-08-20', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"266\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"Family300x266Faculty_hb\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/Family300x266Faculty_hb.jpg\">Widener University School of Law Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/FamilyJillE.aspx\">Jill E. Family</a> has taken on two new leadership responsibilities in her subject expertise of immigration law.<br><br>This month, Family was named chair of the Immigration and Naturalization Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice. She was also elected to a seat on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center in York, Pa. The center provides legal services to foreign nationals under government detention at the York County Prison and at other Pennsylvania facilities <br><br>Family works on Widener’s Harrisburg campus, where she also serves as associate director of the school’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>. In addition to immigration law, she teaches and writes in the areas of administrative law and civil procedure. Family said her ABA committee will work toward resolving issues that hinder the adjudication of immigration cases.<br><br>“The immigration courts face many challenges, including a lack of attorney representation for foreign nationals appearing in court,” Family said. “My committee aims to make these problems more visible and to work toward solutions.”<br><br>In addition, Family will serve as the liaison from the ABA’s administrative law section to its Commission on Immigration, which works to promote due process for immigrants and refugees in the United States. <br><br>Family joined the Widener faculty in 2005 after serving as a law clerk to Judge Morton I. Greenberg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. She previously taught as an adjunct professor at Temple University Beasley School of Law, practiced immigration law in the Philadelphia office of Dechert LLP and clerked for Judge Stephen M. Orlofsky of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(444, 'Widener Law announces its Wolcott Fellows for 2009-10', '2009-08-24', 'Widener Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons </a>today announced the law students who have assumed their roles as Josiah Oliver Wolcott Fellows for the 2009-2010 academic year.<br><br>Wolcott Fellows serve as law clerks in the Delaware Supreme Court. These prestigious positions are unique opportunities for Widener Law students, who are chosen through a competitive interview process. Only five students are selected to participate each year. They must present strong academic credentials, demonstrate outstanding research and writing skills, and have reached at least their second year of law school. <br><br><img width=\"500\" height=\"333\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"wolcott2009\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/wolcott2009.jpg\">The fellows work about 20 hours per week during the school year and receive academic credit and either a cash grant or a tuition-remission scholarship grant, funded by the law school. They will begin their positions after Labor Day and work through April 2010.<br><br>The program is named for Josiah Oliver Wolcott, the Dover, Del.-born lawyer, politician and judge who died in 1938. He was elected Delaware attorney general in 1912, and then to the U.S. Senate four years later. He resigned from the Senate in 1921 to become Chancellor of Delaware’s renowned Delaware Court of Chancery. He served until his death at age 61.<br><br>“I am proud to announce this achievement for this group of students, who will certainly learn invaluable lessons about the rule of law, the role of judges and the lives of attorneys through this unique experience,” Ammons said. “I am also continually grateful to the Delaware Supreme Court for working with Widener Law to make this program – now in its 21st year – possible.”<br><br>Widener’s 2009-2010 Wolcott fellows include:<br><br><strong>William M. Alleman of Wilmington, Del.</strong>, assigned to Justice Randy J. Holland<br><strong>Ryan C. Cicoski of Bryn Mawr, Pa.</strong>, assigned to Justice Henry duPont Ridgely<br><strong>Suzanne O. Lufadeju of Wilmington, Del.</strong>, assigned to Justice Randy J. Holland<br><strong>Brett T. Norton of Media, Pa.</strong>, assigned to Chief Justice Myron T. Steele<br><strong>Angela C. Whitesell of Claymont, Del.</strong>, assigned to Justice Jack B. Jacobs<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(445, 'Widener Law Professors elected to ABA posts', '2009-08-25', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"ABAHamermeshPromo235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ABAHamermeshPromo235.jpg\">Widener University School of Law is pleased to announce that <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh</a>, the Ruby R. Vale professor of corporate and business law and the director of Widener’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a>, has been elected by the Section of Business Law of the American Bar Association to serve on the section’s 20-member governing council. <br><br>Approximately 50,000 business lawyers and law students throughout the United States, Canada and other countries are members of the Section of Business Law.<br><br>“Membership on the governing council is a distinct honor as well as a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the work of the Section of Business Law, and to advance the section’s efforts to improve our system of business and corporate law,” Hamermesh said. “One of my goals is to encourage more of our students at Widener to participate in the work of the Section of Business Law.”<br><br>Hamermesh continues to serve on the editorial board of <em>The Business Lawyer</em>, the section’s flagship publication, along with Widener Law Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/MoringielloJulietM.aspx\">Juliet Moringiello</a>, who teaches on the school’s Harrisburg, Pa. campus. Moringiello previously served on the governing council of the Section of Business Law and Hamermesh’s appointment to the council reflects the strength and depth of Widener’s continuing contribution to the work of the ABA’s Section of Business Law.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(446, 'Supreme Court justice administers oath to 22 students', '2009-08-26', '<img width=\"500\" height=\"230\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/swearingin2.jpg\" alt=\"swearingin2\" class=\"FloatLeft\">Delaware Supreme Court Justice <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/HollandRandyJ.aspx\">Randy J. Holland</a> recently presided over a special session of the court on the Delaware campus, where he administered an oath that admitted 22 Widener students to the limited practice of law. It marked the first time students working with the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/EnvironmentalandNaturalResourcesLawClinic.aspx\">Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic</a> were included in the occasion.<br><br>The students were admitted Aug. 24 under a special rule that allows them to appear in some Delaware courts under very stringent guidelines. The oaths were taken in connection with their work in Widener’s <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/DelawareCivilLawClinic.aspx\">Delaware Civil Clinic</a>, its Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic and school externships with the Delaware Department of Justice.<br><br>This year marked the first time students with the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic were part of the group, thanks to two key developments. Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KristlKennethT.aspx\">Kenneth T. Kristl</a>, who directs the clinic, worked with Holland on getting the Delaware student practice rule amended to include the state’s Environmental Appeals Board as a tribunal before which law students may appear. In addition, Kristl, a long-time member of the Illinois bar, took and passed the Delaware bar exam in 2008. Kristl’s Delaware license allowed the Delaware Board of Bar Examiners to find the clinic could serve as a supervision and placement agency under the rule.<br><br><img width=\"269\" height=\"307\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/swearingin4.jpg\" alt=\"swearingin4\" class=\"FloatRight\">Before administering the oath, Holland told the students they have to start thinking differently about themselves because they will now be perceived by clients and attorneys as members of the bar. He congratulated them on making a contribution to public service in this way. <br><br>“You will be making the keys to the courthouse available to the people who might not otherwise be able to get there,” he said.<br><br>Kristl and Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HarringtonConnerDana.aspx\">Dana Harrington Conner</a>, who supervises the Delaware Civil Clinic, moved the students’ admissions to the limited practice of law. Holland, who also serves as a member of the law school’s adjunct faculty, called both of them role models, pointing to Kristl’s ambitious mid-career decision to take the Delaware bar exam and Harrington Conner’s national recognition for her public service work.<br><br>“It is a pleasure for me to do this,” Holland said of presiding over the ceremony – in which some of his former students participated. “I think Widener has an excellent reputation. This is a great place to go to school and a great place to learn and it is nice to see you applying what you’ve learned in class.”<br><br>Students who took the oath included:<br><br><strong>Delaware Civil Clinic:</strong><br>YooNieh Ahn<br>Jessica L. Boyer<br>Angelina W. Friend<br>Ross C. Karsnitz<br><img width=\"300\" height=\"322\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/swearingin1.jpg\" alt=\"swearingin1\" class=\"FloatRight\">Lauren M. O’Connell<br>Brian M. Searls<br>Elizabeth A. Smith<br>Ashley L. Tito<br>Nicholas M. Tyler<br><br><strong>Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic</strong>:<br>Rita Assetto<br>Matthew Burdalski<br>Dawn Kurtz Crompton<br>Catherine Emmett<br>Marie Hobson<br>Nicholas Jajko<br>Jongbin Lee<br>Chris McCann<br>Reena Pushpangadan<br>Keith Salador<br>Richard Scott<br><br><strong>Delaware Department of Justice externs</strong>:<br>James Coleman<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(447, 'Prominent Sports Law Blog Cites Widener Law Student’s Journal Note', '2009-08-26', '<img width=\"250\" height=\"236\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/matzuraSteve.jpg\" alt=\"matzuraSteve\" class=\"FloatLeft\">In a note entitled “Will Maple Bats Splinter Baseball’s Antitrust Exemptions? The Rule of Reason Steps to the Plate” published in the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawJournal.aspx\">Widener Law Journal</a>, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2009, Harrisburg campus student Steve Matzura writes about the antitrust implications of drafting a rule restricting the use of maple bats in an effort to address safety. Michael McCann, an Associate Professor of Law at Vermont Law School and the “Sports and the Law” columnist for SI.com, discusses Matzura’s article, calling it “provocative” in a post on <a href=\"http://sports-law.blogspot.com/2009/08/maple-bats-and-antitrust-law.html\" title=\"Sports Law Blog\">Sports Law Blog</a>.<br><br>Maple bats are considered more prone to shattering upon impact with the baseball, and that has led MLB to consider new rules designed to eliminate or restrict their use. As Matzura writes, however, “Any such restriction of the popular sports equipment may cause bat manufacturers, and perhaps players, to initiate an antitrust suit against MLB for an unfair restraint of trade.” He further notes, “The comment’s analysis contemplates two judicially-created antitrust exemptions – the baseball exemption and the nonstatutory labor exemption – that almost entirely absolve MLB of liability for instituting a league rule even if the rule affects economic competition. The comment proposes that courts can interpret the exemptions narrowly to render them inapplicable, thereby reaching the merits to conduct a ‘rule of reason’ analysis.”<br><br>Matzura credits Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/CozzillioMichaelJ.aspx\">Michael J. Cozzillio</a>, with whom he took a sports law class with over the previous summer, for turning him on to the idea. “I spoke with Professor Cozzillio about possible topics, and he actually suggested that I look into the maple bat safety problem that had reached its boiling point last year. I was well aware of the problem because I watched a lot of baseball during the summer, as the Phillies had an exciting year and won the World Series,” he says of his decision to write on the topic.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/MatzuraBaseballBlogPromo235.jpg\" alt=\"MatzuraBaseballBlogPromo235\" class=\"FloatRight\">“Although antitrust law in baseball and sports equipment restrictions have been written on extensively before, this was a new angle that dealt with a current issue,” says Matzura, adding, “Moreover, I was familiar with all the applicable law at that point from the sports law class, which made writing the paper much easier during the school year.”<br><br>“Will Maple Bats Splinter Baseball’s Antitrust Exemptions? The Rule of Reason Steps to the Plate” is <a href=\"http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1452880\" title=\"available from SSRN\">available from SSRN</a>. <br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(448, 'Dean Ammons Hosts a Minority Student and Alumni Networking Social', '2009-08-28', 'Dean Linda Ammons again hosted the Minority Student and Alumni Networking Social at her home on August 25, 2009. More than 80 students and alumni attended, including members of the judiciary. From those in attendance, five countries and 13 states were represented.<br> <iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09MinReception/slideshow.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe> <pre>						</pre>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(449, 'Former Widener Law Dean Arthur Weeks Passes', '2009-08-28', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"278\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"weeksDean2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/weeksDean2.jpg\">Arthur A. Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama, who served as the second Dean of Widener Law from 1974 to 1980, passed away on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 at the age of 94.<br><br>Born in Hanceville, Alabama on December 2nd, 1914, Weeks attended Howard College, now known as Samford University. He earned graduate degrees from the University of Alabama Law School and Duke University Law School. He served in the army during World War II, achieving the rank of Captain of Infantry, and he served as the Chief Legal Officer of the Bremen Enclave in Germany following the war.<br><br>Dean Weeks came to the Delaware School of Law at Widener University in 1974 to become the school’s Dean after serving as Dean of the Cumberland School of Law, where he presided over the law school’s move from Lebanon, Tennessee to Birmingham, Alabama and an association with Samford University. Upon the completion of his tenure as Dean of the Delaware School of Law at Widener University, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws by the school.<br><br><img width=\"235\" height=\"283\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"weeksDean1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/weeksDean1.jpg\">A member of the American Bar Association, the Alabama Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, and the Phi Alpha Delta and Delta Theta Phi legal fraternities, Arthur A. Weeks dedicated himself to legal education, ending his long career as a Visiting Distinguished Professor of Law at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.<br><br>“The Widener Law Community extends its condolences to the family of Dean Weeks and our expressions of appreciation for his service to this Law School,” Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> said.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(450, 'Senator Kaufman Speaks to Faculty on the Delaware Campus', '2009-08-29', '<img width=\"400\" height=\"267\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"kaufmanvisit1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/kaufmanvisit1.jpg\">“Being a Senator is a great honor, and it’s historical, but the most historical thing I’ve done was sit in a room of ten people in Chicago trying to decide who should be the cabinet secretaries,” remarked Senator Edward E. Kaufman, during a wide-ranging talk he gave to members of the Widener Law faculty on the Delaware campus on Wednesday, August 26th. He also noted of his position in the Senate, “My grandchildren love it, so I absolutely love it.”<br><br>Senator Kaufman’s visit launched the fall 2009 slate of faculty development events on the Delaware campus. Associate Dean of Faculty Research and Development <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/DalyErin.aspx\">Erin Daly</a> eloquently introduced the Senator before he spoke. “Thank you, Erin, it’s a real pleasure to be here,” opened Senator Kaufman before noting some of his connections to Widener Law, including his Chief Counsel, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MoultonGeoff.aspx\">Geoff Moulton</a>, a Widener Law Associate Professor on leave of absence. He also thanked Ruby R. Vale Professor of Corporate Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh</a> for helping him formulate questions on business law to ask of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.