What a week it was for the School of Law:

First, on Aug. 24, the start of classes in the school’s 50th anniversary year. The next day, an anniversary celebration in the King Hall courtyard. Then, on Aug. 27, at the state Capitol, an Assembly resolution honoring the school’s 50 years of achievement.

Dean Kevin R. Johnson and Senior Associate Dean Madhavi Sunder accepted the resolution on the Assembly floor. See photo in slideshow.

Let’s start with the cake-cutting: More than 200 people gathered for the noontime celebration — complete with cake and special T-shirts. The audience included faculty, staff and other friends of the school — and students, too, who are on the semester system and are already back in class well ahead of the rest of the UC Davis student body.

“In just 50 years, UC Davis School of Law, housed in a building named after Martin Luther King Jr., has become firmly established in the top tier of our nation’s law schools, with a deep commitment to excellence and diversity,” Dean Johnson said. “We look forward to raising our national and international profile even higher in the years to come.”

Two days later, Assemblyman Luis Alejo, a graduate of the law school, Class of 2001, presented the Assembly resolution to Johnson and Sunder.

“I would not be standing where I am,” Alejo said, “if it weren’t for my professors and their support, and for that, I thank them. They include Cruz Reynoso, Kevin Johnson and Amagda Pérez.

“I commend University of California, Davis, School of Law for its 50th anniversary, its dedication to bettering the legal community and the community at large, and for the invaluable contributions made to the intellectual and social growth of its students.”

Alejo also made reference to fellow King Hall alumni who previously served in the Legislature, including Charles Calderon ’75, Dario Frommer ’92, Pedro Nava ’77, Darrell Steinberg ’84 Art Torres ’71. 

Three lawmakers signed the resolution: Alejo, of Salinas; James Gallagher, Class of 2007, Assembly member from Yuba City; and Sen. Lois Wolk, of Davis, a longtime King Hall supporter whose husband, Bruce, is an emeritus member of the faculty and a former dean (1993-98).

Events throughout the year

Other special events this year include the 50th anniversary Alumni Reunion, Oct. 24; and commemorations on Picnic Day (April 16) and during commencement (May 14).

The School of Law has set up an anniversary website — law.ucdavis.edu/50 — with a timeline, photos and videos and more, including an invitation to alumni, faculty and staff to share their King Hall stories.

Also, the school’s Counselor magazine will publish an anniversary issue later this year.

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