The message was simple: “You complete us.” The Elon University School of Law welcomed its third class Aug. 7 with a day of orientation activities – faculty introductions, book purchases, formal portraits – for a group that brings the school to full capacity.
With the addition of the Class of 2011, Elon Law enrolls 311 students, making the H. Michael Weaver Building a nerve center of legal education in downtown Greensboro. The law school first opened in 2006 and has not been completely occupied until now.
“You really do ‘complete us,’” law school interim Dean George Johnson told the students, referring to the popular line in the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire. “And we’re delighted to welcome you to the profession.”
Sharon Gaskin, assistant dean of admissions, provided the following statistics:
Total class enrollment: 105 students
Male/female ratio: 56/44 percent
Ethnic minorities: 16 percent
Median LSAT score: 153
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.19
Education: 36 colleges and universities are represented in the Class of 2011.
Undergraduate majors: Political science, accounting, business & management, communications, drama, theater and more.
The incoming class contains former police officers, business owners, teachers and even a U.S. Army attack helicopter pilot. Future public servants are included as well. “Several of you have political aspirations,” Gaskin said as she addressed the class.
The morning welcome featured a brief inspirational talk by Elon University Provost Gerry Francis, whose humor raised laughter from an anxious audience.
“We want good, brilliant, humane lawyers who are leaders in the their communities,” Francis said. “You guys have got to make me look good! And did I tell you you’re going to be challenged?”
Greensboro attorneys Janet Ward Black and Wanda Bracks Daughtry also welcomed the Class of 2011 on behalf of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Greensboro Bar Association, respectively. Both encouraged students to join their organizations and to take advantage of what Elon Law has to offer.
“Your behind is sitting in one of these chairs because you are smart. You may not be a great speaker right now, but you’re smart,” Ward Black said. “It is the smart people in the world who should be the leaders and who are out trying to make the world a better place.”
Orientation activities continue through next week.
A sampling of the Elon University School of Law – Class of 2011:
1.) Catherine F. Stalker
Hometown: New York City
Education: St. Mary’s College / Notre Dame
“I liked the size of the classes and the intimacy of the approach to education. Also, being in downtown Greensboro puts me in excellent proximity to many law opportunities and professionals.”
2.) Rachel Miller
Hometown: Davidson, N.C.
Education: UNC Greensboro
“The Elon University reputation attracted me to Elon Law. I expect to work hard, have fun and absorb as much knowledge as possible. I just hope to have a great career in law.”
3.) Lucrecia Johnson
Hometown: Cordele, Ga.
Education: UNC Greensboro
“I chose Elon because of its very personal program. I felt as though this was a program where I would be known by name.”
4.) Tiffany N. Dyson
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Education: UNC Greensboro
“Elon is invested in not only making good lawyers, but making good leaders as well! Over my three years here, I expect to be pushed, challenged and, ultimately, made a better person and student because of it.”
5.) Jeremy Maddox
Hometown: Potomac Falls, Va.
Education: George Mason University
“I have always wanted to live in North Carolina. I heard about the new Elon Law School and the small class sizes and great faculty. It sounded like a great place to get my degree.”
6.) Daniel Joyce
Hometown: Asheville, N.C.
Education: Appalachian State University
“I expect the next three years to be filled with hard work, learning and excitement. My career goal is to seek justice for many that have been forgotten by society and the legal profession.”
7.) Parker Moore
Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.
Education: Greensboro College
“Elon is right here in my hometown, and with the foundation already laid here, I expect nothing but the best.”
8.) Matthew White
Hometown: Statesville, N.C.
Education: Elon University
“Elon was my home institution for four years and I believe the challenge and experiences I had will continue in law school. I hope to leave with a developed understanding of the law and a passion to practice.”
For more information about the Elon University School of Law, click on the link to the upper right of this page.