<br><br>In his remarks, Senator Kaufman touched on a number of interesting topics, including his time teaching at Duke University, how he became involved in Joe Biden’s first U.S. Senate campaign in 1972 as a volunteer while working for the DuPont company, the tragic accident that killed Biden’s wife and daughter, and taking a leave of absence from DuPont to organize Senator Biden’s Delaware Office in 1973. He also discussed the 2008 election and its aftermath, including having the opportunity to help Vice President-elect Biden with the transition.<br><br>After detailing his own appointment to the Senate by Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, he prompted faculty members in the audience to ask him questions or make observations. Professor John Culhane asked about the continuing debate over healthcare, prompting Senator Kaufman to answer, “My main concern about healthcare – number one – has to be about cost.” He went on to suggest that the rising costs of healthcare make reform a necessity, cocluding, “We’ve got to get a real alternative and then compare it to the present system. It would be impossible for even the United States Congress to put together a bill that is worse than the present system.”<br><br><img width=\"400\" height=\"301\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"kaufmanvisit3\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/kaufmanvisit3.jpg\">Other topics of discussion included the current mood of Congress given the vociferous objections of some protestors about healthcare reform, student loans and education, the national debt, the green economy, the escalating violence in Afghanistan, and the passing of Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy.<br><br>Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 15, 1939, Edward E. Kaufman graduated from Duke University with a BS in mechanical engineering before earning an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Senator Kaufman and his wife Lynne make their home in Wilmington. They have three daughters, Kelly, Murry, and Meg, and 7 grandchildren.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(451, 'Fall Harrisburg Happy Hour at Scott’s Grille', '2009-09-01', '<iframe class=\"iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/slideshow09HBHappy2/slideshow2.swf\" style=\"width: 600px; height: 520px; float: right;\"></iframe><br>Seventy people gathered for the fall Harrisburg Happy Hour at Scott’s Grille. The Friday, August 28, networking function attracted alumni from the earliest graduating class through the alumni of the most recent graduating class. This particular regional event grew in size compared to last year’s Harrisburg Happy Hour and we look forward to increasing attendance again next fall. Enjoy snapshots of the event in the slideshow.<br><br>Please save-the-date for October 5, 2009, which is the day of the Founders Year Celebration in Harrisburg. We will be celebrating the Harrisburg campus’ twentieth anniversary with an event on the Harrisburg campus, beginning at 5:00 pm. RSVP by emailing <a href=\"mailto:rsvphbg@widener.edu\">rsvphbg@widener.edu</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(452, 'Information About H1N1 Flu', '2009-09-01', '<p><strong><img width=\"235\" height=\"287\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"SwineFlu2ALERT235\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SwineFlu2ALERT235.jpg\">POSTED H1N1 Flu Update September 1, 2009<br></strong><br><img width=\"15\" height=\"17\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"pdf icon\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/bullet_pdf.gif\">   <a href=\"~/media/Files/studentaffairsde/H1N1LetterDean090109.ashx\">Important Letter from Dean Susan Goldberg (.pdf)</a><br><br>The CDC has indicated that universities should expect wider transmission of the H1N1 flu during the <strong><em>2009-2010</em></strong> academic year.  Their recommendations include the following:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Individuals experiencing flu like symptoms should not attend classes until 24 hours after their fever resolves, and should isolate themselves from contact with others for this period. </li>\n<li>If possible, on campus residents should go home for care during their illness. </li>\n<li>Residents who are unable to return home should establish a “flu buddy scheme” by pairing up with another student to provide care if one becomes ill. </li>\n<li>At risk individuals (those with underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes) should seek medical attention promptly if they have flu symptoms. </li>\n<li>Individuals are urged to receive vaccination for the seasonal flu.</li>\n</ol>\n<p> ---<br><strong>POSTED H1N1 flu update May 7, 2009</strong><br><br>The CDC isno longer recommending the cancellation of classes or public events in schools with cases of H1N1 flu. Neither campus of the School of Law has any confirmed or probable cases of the flu at this time. Exams are proceeding normally.<br><br>As of last night, there were 38 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Delaware. In Delaware, all reported cases have been mild, and individuals are recovering after having received treatment. The Division of Public Health in Delaware has a hotline for questions that is currently operating M-F 9-5:30. Call 1-866-408-1899.<br><br>In Pennsylvania, there have been 2 confirmed cases and 18 probable cases of the H1N1 flu in counties around the state. Cases reported have been mild.<br><br>The following websites may provide additional information:<br><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance\">www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance</a>/<br><a href=\"http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health\">www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health</a><br><a href=\"http://www.delaware.gov/\">www.delaware.gov</a> <br><br>---<br style=\"FONT-WEIGHT: bold\"><strong>POSTED May 5, 2009 UPDATE 11:54 a.m.</strong><br><br>The number of cases of H1N1 flu continues to rise in the United States and around the world. There are 380 confirmed cases in 36 states in the US. Delaware is now reporting 20 confirmed cases and 6 probable cases. Pennsylvania is reporting 1 confirmed case and 7 probable cases in counties around the state. <br><br>The presentation of the flu in this country appears to be mild, but the CDC continues to work to contain the spread of the H1N1 flu.<br>Handwashing, social distancing covering a cough are still the recommended ways to avoid the flu. Individuals with symptoms are advised to seek advice from their health care provider.<br><br>----<br><strong>POSTED April 29, 2009 UPDATE 4:40 p.m.</strong><br><br>Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:<br><br>I am writing to let you know that Widener University is closely monitoring the developments that have occurred globally in the past several days regarding the H1N1 (swine) flu.<br><br>No one from the University community has reported any related symptoms. I would encourage everyone to monitor his or her own personal health and seek medical evaluation should you have a fever. <br><br>Generally, the incubation period of the swine flu is 3-4 days. If a person contracts the illness, symptoms would likely occur within that time frame. Traditional illness prevention methods – such as frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer lotions, along with covering coughs and sneezes with your arm or sleeve – remain important to reduce any potential spread of all such respiratory illnesses.<br><br>For a number of years, the University has been preparing for the potential of a global pandemic flu outbreak. In 2007, a University-wide task force was created and developed a University pandemic prevention and response plan. The task force meets regularly to assess the plan and works closely with local, state and federal officials.<br><br>More information about swine flu is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/\">http://www.cdc.gov</a>. The Delaware Division of Public Health has information on its website: <a href=\"http://www.delaware.gov/\">www.delaware.gov</a>. Pennsylvania information can be assessed at <a href=\"http://www.health.state.pa.us/\">www.health.state.pa.us</a>. <br><br>Anyone who is planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories at <a href=\"/www.state.gov/\">http:/www.state.gov/</a>.<br><br>As the situation evolves, we will update the University community as appropriate.<br><br><br>Sincerely,<br><br>Linda Ammons<br>Associate Provost and Dean<br><br>-----<br><strong>POSTED 04/29/09 9:02 a.m.</strong><br><br>The University of Delaware has identified four students with cases of influenza that meet probable definitions of swine flu. Based on advice from the Delaware Department of Public Health, classes are continuing there. NO cases of suspected flu have been reported at Widener University School of Law. Individuals experiencing flu symptoms (<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/\">CDC</a> : <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/\">http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/</a>) should contact their physicians. For more information on how you can stay healthy visit the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/\">CDC\'s Swine Influenza (Flu) section</a>. <br><br>FOLLOW UPDATES:<br>We will post updates to our home page (<a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/\">http://law.widener.edu</a>) <br>AND <br>our <a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/preparedness/\">Emergency Preparedness</a> site (<a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/preparedness/\">http://blogs.law.widener.edu/preparedness/</a>)<br><br>Path to Emergency Preparedness from the Home Page:<br><a href=\"http://law.widener.edu/\">Law School Home Page</a> &gt; <a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/weatheralerts/ealerts\">CampusAlert</a> (top of Home page) &gt; <a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/preparedness/\">Emergency Preparedness</a> (right hand column)<br><br></p>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(453, 'Widener Law Dean has influence', '2009-09-03', '<img width=\"500\" height=\"333\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"delTodayMagazine\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/delTodayMagazine.jpg\">It’s no secret that Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> wields much influence at the law school – but that influence has seeped into the fabric of the First State, says a leading magazine.<br><br><em>Delaware Today</em> magazine has included the dean among its “14 People of Influence: Delawareans who shape the way we live.” The article is the cover story of its September issue that just arrived on newsstands.<br><br>“There’s a new generation of movers and shakers emerging who are shaping policies and making things happen,” the article by Assistant Editor Matt Amis begins. The story on Ammons, which is positioned alongside her full-color photo, explains what drew her to Widener Law, including the school’s quality institutes. It also mentions new initiatives happening since her arrival in 2006, including the founding of the <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2008/de060408JURISTopen.aspx\">Jurist Academy</a> and the launch of the <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb042109envirocenteropens.aspx\">Environmental Law Center</a>.<br><br>Others selected for the magazine’s list included ’80 alumnus Alan B. Levin, former chief executive officer of Happy Harry’s and now director of economic development for the state of Delaware, Paul Herdman, president and CEO of the Rodel Foundation and Bernard Muir, the new athletic director at the University of Delaware.<br><br><img width=\"235\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"DelTodayAmmonsPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/DelTodayAmmonsPromo235.jpg\">“I am flattered the editors at <em>Delaware Today</em> chose to include me on this esteemed list,” Ammons said. “Widener Law has limitless potential. To be recognized for cultivating all its possibilities is gratifying.”<br><br>Read the <a title=\"Delaware Today People of Influence\" href=\"http://www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/September-2009/People-of-Influence/\">full coverage</a>, including the entire list.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(454, 'Harrisburg Campus to Celebrate Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court Debut', '2009-09-08', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"SotomayorLunchPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/SotomayorLunchPromov2.jpg\">On Wednesday September 9, Widener Law’s Harrisburg campus will hold “A Wise Latina Day” event from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the debut of Justice Sonia Sotomayor on the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will meet for a special session on the 9th to rehear arguments in the important First Amendment case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.<br><br>The event will feature four speakers. Widener alumna Sharon Lopez ’93, chair of the Lancaster Bar Association diversity committee, will address the impact of Sotomayor’s debut on the Hispanic legal community. Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DiminoMichaelR.aspx\">Michael R. Dimino Sr.</a> will speak about the judicial selection process while Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/PowerRobertC.aspx\">Robert C. Power</a> will offer comments on the case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, being heard. Finally, Dean of Students <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/SealingKeithE.aspx\">Keith E. Sealing</a> will discuss the case of Ricci v. DeStefano, in which the Supreme Court reversed Sotomayor’s upholding of a District Court affirmative action case involving firefighter promotions in New Haven, Connecticut by a margin of 5-4.<br><br>The event is open to the entire law school community and invited friends. The event will be broadcast to the Delaware campus, and members of the Widener Law community on the Delaware campus are invited to view the live broadcast beginning at 12:00 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(455, 'Widener Law Center announces Delaware campus fall programs for court interpreters', '2009-09-09', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/LEICourtINtPromo.jpg\" alt=\"LEICourtINtPromo\" class=\"FloatRight\">The Legal Education Institute on the Delaware campus of the Widener Law Center has announced plans for several fall-semester workshops designed to enhance the skills of court interpreters.<br><br>Widener began the <a href=\"/ParalegalLNC/CourtInterpreterProgram.aspx\">Court Interpreter Program</a> in September 2008 in response to a need for an academic resource dedicated to enhancing the skills tested in state-administered court interpreter exams. States are increasingly requiring that court interpreters be certified through their exams before they are allowed to work in courtrooms. <br><br>Particiapants in the fall lineup of workshops will receive certificates of completion for their work. Continental breakfasts and lunches are included with all the workshops. They include:<br><br><strong>Enrichment Program for Court Interpreters</strong>, a Spanish-English skills-building workshop over eight sessions that provides the necessary tools to further improve simultaneous, consecutive and sight-translation skills; to broaden legal and technical vocabulary in English and Spanish, to gain a clear understanding of the court interpreter’s role and the ethical demands on the profession. This is recommended for existing court interpreters who want to strengthen and refine their skills.<br><br>The sessions will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19 and 20, Oct. 17 and 18, Nov. 14 and 15, Dec. 12 and 13. Sign in begins at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $900 and students must attend all eight sessions. <br><br><strong>Criminal Judicial Procedures for Court Interpreters</strong>, a language-neutral skills-building workshop over two days that will boost participants’ understanding of criminal and civil procedure, including instruction on courtroom protocol and terminology used during arrest, arraignment, discovery, trial and post-trial proceedings. This is recommended for existing court interpreters who want to strengthen and refine their skills.<br><br>The sessions will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 and 4, with sign in at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $195 and attendance is required both days. <br><br><strong>Preparation Strategies for Court Interpreters</strong>, a spoken English and American Sign Language workshop over two days that will assist interpreters in the preparation required for various legal<br>assignments. Students must have completed an introductory course on court interpretation during the last 10 years with at least 20 hours of instruction in order to participate. <br><br>The sessions will run 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 and 25 in room 247 of the Main Law Building. Cost is $270 and attendance is required both days. <br><br>For more information, or to register, contact Peggy O’Neill at 302.477.2007, <a href=\"mailto:moneill@mail.widener.edu\">moneill@mail.widener.edu</a>, or see <a href=\"/\">law.widener.edu</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(456, 'Torts Notebook Provides Insight Into Legendary Torts Professor', '2009-09-10', '<span style=\"\" class=\"FloatRight\">\n				<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" alt=\"ProsserNotebookPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ProsserNotebookPromo.jpg\"></span>When former student Clarke Madden shared the Torts notebook of his grandfather, Leroy S. Merrifield, with his Torts professor, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/RobinetteChristopherJ.aspx\">Christopher J. Robinette</a>, he offered Robinette some intriguing insights into the mind of legendary Professor William Prosser. Merrifield attended the University of Minnesota Law School and was in his first year during the 1938-39 school year, where he had William Prosser as his Torts professor.<br><br>William Lloyd Prosser served as the Dean of the College of Law at U.C. Berkeley from 1948 to 1961, but it was during his time as a professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School that he wrote and published Prosser on Torts, which is widely regarded as the most influential treatise on tort law. Leroy S. Merrifield went on to become a law professor at George Washington University Law School, ending up as the Lobingier Professor Emeritus of Jurisprudence and Comparative Law. Merrifield passed away in September of 2008.<br><br>Despite its age, the 70-year-old black notebook remains in good condition, and it offered a treasure trove of insight not only into Prosser’s teaching style, but also his mindset as he began work on Prosser on Torts. The notebook became the subject of several posts that Professor Robinette made on <a href=\"http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/tortsprof/2007/11/the-prosser-not.html\" title=\"TortsProf Blog\">TortsProf Blog</a>. Robinette decided to write an article on the notebook and set out to conduct proper background research.<br><br>With research assistance from librarians Ed Sonnenberg at Widener Law, Katherine Hedin at the University of Minnesota, and archivist William Benemann at Berkeley, Professor Robinette wrote an article entitled “The Prosser Notebook: Classroom as Biography and Intellectual History.” The piece will be published in the University of Illinois Law Review in March of 2010. Benemann also helped get the full contents of the notebook digitized and <a href=\"http://sunsite2.berkeley.edu:8088/xdlib//prosser/ucb/mets/cubanc_67_1_00064213.xml\" title=\"Leroy S. Merrifield\'s Notebook at Berkely\">posted online</a>.<br><br>With most of Prosser’s personal papers missing or destroyed and no definitive biography available, Professor Robinette hopes that the article can offer insight into who Prosser was while illuminating his many accomplishments. “The Prosser Notebook: Classroom as Biography and Intellectual History” is <a href=\"http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1330626\" title=\"SSRN\">available from SSRN</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(457, 'Widener Law celebrates \"A Wise Latina\"', '2009-09-11', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 500px; PADDING-TOP: 4px\">\n<p><img width=\"333\" height=\"500\" alt=\"sotomayorLopez\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/sotomayorLopez.jpg\"> </p>\n<p>Widener Law alumna Sharon Lopez, ‘93</p>\n<p><img width=\"333\" height=\"500\" alt=\"sotomayo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/sotomayorSealing.jpg\"></p>\n<p>Dean of Students Keith Sealing shakes hands with Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes. </p>\n<p><img width=\"500\" alt=\"sotomayor\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/sotomayorGifts.jpg\"></p>\n<p>Sharon Lopez ’93 shows off her speaker’s gift to Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes </p>\n</div>Nearly 200 people across both campuses of the Widener Law community gathered on Sept. 9 to mark the debut of Justice Sonia Sotomayor on the U.S. Supreme Court. [<a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/lz9o87\">more photos available on Flickr</a>]<br><br>The “Wise Latina Day” event coordinated by Harrisburg campus Dean of Students <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/SealingKeithE.aspx\">Keith Sealing </a>drew students, alumni and friends from the legal community, particularly those with a Latino background. Distinguished guests included Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortés. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice, and only the third woman, to sit on the court. <br><br>Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons,</a> who was out of town, delivered a video message that began the program. She said Sotomayor, who was elevated from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, was one of only two Latino federal appellate judges, at a time when Hispanics in the United States are on course to make up 30 percent of the population by 2050. Within that growing group are people who will need legal help and people who will aspire to be attorneys and judges.<br><br>“I want us to build bridges and form links that will be permanent connections between Widener University School of Law and the Hispanic community,” she said. “I believe strongly in the need to increase the diversity of the legal community.”<br><br>Alumna Sharon Lopez, a 1993 graduate of the Harrisburg campus, who chairs the Lancaster Bar Association diversity committee, said watching the Sotomayor confirmation hearings made her think about identity, integrity and inclusion. <br><br>“There is something different about coming from a place where no one else is doing it but you,” she said. “That identity is something she brought to the table.”<br><br>Lopez also credited Sotomayor for helping to bring new educational opportunities to young students of Puerto Rican descent, and inspiring even more youngsters to advance into legal education.<br><br>“I guarantee you Widener Law School will have more applicants from the Hispanic community because of Justice Sotomayor,” she said.<br><br>Other speakers included Associate Professor Michael R. Dimino Sr., who discussed the judicial selection process, Dean of Students Sealing, who discussed Ricci v. DeStefano, the 5-4 case known as the “New Haven firefighters’ case” in which the U.S. Supreme Court reversed Sotomayor’s upholding of a District Court affirmative action case involving promotions, and Professor Robert C. Power, who is also the associate dean for faculty research and development, on the case of the day: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. <br><br>The event was presented by the Dean of Students Office and the Student Bar Association. It was shown on the Delaware campus via an interactive video link.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(458, 'New York, New York Alumni Reception Held', '2009-09-15', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 500px; PADDING-TOP: 4px\">\r\n\r\n<p><img width=\"500\" height=\"375\" alt=\"nyalumni1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/nyalumni1.jpg\"></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img width=\"500\" height=\"375\" alt=\"nyalumni1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/nyalumni2.jpg\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><img width=\"500\" height=\"375\" alt=\"nyalumni1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/nyalumni3.jpg\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n\r\nA group of over 30 gathered to network and reconnect with fellow alumni on September 9, 2009, in New York City. The crowd included graduates from both campuses, alumni from the first and most recent graduating classes, three alumni who serve as members of the New York judiciary, and two members of the Dean’s National Advisory Council. This year’s event was again graciously hosted by James Veneruso, Esq. ’75, at the Columbus Citizens Foundation. For more information on events held in the New York City  metropolitan area, please contact Ashley N. Barton, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Development, at 717-541-3974 or <a href=\"mailto:anbarton@widener.edu\">anbarton@widener.edu</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(459, 'Local Leaders Series Kicks off with Teresa Mason', '2009-09-15', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"LocalLeadersMasonPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/LocalLeadersMasonPromo.jpg\">On Wednesday, September 16th at 4:30 p.m., Teresa Mason, Chief of Staff for Delaware Attorney General Joseph R. Beau Biden, III, will speak to students in the student lounge of the Main Law Building as the first speaker in this semester’s Local Leaders series.<br><br>As Chief of Staff, Ms. Mason directs the Delaware Department of Justice Administrative Division and is responsible for Human Resources, Operations, Information Technology, Public Information, Legislative and External Affairs, and Extraditions. Delaware’s Department of Justice is one of the few responsible for both civil and criminal law enforcement within the state, and the Administrative Division is tasked with the necessary support work for that mission.<br><br>Appointed as Biden’s Chief of Staff in January of 2008, Ms. Mason is a graduate of St. John’s University and Howard University School of Law. She served as an Executive Vice President at MBNA America Bank N.A. from July 2000 until April 2005. Before her work with MBNA, Ms. Mason served as the Special Counsel for Adjudications in the New York City Department of Finance until Mayor Rudolph Giuliani appointed her as New York City’s 110th Sheriff. Ms. Mason’s previous work also included stints as the Director and Assistant Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in the Office of Tax Enforcement, and as an Assistant District Attorney and later Deputy Bureau Chief in Bronx County.<br><br>Ms. Mason has also ably served a number of organizations, serving on the Delaware Special Olympics board, a board member of the Delaware Humanities Forum, and as a trustee of the Christiana Care Health Systems and the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way. A current member of the St. John’s University Board of trustees, Ms. Mason received an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree from St. John’s in 2002.<br><br>Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to come hear Ms. Mason speak at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16th in the student lounge off Main Street in the main law building. The Local Leaders Series is co-sponsored by the Student Bar Association and the Faculty of the Law School.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(460, 'Constitution Day Website Examines Future of Local News Reporting', '2009-09-17', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"ConstDayPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ConstDayPromo.jpg\">Four years ago, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/GarfieldAlanE.aspx\">Alan E. Garfield</a> drove an initiative to observe the Constitution Day holiday with a website featuring essays on a particular topic relevant to the Constitution. Each year, Professor Garfield chooses a new theme for the celebration, and then with the help of Widener Law Webmaster Cassandra King, a website is created to host essays on the subject written by a number of distinguished authors. This year, the <a title=\"Constitution Day website\" href=\"http://law.widener.edu/constitution/2009\">Constitution Day website</a> will feature essays on the future of local news reporting to coincide with the September 17th federal observance of Constitution Day.<br><br>“The Constitution is all about self-governance, but self-governance only works if people are adequately informed,” says Garfield. With local papers downsizing or going out of business and the rise of a new paradigm in which anyone can become a news source in an increasingly connected world, there are many legitimate questions about how Americans will be informed in the future.<br><br>Designed to capitalize on Widener’s location in the first state to ratify the Constitution, the Constitution Day project serves to enlighten the public about the Constitution Day holiday and why it is important. “The website was created to give the public an opportunity to collectively celebrate Constitution Day,” Garfield said. “Widener Law is proud to lead this organized effort and we are grateful to the many distinguished authors who have contributed to our online collection over the years.”<br><br>Essay contributions this year come from a variety of distinguished authors, including, 1150 AM WDEL news anchor and interviewer Allan Loudell, Delaware 11th District Representative Greg Lavelle, Rosenberg professor of communication and distinguished journalist in residence at the University of Delaware Ralph Begleiter, Wilmington News Journal Editorial Page Editor John Sweeney, and Widener Law Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/EvansTonyaM.aspx\">Tonya M. Evans</a> among others.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(461, 'Dean’s Leadership Forum Features the Tierney Brothers', '2009-09-18', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 300px; margin: 4px;\">\r\n<img width=\"300\" height=\"259\" alt=\"tierneyAmmons2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/tierneyAmmons2.jpg\"><p>Dean Linda Ammmons and Brian Tierney, \'87 at the Philadelphia Inquirer headquarters in 2008</p>\r\n</div>\r\n\r\n\r\nOn Monday, September 21st, Widener Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> will welcome Brian P. Tierney ’87, Kevin C. Tierney ’82, and Michael J. Tierney ’93 to Widener Law’s Delaware Campus for the annual Dean’s Leadership Forum. From 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. in The Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom, Dean Ammons will interview the Tierney brothers in a talk-show style setting to discuss the qualities found in a leader.<br><br>Brian P. Tierney, Esq. is the Chief Executive of Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC and publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he received his J.D. from Widener Law in 1987. He has worked for the Republican National Committee, served as president and CEO of the public relations division of Lewis Gilman &amp; Kynett, and he founded the Tierney Group. In 2005, he founded Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC to buy The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and philly.com.<br><br>Kevin C. Tierney, Esq. earned his J.D. from Widener Law in 1982 and went on to found his own Law Firm, the Law Office of Kevin C. Tierney, located on Broad Street. Michael J. Tierney, Esq. graduated from Denison University and earned his J.D. from Widener Law in 1993. He is now a Partner at the Law Firm of Dilworth Paxson LLP in Philadelphia, where he is the Co-Chair of the Media Law Practice Group.<br><br>All students are invited and encouraged to attend. The event will be broadcast to the Harrisburg campus as well.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(462, 'Widener Law presents “The Language of Justice”', '2009-09-20', 'Widener Law’s Harrisburg campus will host a complimentary half-day educational program for administrative law judges, hearing officers and court interpreters to bolster communication between members of the bench and the interpreters who work in their courtrooms.<br><br>“The Language of Justice” is being presented by the law school, its <a href=\"/ParalegalLNC.aspx\">Legal Education Institute</a> and the Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission on Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness. It is held in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor &amp; Industry and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.<br><br>The day has been designed to help judges and hearing officers learn how to better work with courtroom interpreters and learn from reported cases where judges were challenged on language issues. Interpreters will learn about the work of administrative agencies, the language unique to each and problems that can arise, along with what judges want from interpreters.<br><br><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">The Sept. 24 program begins with a welcome at 9 a.m.</span> and goes into a panel discussion. Participants will then break apart for sessions unique to their needs. For example, the session for judges and hearing officers will include an American Sign Language interpreter demonstration and a talk on challenges facing judges. The court interpreters, meanwhile, will undergo sessions that educate them about the nuts and bolts of civil service, unemployment and workers’ compensation hearings.<br><br>Participants will reunite for lunch to hear keynote speaker Pedro A. Cortes, secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Cortes is also a member of the Interbranch Commission on Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness.<br><br>Widener began a Court Interpreter Program in September 2008 in response to a need for an academic resource dedicated to enhancing the skills tested in state-administered court interpreter exams. This event is an outgrowth of that initiative.<br><br>The program has been approved for three continuing legal education credits (no ethics) in Pennsylvania. To register, or for more information, <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">contact Peggy O’Neill at 302.477.2007</span> or <a href=\"mailto:moneill@widener.edu\">moneill@widener.edu</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(463, 'Taiwanese delegation visits the Delaware campus', '2009-09-20', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"223\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"taiwanJudges\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/taiwanJudges.jpg\">The Delaware campus recently hosted a group of visitors from Taiwan who came to learn more about the state’s court system and legal education. The delegation was made up of judges, an attorney and a translator.<br><br>Their time at Widener on Sept. 15 included hearing faculty presentations, touring the campus and meeting with members of the law school community. <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh</a>, the Ruby R. Vale Professor of Corporate and Business Law, gave them introductory remarks about the law school and its programs during a breakfast in the Alfred Avins Special Collection Library room. <br><br>The group also heard from Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>, who welcomed them and spent time with them in meetings and at a luncheon; Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReganPaulL.aspx\">Paul Regan</a>, who spoke to them about Delaware corporate law; Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/JohnstonPatrickJ.aspx\">Patrick J. Johnston</a> who talked about negotiation and mediation; Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EggenJeanMacchiaroli.aspx\">Jean M. Eggen</a>, who spoke about complex litigation; and Visiting Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HerrmannRichardK.aspx\">Richard Herrmann</a>, who talked about technology in the courtroom.<br><br>The delegation dropped in on the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a> offices and visited the Aquipt room in Polishook Hall. They had a luncheon in the Barristers’ Club with faculty and staff where they heard Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/BarnettLarryD.aspx\">Larry D. Barnett</a> and Assistant Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/OseiEdward.aspx\">Edward K. Osei</a> give presentations on their research.<br><br>“Although this is a short visit I hope you will begin to see the wealth of knowledge and intellect we have here on our campus,” Ammons said. “Go back and tell your colleagues they are welcome to come and visit us any time.”<br><br>The stop at Widener Law was one of many during the group’s eight-day trip to Delaware, which was organized by the state International Trade and Development Office. It was the second time in two years a delegation from Taiwan has visited the Delaware campus.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(464, 'Widener Law to unveil public service wing', '2009-09-20', '<div>\n<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"ClinicsDedicationPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ClinicsDedicationPromo.jpg\">Widener Law will unveil its new public service wing in an upcoming ribbon cutting and open house on the Delaware campus, which will include Gov. Jack Markell as the featured speaker.<br>\n</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>Everyone is welcome to attend the event on <b>Monday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.</b>m. that will mark the official opening of the wing in the Main Law Building. It has been under renovation and construction since March. The 10,000 square-foot-space houses the five <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics.aspx\">Delaware-campus-based clinical programs</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/PublicInterestOpportunities/PublicInterestResourceCenter.aspx\">Widener’s Public Interest Resource Center</a>, the Legal Help Link call center and the Delaware Volunteer Legal Services offices. The space contains a classroom outfitted as a courtroom with the technological capacity to video-conference to any destination in high definition. The classroom has its own closed-circuit television system for recording and playback critiquing, which provides students with an additional resource as they practice legal arguments and witness examination on cases that are headed to court.</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>The wing was the vision of Law Dean<a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>, who wanted to move all the offices from cramped spaces around campus and put them under one roof with ample square footage and a professional appearance. In March, a planned series of office moves opened up the full wing of space, which has since been refurbished to house the programs.</div>\n<div> </div>\n<div>“Experiential learning and public service are the hallmark of a Widener education,” Ammons said. “The programs housed in this wing provide a huge community resource and we are tremendously proud of the work our students do through them. They are getting a polished, professional space befitting the work they do in what is nothing short of a public-service law firm.”</div>\n<div> </div>\n<div>Widener’s law clinics allow students to represent clients under the supervision of faculty members who are practicing attorneys. The students receive no pay but do get academic credit. Clients are indigent people or small nonprofits who otherwise could not afford legal representation. This win-win situation provides clients with zealous representation at no cost, while students gain valuable real-world experience. Widener Law clinic students handled nearly 300 cases in 2008, representing more than 17,000 hours of pro bono service. That translates into roughly $2.1 million worth of free legal work.</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>The dedication event will draw remarks from Ammons, Markell, Delaware Lieutenant Gov. Matt Denn, Delaware Supreme Court Justice Randy J. Holland, student Nick Taylor and <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/VeteransLawClinic.aspx\">Veterans Law Clinic </a>client Michael Urban. Others expected to attend include Widener University Senior Vice President and Provost Jo Allen, members of the law school National Advisory Council, jurists, attorneys, alumni, students and friends. </div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>Widener Law is grateful to the Longwood Foundation for a financial gift that helped make the public-service wing possible.</div>\n<div><br></div>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(465, 'Widener Law’s Harrisburg Campus Holds Third Annual Professionalism Day', '2009-09-21', '<img width=\"350\" height=\"190\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"profddayhb1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/profddayhb1.jpg\">Widener Law’s Harrisburg campus held the third annual Professionalism Day on Thursday, September 17th, offering students a valuable opportunity to learn about life as a legal professional.<br><br>The Professionalism Day program excused students from class to attend special sessions aimed at providing them valuable insight about how to be a professional. The events began at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon with a section for 3rd-year regular division students entitled “Making the Transition to Practice.” 2nd-year students in the regular division also had a session from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. entitled “Becoming a Professional.”<br><br>Dean of Students <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/SealingKeithE.aspx\">Keith E. Sealing</a> moderated “Making the Transition to Practice,” and the 3rd-year students heard a welcome from Law School Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>, who told them, “If you are a Widener grad, you’re not going to have a problem.” She also stressed, “Networking is absolutely critical at a time like this,” and noted that having the chance to hear from Widener Law alumni would serve them well. Niki Carter, Esq. ’08 of Buchanan, Ingersoll &amp; Rooney, along with Bonnie Hershberger, Esq. ’07 of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and Adam Wolfe, Esq. ’05 of Shollenberger &amp; Januzzi, LLP offered gave a presentation entitled “Your First Year of Practice: Inside the Law Office.” Patti Bednarik, Esq. of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania gave students a look at the how disciplinary board operates, and Patricia Fox, esq., Associate Director of Widener Law’s Legal Information Center, talked about the professional use of social networking sites such as Facebook. Finally, Edward Spreha, Jr., Esq. ’96 of Mancke, Wagner &amp; Spreha gave a presentation entitled “Professional Networking: What is It and How Do You Do It?”<br><br>Over in room A180, 2nd-year regular division students heard from Assistant District Attorney of Dauphin County John Baer, Esq. ’05, Jamie McClintock, Esq. ’02 of the Public Utility Commission, and Geoffrey White, Esq. ’06 of McNees Wallace &amp; Nurick on the attributes of a professional. Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/FamilyJillE.aspx\">Jill Family</a> gave a presentation on the proper use of email and other technologies, imploring students, “Don’t be seduced by the informality of the messaging medium,” and to treat such communications as formal. Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/LockardJPalmer.aspx\">J. Palmer Lockard, II</a>, who moderated the program, spoke to students about clinics, externships, and honor societies, before turning the program offer to Legal Writing Professors <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/AnthonDionneE.aspx\">Dionne Anthon</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/SmithAmanda.aspx\">Amanda Smith</a>, and <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/WilliamsStarla.aspx\">Starla Williams</a>, Associate Professor Jill Family, <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/HarrisburgCivilLawClinic.aspx\">Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic</a> Staff Attorney Mary Catherine Scott, Esq. ’94, and Jonathan Chatham, Esq. ’08, Law Clerk to the Honorable Bruce Bratton to speak about judicial clerkships.<br><br>In the evening, 1st-year students attended a program entitled “Success in Law School” from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in room A180 while 2nd and 3rd-year students in the extended division enjoyed a program entitled “The Balancing Act” in L203. Finally, 4th-year extended division students attended a session in the Sidebar Café from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. entitled “Developing Social Networking Skills.”<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(466, 'A Visit with Mama Sarah', '2009-09-22', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"285\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"AnnFruthAndMamaSarahKenya\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/AnnFruthAndMamaSarahKenya.jpg\">This summer, while I was in <a href=\"/Academics/SpecialProgramsandInitiatives/StudyAbroadOpportunities/NairobiKenya.aspx\">Nairobi to teach in Widener’s Summer Law Institute</a>, I was delighted to have the opportunity to travel to western Kenya to meet Mama Sarah, President Obama’s Kenyan grandmother. President Obama’s father and grandfather are dead, but his grandmother, Mama Sarah, now well into her eighties, regularly receives visitors from around the world at her modest home in Kegalo, where the President’s father grew up. Kegalo is in the mountains of western Kenya, about an hour north of Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city. Kisumu, situated on Lake Victoria, is a day’s drive west of Nairobi. <br><br>Mama Sarah’s compound, at the edge of the village, is now fenced and is guarded by the Kenyan police. Although I had to show my passport to get in, things quickly became more relaxed. There was a small circle of chairs under two large shady mango trees. Mama Sarah’s daughter greeted Patrick, my driver, and me. She had us sign the guestbook and explained that Mama Sarah was with the Japanese ambassador at the Senator Obama School. There was a tree planting ceremony for trees donated by the Japanese government. We would have to wait. She would return in “maybe one hour.”<br><br>The handful of us waiting in the small circle of chairs under two large mango trees included two college women from California, two Irish women and a group of Kenyan and American evangelists. We chatted, took a few pictures and looked at the graves of the President’s father and grandfather. While we were waiting, a group of 50-60 Kenyan schoolboys from Kisumu arrived in a large bus. They, too, were there to meet Mama Sarah.<br><br>After two hours, a red Toyota Rav pulled into the compound and sure enough, Mama Sarah emerged. She was beautifully dressed in traditional Kenyan dress, made of elegant yellow silk. Using her cane, she made her way to a chair just outside the circle and invited the first group of visitors to join her. She greeted each group of visitors individually. When it was my turn, I asked her about her trip to Washington for the inauguration (“it was very cold”) and about some of the children in the compound. Most were her grandchildren; one was an orphan from the village. She founded an orphanage for the approximately 80 orphans in the village, and her daughter proudly showed me the certificate from the Kenyan government authenticating her non-profit organization before Mama Sarah turned to her next group of visitors. <br><br>Mama Sarah is a serious and rightfully proud woman who is enjoying her celebrity in her humble, but comfortable and familiar surroundings. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet her.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(467, 'Widener Law explores “Innocence and Forensics”', '2009-09-23', '<div>\n<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"ForensicSymposiumPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ForensicSymposiumPromo.jpg\">The role of forensic evidence in the American justice system – from the science that has exonerated more than 200 people to the errors that have led to wrongful convictions – will be the focus of a daylong program at Widener Law in Delaware.<br>\n</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>The Sept. 25 event will begin with a DNA exoneree telling his personal story of nearly 20 years in prison for a rape and murder he did not commit. Titled “Innocence and Forensics,” the conference will also offer discussion and debate by nationally regarded experts. Topics include the psychology of eyewitness identification, the power and limitations of DNA evidence and the National Academy of Sciences Report on Forensics.</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>North Carolina DNA exoneree Darryl Hunt will speak at 9 a.m. about his conviction in the 1984 brutal killing of a newspaper reporter in Winston-Salem. Hunt, who is African American, was convicted by an all-white jury despite a lack of any physical evidence linking him to the crime. DNA testing cleared Hunt in 1994, but he was not released for another 10 years. HBO Films later turned his story into “The Trials of Darryl Hunt,” an Emmy-nominated documentary.</div>\n<div> </div>\n<div>“What happened to Darryl Hunt is profoundly troubling and I am certain his story will stun and captivate our audience,” said Widener Associate Professor Jules Epstein, who teaches criminal law. “I look forward to all he can teach us about justice in America.”</div>\n<div> </div>\n<div>Epstein and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">John F. Nivala</a> are coordinating the conference. It is presented by the law school and its <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute.aspx\">Taishoff Advocacy, Technology and Public Service Institute</a>, which Nivala directs.</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>The conference has been approved for six continuing legal education credits, including one ethics credit, for attorneys in Delaware and Pennsylvania. It is also approved for criminal procedure rule 801 – capital counsel continuing education. Attorneys who attend for credit will be charged a $95 registration fee, which includes lunch. The fee will be $75 for Widener Law alumni, and $65 for public-interest attorneys. Students and the general public, not attending for educational credits, will be admitted for free, but not provided materials or lunch. A snack bar is available.</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div>To register, contact Constance M. Sweeney at 302.477.2177 or <a href=\"mailto:cmsweeney@widener.edu.\">cmsweeney@widener.edu.</a> The law school is located at 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington. To view an event brochure, see <a href=\"mailto:cmsweeney@widener.edu.\">law.widener.edu/forensics</a>.</div>\n<div><br></div>\n<div><br></div>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(468, 'Networking Reception in Nation’s Capital', '2009-09-23', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"227\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"WashingtonDC2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/WashingtonDC2.jpg\">Widener Law alumni in the Washington D.C. metro area gathered at the Phoenix Park Hotel on September 22, 2009. Attorneys practicing and residing in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and even Pennsylvania joined the Dean for this special event. National Advisory Council members in attendance included Michael Brown ’91 (Managing Director of Government Affairs, Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge; City Council Member-At Large, Washington, D.C.), Ken Lopez ’95 (President &amp; CEO, Animators at Law, Inc.), and Cynthia Ryan ’79 (General Counsel, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency). For more information on alumni events in Washington, D.C., contact Ashley Barton at 717-541-3974 or <a href=\"mailto:anbarton@widener.edu.\">anbarton@widener.edu.</a> <img width=\"500\" height=\"306\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"WashingtonDC1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/WashingtonDC1.jpg\"><br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(469, 'Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Official Opening of New Public Service Wing', '2009-09-24', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"363\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"ribboncutting1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ribboncutting1.jpg\">“The roots of clinical education lie in the notion that law students belong on the frontlines. The clinics provide hands-on, practical experience,” declared Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> at the ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new public service wing at Widener Law’s Delaware campus on Monday, Sept. 21. The newly renovated 10,000 square-foot-space houses the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics.aspx\">five Delaware-based clinical programs</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/PublicInterestOpportunities/PublicInterestResourceCenter.aspx\">Widener’s Public Interest Resource Center</a>, the Legal Help Link call center, and the Delaware Volunteer Legal Services offices.<br><br>The ceremony opened with an introduction from the Director of Clinical Programs <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NicholsNathanielC.aspx\">Nathaniel Nichols</a>, who introduced Dean Ammons and credited her with having the vision to undertake the project. In her remarks, Dean Ammons thanked library staff whose offices were moved to make way for the new clinic space and the Longwood Foundation for providing funding. She also acknowledged Widener University Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Jo Allen, the members of Widener Law’s National Advisory Council in attendance, and Teresa Mason, Chief of Staff to Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden.<br><br>Citing the amazing work done by the clinics, Dean Ammons noted that the clinics handled over 296 cases in calendar year 2008, equating to 17,000 hours of pro bono services worth more than $2.1 million when valued at $125 an hour. “We are proud of our legacy,” said Dean Ammons before introducing the featured speaker, Delaware Governor Jack Markell.<br><br>“Delaware, in my mind, is a state of neighbors,” said Governor Markell, adding, “This kind of public service is at the heart of what Delaware is all about.” He concluded his remarks by saying, “I am delighted on behalf of the state. We value Widener as a great partner, and this is a great step for Widener and a great step for Delaware.”<br><br>Following the Governor’s remarks, Dean Ammons introduced Delaware Supreme Court Justice <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDeAdj/HollandRandyJ.aspx\">Randy Holland</a>, a Widener Law adjunct professor and member of the Board of Overseers. “The theme of the day is public service,” declared Justice Holland, adding, “When you have a law degree, you have an obligation that transcends the accumulation of wealth.”<br><br><img width=\"300\" height=\"200\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"ribboncutting2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/ribboncutting2.jpg\">LEI Student and Veteran’s Law Clinic volunteer Michael T. Urban spoke next, relating his experience as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne who was injured in a training accident and left the military at the age of 23. Veterans Affairs stripped him of his medical coverage two years later, and he ended up seeking help from the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/VeteransLawClinic.aspx\">Veterans Law Clinic</a> and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/ReedThomasJ.aspx\">Tom Reed</a>. Michael’s moving presentation generated a standing ovation from those in attendance. Nicholas Tyler, a Widener Law student serving in the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/DelawareCivilLawClinic.aspx\">Delaware Civil Law Clinic</a> spoke about his experiences next, calling his clinic experience, “a valuable addition to my legal education.”<br><br>The last speaker, Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn, reminisced about his time working with Delaware Volunteer Legal Services and the Delaware Civil Law Clinic. “What is great about this new wing is that it’s going to increase the capacity of these clinics to do what they do,” said the Lieutenant Governor. He concluded by stating, “I want to give Dean Ammons and the law school great credit. Law schools have a lot of priorities, and it says great things about the school that this was a priority.”<br><br>Following his remarks, Lieutenant Governor Denn joined Governor Markell, Dean Ammons, Provost Jo Allen, Director of Clinical Programs Nathaniel Nichols, Justice Holland, and Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HarringtonConnerDana.aspx\">Dana Harrington Conner</a> to cut the red ribbon in front of the entrance to the new space. A wonderful reception followed, with those in attendance given the opportunity to wander the renovated wing and take a look at the facilities, including a classroom outfitted as a courtroom with the capacity to videoconference to any destination in high definition.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(470, 'Three Distinguished Alumni Spoke at the Dean’s Leadership Forum', '2009-09-25', '<div style=\"PADDING-RIGHT: 4px; PADDING-LEFT: 4px; FLOAT: right; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN: 4px; WIDTH: 304px; PADDING-TOP: 4px\">\n<p> <img width=\"300\" height=\"193\" alt=\"leadershipforum2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/leadershipforum2.jpg\"></p>\n<p><img width=\"300\" height=\"193\" alt=\"leadershipforum2\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/leadershipforum3.jpg\"></p>\n</div>“It was just a wonderful environment. I found it intellectually stimulating to come down here and study constitutional law,” said Brian P. Tierney ’87 of his time at Widener Law. On Monday, September 21st, Brian and his brothers, Kevin C. Tierney ’82 and Michael J. Tierney ’93, spoke to Widener Law students, faculty, and staff in The Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom as the featured guests for the annual Dean’s Leadership Forum.<br><br>With <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Dean Ammons</a> asking questions in a talk-show style setting, the three brothers shared details about their careers, their views on leadership, and how to be successful. Dean Ammons opened the dialogue with introductions before asking the brothers what brought them to Widener Law. Kevin indicated that he originally came to Widener Law with the intention of being a teacher, saying, “I was always interested in teaching. I originally intended to get my law degree and teach,” but he found that opportunity led him to start his own practice; “It was something that I didn’t envision initially, but I just started doing what was necessary to make the business run.”<br><br>Dean Ammons asked Brian, who is not a practicing attorney, how his law degree helps him, and he responded, “The law background is great because it built up my logical thinking skills,” adding, “It’s been a great addition to my business career.”<br><br>When the conversation turned to what traits made for good leaders, each of the brothers focused on the importance of seizing opportunities. Brian indicated that a leader, “has to communicate and have a certain amount of vision,” while Kevin told the audience, “Believe in yourself and it can work. You can’t be afraid to take a risk.” Michael agreed, adding, “You can’t be looking in the rearview mirror. You have to keep moving forward. Opportunities will present themselves, but you have to be flexible.”<br><br>The forum also touched on a number of other important issues, including the importance of community service and outreach, something each of the Tierney brothers cited as important, with Michael noting, “You get involved because it’s the right thing to do. You also do it because it’s fun and you get to meet a lot of interesting people.” At the end of the event, the Tierney brothers took questions from the audience on how to prioritize work and family life, taking the bar exam, and the value of planning versus taking opportunities that come along.<br><br>Brian P. Tierney, Esq. is the Chief Executive of Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC and publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he received his J.D. from Widener Law in 1987. He has worked for the Republican National Committee, served as president and CEO of the public relations division of Lewis Gilman &amp; Kynett, and he founded the Tierney Group. In 2005, he founded Philadelphia Media Holdings LLC to buy The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, and philly.com.<br><br>Kevin C. Tierney, Esq. graduated cum laude from West Chester University with a B.A. and M.A. in American History before earning his J.D. from Widener Law in 1982. He went on to found his own Law Firm, the Law Office of Kevin C. Tierney in Philadelphia. The firm also has offices in Princeton, NJ, and New York City, and focuses on insurance defense with particular emphasis on products liability, toxic exposure, hazardous waste, asbestos exposure, and insurance coverage disputes.<br><br>Michael J. Tierney, Esq. graduated from Denison University and earned his J.D. from Widener Law in 1993. While at Widener, he served as Articles Editor of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a> and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He is now a Partner at the Law Firm of Dilworth Paxson LLP in Philadelphia, where he is the Co-Chair of the Media Law Practice Group, advising media entities on all aspects of their business, including corporate, governance, financing, employment and labor, as well as First Amendment issues, including defense of defamation matters, access issues and handling of subpoenas.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(471, 'Innocence and Forensics Conference Draws Crowd', '2009-09-30', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"196\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"forensics1\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/forensics1.jpg\">Speaking about DNA exoneree Daryl Hunt at the Innocence and Forensics conference held on Widener Law’s Delaware campus on Friday, September 25th, Dr. John Mendez, Senior Minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church and a Board Member of the Darryl Hunt Project for Freedom and Justice, said,  “He feels like it is his mission to exonerate those who are wrongly accused.”<br><br>Attendees filled the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom to capacity for the daylong CLE program put together by Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/NivalaJohnF.aspx\">John F. Nivala</a> and Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EpsteinJules.aspx\">Jules Epstein</a> and presented by the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/AdvocacyandTechnologyInstitute.aspx\">Taishoff Advocacy, Technology and Public Service Institute</a>.<br><br>The program opened with a look at the case of North Carolina DNA exoneree Darryl Hunt, who was scheduled to speak but unfortunately had to cancel. Pam Peoples-Joyner, Executive Director of the Darryl Hunt Project for Freedom and Dr. Mendez did, however, appear, and Dr. Mendez gave a rousing talk about the struggle Darryl went through after he was wrongly convicted of the 1984 rape and murder of newspaper copy editor Deborah Sykes in Winston-Salem despite a lack of credible physical evidence linking him to the crime. Despite the fact that DNA evidence cleared Hunt of the rape in 1994, he was not released until 2004 when another man confessed to the crime after being linked by DNA evidence. Dr. Mendez closed his remarks by saying, “We have to deal with the issue of poverty, and we have to deal with the issue of education.”<br><br>The morning session concluded with Professor Jay A. Siegel, IUPUI Department of Chemistry &amp; Chemical Biology Chair and Director of Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program, discussing the National Academy of Sciences Report on Forensics. After a luncheon in the Barrister’s club, the afternoon featured a panel entitled “The Psychology, Law, and Ethics of Eyewitness Identification Cases” with John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York Associate Professor Jennifer E. Dysart, Associate Professor Epstein, and Marissa Boyers Bluestine, Legal Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.<br><br>The successful conference concluded with a presentation on “Forensic DNA” by Anjali R. Swienton, President &amp; CEO of SciLaw Forensics, Ltd. in Germantown, Maryland and Director of Outreach for the National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(472, 'Teresa Mason Kicks off Local Leaders Series with Engaging Insights', '2009-10-01', '<img width=\"282\" height=\"270\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"masonAmmonsLocalLeaders\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/masonAmmonsLocalLeaders.jpg\">“Don’t leave here without learning how to treat people. If you treat people well, it will serve you well throughout your life, particularly as an attorney because you have to work with other people,” Teresa Mason, Chief of Staff for Delaware Attorney General Joseph R. Beau Biden, III, told students in response to question from Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda Ammons</a> about what students should take away from their law school experience.<br><br>Ms. Mason spoke to students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday, September 16th at 4:30 p.m. as the first speaker in the Local Leaders series for the fall semester. The series, jointly sponsored by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationDelaware.aspx\">Delaware Student Bar Association</a> and the faculty, brings prominent area leaders to the school to speak about their experiences and offer their wisdom to students. Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/DalyErin.aspx\">Erin Daly</a>, who has been instrumental in getting the Local Leaders series off the ground, introduced Ms. Mason.<br><br>Appointed as Biden’s Chief of Staff in January of 2008, Ms. Mason is a graduate of St. John’s University and Howard University School of Law. She has served as an Executive Vice President at MBNA America Bank N.A., the Special Counsel for Adjudications in the New York City Department of Finance, as a Deputy Bureau Chief in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, and as New York City’s 110th Sheriff. During her talk, Ms. Mason addressed her eclectic and exciting career, noting, “Life throws you curveballs and you are never going to change that, but it’s how you handle it that matters.” She told several entertaining stories including how she became New York City’s 110th Sheriff after her appointment by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.<br><br>Telling students that a legal education is incredibly valuable because of the way it teaches you to think, Ms. Mason discussed the importance of reputation, networking, and giving back through volunteering. She also discussed her leadership and management style, declaring, “I don’t ask people to do things that I won’t do,” before imploring the students in the audience to “Think outside the box,” and to “invest in people.”<br><br>Ms. Mason concluded her talk by taking a number of insightful questions from the audience. Career Development Dean LeaNora Ruffin asked about taking risks, to which Ms. Mason replied, “I believe that in order to be successful, you have to step outside your comfort zone.” She added that everyone should seek to learn news skills and keep trying new things because “complacency is devastating.”<br><br>The next Local Leaders event will take place on Wednesday, October 7th at 4:00 p.m. in the student lounge off Main Street in the Main Law Building when New Castle County Executive Chris Coons visits.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(473, 'Founders Day Celebration', '2009-10-04', '<br> <img width=\"300\" height=\"300\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"FoundersYearLogo300\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/FoundersYearLogo300.jpg\"><br><br>On Monday, October 5th, 2009, Widener Law celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Harrisburg with a commemorative program and celebratory reception to be held on the Harrisburg campus at 5:00 p.m. The event will feature a slide show and speakers who will review the growth and progress of the Harrisburg campus. The reception that follows will allow alumni and friends an opportunity to reminisce over food, drinks, and music.  <div><br></div>\n<div>[ <a href=\"~/media/Files/foundersDay/FoundersDayProgram_Hbg_09.ashx\">Download the Founder\'s Day Program</a> (.pdf) ]<br><br>“We’re bringing in a number of people who have been instrumental in the life of the campus,” says Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a> – who himself has played a pivotal role at the School of Law. Gedid, the campus’ founding vice dean has been with the law school since its inception and today directs Harrisburg’s signature <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>.<br><br>Widener University President James T. Harris III will speak at the event, as will Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>. Other speakers will include former Widener University President Robert J. Bruce and former Widener Law Dean Anthony J. Santoro – under whose auspices the law school was expanded to include the Harrisburg campus. James White, who was the American Bar Association’s Consultant for Legal Education when the Harrisburg campus received ABA accreditation, will attend.<br><br>Widener Law became the only two-state law school in the nation when the Harrisburg campus opened in 1989, and this special event will mark the historic occasion. Seven full-time faculty and administrators held orientation for 250 law students on the campus in the fall of 1989. Today, the 21-acre campus employs 175 full- and part-time faculty, support staff, and administrators. The law school component of the campus has graduated nearly 2,700 alumni and this fall, it is the school of choice for roughly 475 full- and part-time students.<br><br><span style=\"FONT-SIZE: 14pt\">“The Harrisburg campus has flourished,” Gedid says. “It has truly grown into its mission.”<br><br>Among the campus’ biggest accomplishments, he said, are the founding of the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law &amp; Government Institute</a>, the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/VeteransLawClinic.aspx\">Veterans Law Clinic</a>, the<span style=\"TEXT-DECORATION: underline\"> </span></span><a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/HarrisburgCivilLawClinic.aspx\">Harrisburg Civil Law Clinic</a>,<span style=\"FONT-SIZE: 14pt\">and more recently the Environmental Law Center.<br><br>The class schedule for the day has been adjusted so that all Harrisburg campus students may attend.</span> In addition, a motorcoach from the Delaware campus will depart the Concord Lot at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, October 5th to bring Delaware faculty and staff to the Founders\' Day celebration. The bus will likely depart the Harrisburg campus to return to Delaware between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m. Delaware campus faculty and staff members looking to reserve a seat on the bus should contact Linda Triolo at <a href=\"mailto:lrtriolo@widener.edu\">lrtriolo@widener.edu</a>.<br>\n</div>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(474, 'Harrisburg Campus Holds Successful Relay for Life Event', '2009-10-05', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 405px;\">\n\n\n<object width=\"400\" height=\"300\"> <param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622405856049%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622405856049%2F&amp;set_id=72157622405856049&amp;jump_to=\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622405856049%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622405856049%2F&amp;set_id=72157622405856049&amp;jump_to=\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"></embed></object>\n\n</div>\n\n\n\n\nTwelve teams of students and faculty gathered on Friday morning for Widener School of Law’s first Relay for Life. Relay for Life is a 12-hour walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society and ‘celebrate survivorship’. Each team was required to have one person walking throughout the event.<br><br>The Harrisburg campus had 120 volunteers that participated and walked around the designated location in the campus parking lot. Each team had a table set up to raise more money throughout the day.<br><br>The campus raised $13,038. The <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherHarrisburgOrganizations/WidenerLawRunningClub.aspx\">Widener Law Running Club</a> was the team that received the most donations, raising $1,727.51, and Jason McLaughlin had the highest individual total with $595. The Relay for Life committee also held fundraisers at local venues in the Harrisburg area throughout the month to collect donations.<br><br>A luminaria ceremony with over 50 lit candles took place after dark to honor loved ones battling cancer or to remember loved ones who have passed. Following the luminaria ceremony, Alumni Jason Gottesman, who graduated this past May and was diagnosed with cancer just before graduation, spoke at the closing of the Relay for Life.<br><br>The Relay for Life committee plans on holding another successful Relay for Life event next year. The committee who worked on the event included students Dana Suter, Alina Habba, Devyn Zachary, Diana Schimmel, Samara Gertner, Holly Lewis, Jorge Conforme, Jen Silva, Jennifer Berosh, Mary Ann Andrews, Mark Wieder, Nicole Santo, and Paul Edger.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, '');
INSERT INTO `news` (`id`, `headline`, `date`, `body`, `image`, `image_alt`, `blue-box-text`, `link`, `is_featured`, `alumni`, `faculty`, `box_content`) VALUES
(475, 'Professor Hamermesh to Receive Honor from the Delaware ACLU', '2009-10-05', '<img width=\"235\" height=\"272\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"hamermesh235px\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/hamermesh235px.jpg\">A member of the Delaware affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union since he came to Delaware in 1976, as well as a member of the affiliate’s board of directors for almost 25 years, Ruby R. Vale Professor of Corporate and Business Law <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh </a>says of his service to the ACLU, “It\'s been one of the most rewarding things I\'ve done.  What\'s wonderful about the ACLU is its devotion to the idea that we are all members of some minority, and we all have a basic individual dignity and integrity - whether in our religious beliefs, political affiliations, ethnic and cultural allegiances, or sexual or gender roles - that need to be protected from impairment by government action at the instance of the majority. For me, religious identity is what originally moved me to grasp and support this idea, but the ACLU has taught me that individual freedom and dignity reach many other areas.”<br><br>On Wednesday, October 7th, the Delaware Chapter of the ACLU will honor Professor Hamermesh along with Thomas J. Allingham II, Esq., a corporate litigation partner at Skadden LLP, as recipients of the 2009 Gerald E. Kandler Award at the 24th Gerald E. Kandler Memorial Award Dinner at the Hotel du Pont at 5:30. The Gerald E. Kandler Award is presented each year in memory of Gerald E. Kandler, Esq., who was President of the Delaware ACLU from 1971 to 1985. The award is presented to Delawareans who follow in the footsteps of Kandler by fighting for civil liberties. “It\'s an honor named after a truly remarkable lawyer and human being who escaped as a child from Nazi Germany, never forgot the lessons of that tragedy, and balanced work as a successful lawyer for DuPont with a selfless devotion to creating in Delaware an organization designed to protect the freedoms that he saw so savagely trampled upon as a child,” observes Professor Hamermesh.<br><br>Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and best-selling author Ron Suskind will deliver the keynote address at the award dinner. The senior national affairs writer for <em>The Wall Street Journal</em> from 1993 to 2000 and currently a writer for <em>Time Magazine</em>, <em>The New York Times Magazine</em>, <em>Esquire</em>, and the <em>Wall Street Journal</em>, Mr. Suskind has produced several works of nonfiction including his recent New York Times bestseller <em>The Way of the World: A Story of Truth and Hope in an Age of Extremism</em>.<br><br>Calling the award “an awesome honor”, Professor Hamermesh states, “Most of all, it\'s an honor to be a part of an organization that every day, in big ways and many more smaller ways, helps promote the human rights that we strive to perfect under our Constitution.”', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(476, 'Professor May Elected a Fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers', '2009-10-06', '<img width=\"300\" height=\"266\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"May300x266Faculty_de\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/May300x266Faculty_de.jpg\">On Friday, October 2nd Widener Law Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">James May</a> was elected and inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers at the 2009 Annual Meeting held this year from October 1st through the 3rd at the Portland Regency in Portland, Maine.<br><br>In addition to the induction of new Fellows, Friday’s events featured a keynote speech from former Maine Governor Angus King as well as panel discussions on Climate Change Legislation and Regulation and Climate Change Litigation.<br><br>A professional association of distinguished lawyers who specialize in environmental law, The American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) seeks to facilitate the evolution of environmental law and policy at both the state and federal level. Membership invitations are offered to those practitioners recognized by their peers as experts in the field of environmental law.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(477, 'Widener Law presents talk on “Improving Financial Stability”', '2009-10-06', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"PileggiPooleLecturePromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/PileggiPooleLecturePromo.jpg\">The dubious state of the American economy provides the backdrop for an upcoming special lecture at Widener Law that is free and open to the public. <br><br>“Improving Financial Stability” is the title of the talk to be presented by William Poole, distinguished scholar in residence at the Alfred Lerner College of Business &amp; Economics at the University of Delaware. Poole will visit the Delaware campus on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. His hour-long lecture will be held in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom.<br><br>In the first half of the program, Poole is expected to discuss his thoughts on the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve System – the central banking system for the United States – and how he believes both lack a vision for the future at a time when one is desperately needed. He will also share his views on what that vision ought to be. The remainder of the program will be open for audience questions and discussion.<br><br>Poole holds an undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College, and an MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. His teaching interests lie in macroeconomics and monetary economics. He joined the University of Delaware faculty in fall 2008.<br><br>The lecture is presented by Widener Law and its <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(478, 'Founders Day makes memories for Harrisburg', '2009-10-07', '<div style=\"FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 5px; WIDTH: 500px\">\r\n				<embed src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622542956474%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622542956474%2F&amp;set_id=72157622542956474&amp;jump_to=\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed>\n</div>The Harrisburg campus welcomed about 300 people to the law school grounds for a festive event that celebrated its 20th anniversary with speeches, photos, music and memories.<br><br>“I want to congratulate you for all you’ve done to make Widener University School of Law the success it is today,” Widener University President James T. Harris III told the crowd, seated under a tent atop a hill adjacent to the law building. <br><br>“This law school has reflected what is great about our country,” he said.<br><br>Other speakers at the Oct. 5 program included Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a>; Anthony J. Santoro, founding dean of the Harrisburg campus; alumnus Eugene D. McGurk Jr., secretary on the university’s Board of Trustees and chairman of the law school’s Board of Overseers; James P. White, who served as the American Bar Association’s consultant on legal education when the Harrisburg campus received ABA accreditation; Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a>, the campus’ founding associate dean; Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DiehmJamesW.aspx\">James W. Diehm</a>, a founding faculty member; and alumnus Harry P. McGrath, a member of the first graduating class.<br><br>Alumni took part in other ways, too. The Rev. Michael P. Reid II, ’92, gave the invocation and benediction and Laura Cooper, ’03, sang the National Anthem.<br><br>Santoro brought ripples of laughter to the crowd with his stories of what it took to get the campus off the ground, something he called “the most arduous journey” of his life. He credited businessman John Vartan for his role in helping the school acquire the land and build the law building under an ambitious schedule. The time frame was so tight, he said, that glass was installed for the lobby windows the morning of orientation.<br><br>“Congratulations on a job well done,” he said.<br><br>Widener Law has developed a dominant presence in central Pennsylvania and around the nation, current Law Dean Linda L. Ammons said. She marveled at the stories of the campus’ early challenges, in light of what a smooth operation it has become. <br><br>“Thank you for blazing this trail,” she said to members of the first graduating class, seated in the audience.<br><br>One of those students, McGrath, said he enrolled in that first class because he kept hearing about a new law school in Harrisburg that was supportive of nontraditional students’ needs. The married father of three left his career in the U.S. Secret Service and enrolled to pursue his dream. Today he is a successful attorney – and one of roughly 2,700 Harrisburg campus alumni.<br><br>“There is not a day that goes by that at least one pearl of wisdom from something I learned here does not go through my mind,” McGrath said.<br><br>The program was followed by a reception with music provided by Seasons, a musical group made up of Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/LeeGregRandall.aspx\">G. Randall Lee</a>’s children.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(479, 'Firm Luncheon: K&amp;L Gates, Harrisburg', '2009-10-08', '<img width=\"500\" height=\"303\" alt=\"hbgKLluncheonAmmons\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/hbgKLluncheonAmmons.jpg\" class=\"FloatRight\">Dean Linda L. Ammons enjoyed a luncheon at K&amp;L Gates, LLP,’s Harrisburg office. The group consisted of Widener Law alumni employed by firm, firm management, and Overseers. She was delighted to meet new faces and to share campus news with the attendees at the October 8, 2009, lunch. <br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(480, 'Duquesne Political Science Professor Speaks to Delaware Faculty', '2009-10-08', '<img width=\"228\" height=\"198\" class=\"FloatLeft\" alt=\"bob_clifford\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/bob_clifford.jpg\">On Monday, October 5th, Associate Professor Clifford Bob from the Duquesne Political Science Department spoke to members of Widener Law’s faculty on the Delaware campus. Entitled “Lawyers, Gays, and Money: The Christian Right and the Transnational Battle over LGBT Rights,” Professor Bob’s presentation looked at the effects of transnational activism by conservative non-governmental organizations.<br><br>In discussing his research for a forthcoming book, Dr. Bob noted that past works on the subject of transnational activism have focused on non-governmental organizations on the left, saying, “Half the picture is missing, and worse, you miss the clash between the two sides.” Discussing the difference in the way that groups on the political right approach the potential influence of International Law, he noted that conservative groups tend to view it as a “threat” and “see themselves as opposing stealth UN activism.”<br><br>The talk touched on how activist non-governmental organizations attempt to lobby international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, and he cited the increasing efforts of groups such as C-Fam, the World Congress of Families, the Alliance Defense Fund, and the American Center for Law &amp; Justice. Dr. Bob cited the case of Swedish Pastor Åke Green, who received legal help American groups that filed amicus briefs on his behalf after he violated a Swedish law prohibiting speech that subjected homosexuals as a group to expressions of disdain.<br><br>Dr. Bob earned his B.A. from Harvard University, his J.D. from New York University School of Law, and his Ph.D. in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of <em>The Marketing of Rebellion: Insurgents, Media, and International Activism</em> which has won several prizes, including the 2007 International Studies Association\'s Best Book Award. He is also the editor of <em>The International Struggle for New Human Rights</em> and has written articles for <em>American Journal of International Law</em>, <em>The Los Angeles Times</em>, <em>The International Herald Tribune</em>, <em>The San Francisco Examiner</em>, <em>The Sidney Morning Herald</em>, <em>The South China Morning Post</em>, and <em>The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</em>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(481, 'Widener Law’s annual Pileggi lecture to focus on the U.S. government as shareholder', '2009-10-08', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"PileggiRockLecturePromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/PileggiRockLecturePromo.jpg\">Widener University School of Law is pleased to announce that Edward B. Rock, the Saul A. Fox Distinguished Professor of Business Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, will deliver the 2009 annual Francis G. Pileggi Distinguished Lecture in Law.<br><br>Rock’s lecture, “When the government is the controlling shareholder: Implications for Delaware,” will be held on Friday, Oct. 9 in the du Barry Room of the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington. He will also speak to students on Widener’s Delaware campus at 11 a.m. in Polishook Hall room 203. <br><br>Rock co-directs Penn Law’s Institute for Law and Economics, a position that allows him to shape its programs in corporate governance. He also serves as a professor of business and public policy at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He teaches and writes in the areas of corporate law, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions.<br><br>Rock holds a bachelor of science degree in physics and mathematics from Yale University, a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and politics from the University of Oxford and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. His career highlights include serving as the Lady Davis Fellow, visiting law professor and as a Fulbright Scholar at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, and as a visiting professor of international banking and capital markets law at the Institut fur Arbeits-Wirtschafts und Zivil Recht, Johann Wolfgang Goethe – Universitaet in Germany. Prior to his career in academia, Rock was a partner with Fine, Kaplan and Black in Philadelphia.<br><br>The annual lecture event is presented by Widener Law and the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a>. The series has attracted many renowned speakers in the area of corporate law since the first Pileggi lecture in 1986. This year’s program has been approved in Delaware for one continuing legal education credit (no ethics) and in Pennsylvania for one substantive continuing legal education credit (no ethics). There is no cost to attend the breakfast or lecture. The event is made possible by the generosity of Francis G. Pileggi, a founding attorney of Pileggi &amp; Pileggi and father of Widener Law alumnus Francis G.X. Pileggi, who conceived of the idea through a desire to create a corporate law forum for practitioners, judges and academics.<br><br>Those interested in attending the breakfast presentation should call 302.477.2145 by Friday, Oct. 2. Seating is limited. <br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(482, 'New Castle County Executive Chris Coons Offers Students Some Wisdom', '2009-10-12', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 403px; margin: 4px;\">\n\n<img src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/coonsLocalLeaders.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"294\" alt=\"coonsLocalLeaders\"><p>New Castle County Executive Chris Coons speaks to students on the Delaware Campus as part of the Local Leaders series on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009. </p>\n</div>\n\n\n\n“Say what you don’t know. Admit it and then go find the right answer. Don’t make it up because that will cost you your credibility, and you can’t get it back,” New Castle County Executive Chris Coons advised the students who gathered to hear him speak on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 7th.<br><br>Coons spoke to students, faculty, and staff as part of the ongoing Local Leaders series. The series, jointly sponsored by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/StudentBarAssociationDelaware.aspx\">Student Bar Association</a> and the faculty, brings prominent area leaders to the school to speak about their experiences and offer their wisdom to students.<br><br>“I’m frankly thrilled to have a chance to be here with you,” said Coons before sharing a little bit about his personal journey and how his career path unfolded, from his childhood in Delaware, to his clinical experiences during law school, his work with non-profits upon graduation, his experiences in private practice, and ultimately his move to public service.<br><br>He spent most of the time taking questions from the audience. He took questions on how to realize political aspirations, how different his work for W.L. Gore &amp; Associates was from his other jobs, what made him decide to run for public office, and the differences between the public and private sector. Asked to give his advice to students who might be looking for working in the near future, Coons urged the students in the audience to “be willing to try things you didn’t think you were going to do,” and to “be honest even in the smallest details.” He also noted that the political world resembled the job market, joking, “An election is just a job interview that takes a year and costs thousands of dollars.” Students in the audience gained a great deal from the event, and several of them eagerly thanked the New Castle County Executive for coming.<br><br>A Delaware native, Chris Coons graduated from Amherst College with a degree in Chemistry and Political Science. He earned his J.D. from Yale Law School and a Master’s Degree in Ethics from Yale Divinity School. He spent eight years as legal counsel for W.L. Gore &amp; Associates before being elected New Castle County Council President in 2000. In 2005, he became New Castle County Executive.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(483, 'Widener Law at the Opera', '2009-10-13', '<div style=\"float:right; width: 405px; margin: 5px;\">\n\n<object width=\"400\" height=\"300\"> <param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622570005142%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622570005142%2F&amp;set_id=72157622570005142&amp;jump_to=\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622570005142%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622570005142%2F&amp;set_id=72157622570005142&amp;jump_to=\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\n\nWidener Law alumni and their guests joined Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda Ammons</a> for a\ndelicious brunch at XIX, followed by an afternoon at the opera to see Giacomo\nPuccini’s <strong><em>Madama Butterfly</em></strong> at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday,October 11th.  Following the performance the group was treated to a\npersonal backstage tour and a peek at wardrobe.  The group also had the\nopportunity to meet cast member, Roger Honeywell who played Pinkerton, and the\nconductor, Maestro Corrado Rovaris.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(484, 'Highest Bar Pass Rate in Widener Harrisburg History', '2009-10-14', 'The Harrisburg campus had a first time passage rate of 94.32% for the July 2009 Bar Exam, which is the highest in Widener Harrisburg history. The announcement came on Thursday, October 8th, with Widener Harrisburg having the 3rd highest passage rate in Pennsylvania, falling short of only the University of Pennsylvania Law School at 96.08% and Temple University Beasley School of Law at 95.57%.<br><br>Upon receiving the news, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Dean Ammons</a> hosted an impromptu celebration on Thursday at 4 p.m. for the students and faculty in the Pit. Several alumni also showed up to celebrate with their professors and colleagues. <br><br>To see the complete July 2009 Pennsylvania Bar results please visit <a href=\"http://www.pabarexam.org/bar_exam_information/results/be_results.htm\" title=\"Pennsylvania Bar Examination Results July 2009\">PaBarExam.org</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(485, 'Professor Delivers Presentation on Modern Criminal Procedure to Colleagues', '2009-10-14', '<img width=\"425\" height=\"266\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"oliverWesCrimPro\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/oliverWesCrimPro.jpg\">Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/OliverWesleyM.aspx\">Wesley M. Oliver</a> presented his dissertation on Modern Criminal Procedure to his colleagues during a luncheon on Thursday, October 8, 2009. This was Oliver’s first time presenting his dissertation in full. He will present it again at the end of the month for the Central State Law School Association in Columbus, Ohio.  <br><br>Oliver focused on the nineteenth and early twentieth century origins of modern criminal procedure from the view of the New York Police Department during the two-hour power point presentation. He spoke about the limits the police faced including search warrants and other laws imposing strict limitations on police officers. He emphasized the drastic change in search warrants and included documents from 1787 and 1816 that have only been disclosed in studies recently. <br><br>He also touched on the shift during the social movement commonly known as the Prohibition that encouraged mechanisms not before seen by police officers, and how the current courts have looked at common law doctrines to frame the current limitations on police.<br><br>Professor Oliver worked on his dissertation for his J.S.D. for Yale University for a total of five years. His colleague, Associate Dean for Faculty Research and Development <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/PowerRobertC.aspx\">Robert C. Power</a>, described Professor Oliver’s presentation as “informative and entertaining.”<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(486, 'Environmental Law Center Set to Launch', '2009-10-15', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; float: right; width: 405px;\">\n<img width=\"400\" height=\"267\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/environmental%20law%20center%20faculty%20photo.jpg\" alt=\"environmental law center faculty photo\"><p><span style=\"\" class=\"Caption\">From left, Distinguished Professor Andrew L. Strauss, center Associate Director and Professor James R. May, Associate Professor Kenneth T. Kristl, Widener Delaware campus Vice Dean and Professor J. Patrick Kelly, Law Dean Linda L. Ammons, center Director and Distinguished Professor John C. Dernbach, Professor Jean M. Eggen, and Professor David R. Hodas</span></p>\n</div>Widener University School of Law is pleased to announce it is forming an Environmental Law Center that will harness the expertise of the environmental law faculty on both of its campuses in a new effort to benefit its students and the public. The official launch for the Center will be October 13, 2009 in Wilmington and October 15, 2009 in Harrisburg.<br><br><img width=\"15\" height=\"17\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/bullet_pdf.gif\" alt=\"pdf icon\" class=\"FloatLeft\"> <a href=\"%7E/media/Files/envirolaw/2009EnviroLawCenterLaunch.ashx\">Download the Environmental Law Center 2009 Program</a> (.pdf)<br><br><br>The Delaware launch will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. Widener will also host a companion event at its Harrisburg campus on Thursday, October 15, 2009, also from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in room A180.<br><br>Russell Peterson, former Governor of the State of Delaware, Chair of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, Director of the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment, and President of the National Audubon Society, will provide opening remarks. Peterson was the guiding force behind the Delaware Coastal Zone Act of 1972. This act protected Delaware\'s inland bays and waterways by banning heavy industry from a two-mile-wide strip of Delaware\'s 115-mile coastline, about 20% of the state. This piece of legislation has since been used by other states to protect their shorelines.<br><br><img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/EnviroLawCenterLaunchPromo.jpg\" alt=\"EnviroLawCenterLaunchPromo\" class=\"FloatLeft\">Governor Peterson will be joined by Lt. Governor Matt Denn (Widener Law Skaddens Fellow, 1992-94); Wilmington Mayor James Baker; Laura Coogan, Office of U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Cleon Cauley, Deputy Legal Counsel to Delaware Gov. Jack Markell; Stephanie Hansen, Chair of the State of Delaware’s Section on Environmental Law (Widener Law, ’99); Professor David Markell, Florida State University; Mary Jacobson, Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Environmental Law Center (Wolcott Fellow, Widener Law ’97); and, Dawn Kurtz Crompton, Editor-in-Chief of the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/WidenerLawReview.aspx\">Widener Law Review</a>. A reception will follow the remarks.<br><br>The Honorable Arthur A. Davis, who served as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources from 1987-1995 will speak at the Harrisburg launch. Other speakers include two 2002 Widener Law graduates, the Honorable Eugene DePasquale of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Honorable Richard Alloway II of the Pennsylvania State Senate, and Mr. Philip R. Hinerman of Fox Rothschild LLP who is the Chair of the Energy and Environmental Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Current Widener Law student Steve Matzura of the class of 2010, Director of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club Jeff Schmidt, Professor Ken Kristl, Vice Dean of the Harrisburg campus <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/MeadowsRobynL.aspx\">Robyn L. Meadows</a>, and David Sunday of the Environmental Law Alumni Association will also speak. Penn State University Professor Donald A. Brown, the Director of the Pennsylvania Environmental Resources Consortium will close the program. A reception will follow.<br><br>The launch marks the official start of the Center, which was first announced around Earth Day 2009. It is the first academic-civic initiative to operate between the Widener Law campus in Wilmington, Del. and the school’s other campus in Harrisburg, Pa. Working under the motto “Law for Sustainability,” the Center is intended to harness the expertise of seven environmental law faculty from both locations in a new effort to benefit students and the public. The seven Widener environmental law faculty are Professors <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DernbachJohnC.aspx\">John Dernbach</a> (Director), <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">Jim May</a> (Associate Director), <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EggenJeanMacchiaroli.aspx\">Jean Eggen</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HodasDavidR.aspx\">David Hodas</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KellyJPatrick.aspx\">Patrick Kelly</a>, <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KristlKennethT.aspx\">Ken Kristl</a>, and <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/StraussAndrewL.aspx\">Andrew Strauss</a>.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'on', NULL, ''),
(487, 'Distinguished Financial Scholar William Poole Lectured on the Financial Crisis', '2009-10-16', '<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"PileggiPooleLecturePromoAFter\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/PileggiPooleLecturePromoAFter.jpg\">“If you follow the newspapers at all, you have a sense of how costly this period has been,” opened Dr. William Poole as he delivered a special lecture on “Improving Financial Stability” on Wednesday, October 8th in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. A sizable audience turned out for the lecture, which was sponsored by Widener Law’s <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a>.<br><br>“Our fiscal policy is on an unsustainable course. How did this happen, and what can we do to stop it from happening again?” asked Poole rhetorically. He went on to discuss the roots of the financial crisis and indicated that the Federal government’s unwillingness to let some of the nation’s largest financial institutions fail will only cause those same institutions to try risky strategies again, calling the government bailout, “Insurance without charging an insurance premium.” <br><br>Calling the financial collapse “not a failure of regulation, but rather a fundamental failure of economic analysis,” Poole described the origins of the crisis, sighting unchecked lending including subprime mortgages, and the trading of bundles of those mortgages as mortgage-backed securities. He traced the origins of the crisis to the early 1990s, and described the entire system as a house of cards built on the idea that real estate prices would continue to rise. He dryly concluded, “The music stopped and we started to get defaults.”<br><br>Moving beyond the origins of the crisis to what he thought should be done, Dr. Poole said,  “We can’t have a system where losses are socialized and gains are privatized.” He suggested that creditors should be at risk in order to force them to have control over the situation. At the conclusion of the talk, he took questions from an interested audience.<br><br>A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Dr. Poole graduated from Swarthmore College, and has both an MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. A former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Dr. Poole was the Albert H. Goldberger Professor of Economics at Brown University, has served as a member of the Academic Advisory Panels of the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and Boston, and has served on the Congressional Budget Office Panel of Economic Advisors. He joined the University of Delaware faculty in fall 2008 as the Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Alfred Lerner College of Business &amp; Economics.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(488, 'Dean Ammons Holds Health Walks', '2009-10-16', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; float: right; width: 370px;\">\n<img width=\"364\" height=\"292\" alt=\"deansWalk2009\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/deansWalk2009.jpg\"><p>Harrisburg Campus Walk</p>\n		<img width=\"364\" height=\"292\" alt=\"deansWalkDe2009\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/deansWalkDe2009.jpg\"><p>Delaware  Campus Walk</p>\n</div>\n\n\n\nOver two dozen students and faculty members attended the Dean’s Wellness Walk around the Harrisburg Campus on Thursday, October 9, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. The walk, which lasted about thirty minutes, started at the Administration building and looped around the law school building, tennis courts, and bookstore. <br><br>The purpose of the walk was to promote general wellness and the University’s new smoke-free policy that starts in July 2010. Each of the participants received a blue t-shirt that said “Widener Law, Proud to be Tobacco Free, July 2010.” <br><br>During the walk, students and faculty socialized and discussed the new tobacco-free policy that was announced earlier in the semester. Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> hopes to make the walk an annual event.<br><br>The Dean hosted a similar walk on the Delaware campus on Monday, October 12th. Check out more pictures from either the <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/widenerlaw/sets/72157622577208864/\" title=\"Harrisburg Wellness Walk photos at Flickr\">Harrisburg</a> or <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/widenerlaw/sets/72157622468375237/\" title=\"Delaware Wellness Walk photos at Flickr\">Delaware</a> Wellness Walks.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(489, 'Widener APALSA and PAD Lend a Helping Hand', '2009-10-18', '<div style=\"float: right; width: 400; margin: 5px;\">\r\n				<object width=\"400\" height=\"300\"> <param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622618888980%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622618888980%2F&amp;set_id=72157622618888980&amp;jump_to=\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622618888980%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622618888980%2F&amp;set_id=72157622618888980&amp;jump_to=\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\"></embed></object>\n</div>\n\n\nEarly on the morning of Saturday, October 17, 2009, ten Widener Law students braved the cold and rain to volunteer for the 16th Annual Philadelphia Cares Day.  <br> <br>Students from the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/AsianPacificAmericanLawStudentAssociation.aspx\">Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)</a> and <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/OtherDelawareOrganizations/PhiAlphaDelta.aspx\">Phi Alpha Delta (PAD)</a> spent the day at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School painting hallways and the cafeteria.  Much to everyone’s surprise, Disney sponsored the event, and as a result, students, friends, and family received an unexpected visit from Mickey and the JAMMitors.  Everyone enjoyed live performances, music, and food while volunteering.  As part of Disney’s “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day,” all volunteers at the school received a complimentary one-day pass to Walt Disney World Park &amp; Resort. <br> <br>Several students were interviewed for 6abc Action News and proudly represented Widener Law.  These students included:  Amos Tang (3L), Jieyi Li (LLM exchange student), and Ashley Talley (1L).  Due to APALSA and PAD’s hard work and dedication to community service, Widener Law was also invited by 6abc Action News to help as balloon holders at the 2009 Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. All of the students involved represented Widener Law extremely well in the Philadelphia community. <br> <br>Everyone involved in the day’s community service experience shared excitement, laughter, and team spirit.  On behalf of APALSA and PAD, we would like to thank the hospitality of Thurgood Marshall Elementary and the generosity of Walt Disney World Park &amp; Resort.<br> <br>For more information about Philadelphia Cares Day, please visit their website at <a title=\"Philadelphia Cares\" href=\"http://www.philacares.com/events/annualpages/pcd.htm\">http://www.philacares.com/events/annualpages/pcd.htm</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(490, 'Widener Law, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission announce pilot program to provide legal help for low-income consumers in utility complaint process', '2009-10-19', '<script language=\"JavaScript\" src=\"http://law.widener.edu/scripts/audio-player.js\">\n		</script><object width=\"290\" height=\"24\" id=\"audioplayer1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" data=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/mp3player/player.swf\">\n<param value=\"http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/swf/mp3player/player.swf\" name=\"movie\">\n<param value=\"playerID=1&amp;soundFile=http://law.widener.edu/App_Media/audio/PUCPilotProgram.mp3\" name=\"FlashVars\">\n<param value=\"high\" name=\"quality\">\n<param value=\"false\" name=\"menu\">\n<param value=\"transparent\" name=\"wmode\"></object>\n\n\n<img width=\"289\" height=\"353\" class=\"FloatRight\" alt=\"PUCPilotProgramPromo\" src=\"/site/files/oldnewsfiles/PUCPilotProgramPromo.jpg\">Widener University School of Law’s Harrisburg campus and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission have announced a pilot program to help low-income consumers receive legal help in navigating the formal complaint process before the PUC. <br><br>The Public Utility Commission Project, operating within the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/HarrisburgCivilLawClinic.aspx\">Pennsylvania Civil Law Clinic at the Harrisburg campus</a>, will provide free legal help to consumers living in central Pennsylvania and earning less than $2,756 a month for a family of four (150 percent of federal poverty guidelines). The 23 Widener Law students participating in the program took part in a day-long training program as well as mock hearings.<br><br>“Often complaints before the PUC deal with complex legal issues, but for the consumers these are emotional issues,” said Commission Chairman James H. Cawley. “Filing a PUC complaint can be an intimidating process for consumers who find themselves facing off against utility company attorneys. This program is a way for all consumers to have the opportunity for legal representation during the complaint process.”<br><br>\"It teaches the students professional skills while performing an important public service,\" said Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/GedidJohnL.aspx\">John L. Gedid</a>, director of the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Widener Law &amp; Government Institute</a>.<br><br>“The students enrolled in the Civil Law Clinic will continue to work under the supervision of our faculty to provide high quality legal services to individuals who might not otherwise be able to obtain representation,” said Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/LockardJPalmer.aspx\">J. Palmer Lockard II</a>, director of the clinic, which is supervising the students. “Although our students already gain significant experience in administrative law through our work in Unemployment Compensation, working with the PUC provides us an opportunity to expand our students’ knowledge of this important area of law.”<br><br>\"MidPenn Legal Services is excited to play a part in this effort and we are hopeful it can benefit many people in need,” Rhodia Thomas, executive director of MidPenn Legal Services. “We will be screening applicants for financial eligibility and then connecting them with legal assistance. We have already made one referral under this project and look forward to helping with many more.\"<br><br>Consumers file formal complaints before the PUC when their dispute with a utility cannot be resolved. In 2008, the PUC received 2,131 formal complaints from consumers, compared to 1,931 complaints in 2007. Of those, a vast majority of consumers represented themselves.<br><br>Disputes typically include high bills, termination of service and ability to pay. Filing a formal complaint can include hearings before a PUC administrative law judge, formal arguments, cross examination as well as the filing of briefs and exceptions to the judge’s decisions. The utilities are represented by attorneys while consumers may be representing themselves.<br><br>MidPenn Legal Services is conducting the screening process to determine consumer eligibility. To apply for assistance, consumers should contact MidPenn Legal Services, 213-A North Front Street, Harrisburg PA 17101-2240 or phone at (717) 232-0581 or toll-free (800) 932-0356.<br><br>Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. The School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and holds membership in the Association of American Law Schools. Widener Law has two locations: the Wilmington, Del. campus, which opened in 1971, and the Harrisburg, Pa. campus, which marked its <a href=\"/NewsandEvents/Articles/2009/hb100809foundersdayafter.aspx\">20th anniversary this month with a Founders Day celebration</a> on the grounds. Widener provides an all-around comprehensive legal education program, including special certificates available through its four institute programs. The <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/LawandGovernmentInstitute.aspx\">Law and Government Institute</a> is the signature program on the school’s Harrisburg campus.<br><br>The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at <a title=\"Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission\" href=\"http://www.puc.state.pa.us/\">www.puc.state.pa.us</a>.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(491, 'Law school launches Environmental Law Center with events on both campuses', '2009-10-21', '<div style=\"margin: 4px; float: right; width: 500px;\">\r\n				<embed width=\"500\" height=\"375\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622633661124%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622633661124%2F&amp;set_id=72157622633661124&amp;jump_to=\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\"><p> :</p>\n\n\n<embed width=\"500\" height=\"375\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622509369019%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622509369019%2F&amp;set_id=72157622509369019&amp;jump_to=\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\"></embed></embed>\n</div>\n\n\n\n\nWidener University School of Law officially unveiled its new, dual-campus <a href=\"http://blogs.law.widener.edu/envirolawcenter/\" title=\"Environmental Law Center\">Environmental Law Center</a> with two launch events this month.<br><br>“We have quietly built one of the nation’s top environmental law programs,” Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> said. “We’re not going to be quiet anymore.”<br><br>The law school first announced the center in April, but celebrated its arrival with a program and reception on the Delaware campus Oct. 13 and on the Harrisburg campus Oct. 15. The Harrisburg campus also used the event to announce its plans to open an Environmental Law Clinic there in January. The Harrisburg campus began an environmental speaker series on the day of the launch, featuring Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection John Hanger at an inaugural luncheon talk.<br><br>Distinguished Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesHbg/DernbachJohnC.aspx\">John C. Dernbach</a>, who teaches on the Harrisburg campus, will direct the center. Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/MayJamesR.aspx\">James R. May</a>, the H. Albert Young Fellow in Constitutional Law, will serve as its associate director. Other faculty include Delaware campus Vice Dean and Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KellyJPatrick.aspx\">J. Patrick Kelly</a>, Distinguished Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/StraussAndrewL.aspx\">Andrew L. Strauss</a>, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/EggenJeanMacchiaroli.aspx\">Jean M. Eggen</a>, Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HodasDavidR.aspx\">David R. Hodas</a> and Associate Professor <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/KristlKennethT.aspx\">Kenneth T. Kristl</a>, who directs the <a href=\"/Academics/ClinicalProgramsandProfessionalTraining/Clinics/EnvironmentalandNaturalResourcesLawClinic.aspx\">Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic</a>.<br> <br>“The center will attempt to answer, through scholarship, teaching, applied research, special projects and clinical programs, the question of how law can and should be used to achieve sustainability,” Dernbach said at the Harrisburg-campus launch. “The urgency of the task before us requires this kind of engaged effort: providing information, tools, skills, and ideas that policy makers, practicing lawyers, law students and future lawyers can use to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainability.”<br><br>The Delaware-campus launch featured 14 speakers, including former Delaware Gov. Russell Peterson, long a champion for the environment, current Lieutenant Gov. Matt Denn, Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker and more. May acted as master of ceremonies.<br><br>The Harrisburg-campus event featured 12 speakers, including Arthur A. Davis, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources from 1987 to 1995, alumnus and Pennsylvania Rep. Eugene A. DePasquale ’02, alumnus and Pennsylvania Sen. Richard Alloway II ’02 and more. Dernbach acted as master of ceremonies.<br><br>Kristl announced the plans to start a clinic on the Harrisburg campus in January. Unlike many clinics, its primary focus will not be on litigation. Instead, students will work with members of the public who have environment-related legal issues throughout Pennsylvania.<br><br> “Our goal is to empower citizens,” he said.', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, ''),
(492, 'Widener Law’s annual Pileggi lecture turns 25', '2009-10-21', '<div style=\"float:right; width: 500px; margin: 4px;\">\n<object width=\"500\" height=\"375\"> <param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622633527170%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622633527170%2F&amp;set_id=72157622633527170&amp;jump_to=\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\">\n<param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\">\n<embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" flashvars=\"offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622633527170%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwidenerlaw%2Fsets%2F72157622633527170%2F&amp;set_id=72157622633527170&amp;jump_to=\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\"></embed></object>\n\n</div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWidener Law marked its 25th anniversary of the Francis G. Pileggi Distinguished Lecture in Law this month with a packed house at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington. Edward B. Rock, the Saul A. Fox Distinguished Professor of Business Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, delivered the lecture “When the government is the controlling shareholder: Implications for Delaware.”<br><br>He began by explaining how Delaware corporate law is a “national and international treasure” that is looked to from all over the world. “To have the opportunity to talk to you with so many judges here, former students here, friends here, is a real pleasure,” Rock said.<br><br>More than 120 people filled the hotel’s du Barry Room for the event. The breakfast and lecture are made possible through the generosity of Francis G. Pileggi, a founding attorney of Pileggi &amp; Pileggi and father of Widener Law alumnus Francis G.X. Pileggi, who conceived of the idea through a desire to create a corporate law forum for practitioners, judges and academics.<br><br>After his talk at the hotel, Rock traveled to the Delaware campus and repeated the lecture for more than 100 students who gathered in Polishook Hall. <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/HamermeshLawrenceA.aspx\">Lawrence A. Hamermesh</a>, the Ruby R. Vale professor of corporate and business law and director of the <a href=\"/Academics/Institutes/InstituteofDelawareCorporateandBusinessLaw.aspx\">Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law</a>, introduced him to the students.<br><br>“What started out as an inauspicious event is now a very big deal,” Hamermesh said, explaining a bit of the lecture’s history.<br><br>The lecture is presented annually by the <a href=\"/CampusLife/ActivitiesandOrganizations/DelawareJournalofCorporateLaw.aspx\">Delaware Journal of Corporate Law</a>. Law Dean <a href=\"/Academics/Faculty/ProfilesDe/AmmonsLinda.aspx\">Linda L. Ammons</a> told the crowd at the hotel she proudly brings the journal along with her on business travel, including on a trip to Italy this past summer. Ammons noted it is the most-cited, student-edited journal and the 10th-most-cited specialty journal.<br>', NULL, NULL, '', NULL, 0, 'off', NULL, '');
