S.J. Quinney College of Law

On Tuesday, December 1, a capacity crowd of 150 students, supporters, professors and staff attended the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law’s annual Scholarships and Awards Luncheon in the Capitol Ballroom at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center.

Dean Hiram Chodosh opened the event by praising students’ impulse to serve and to “work across aisles in their common interest.”  He noted that in 2007-08 alone, Quinney College students provided some 30,000 hours of public service.

In the face of a weak job market, Chodosh further noted that he was “impressed by students’ resilience and positive attitude.”

Donor Representative Leonard Burningham, a 1970 graduate of the College of Law, entertained the crowd with stories of his varied job experiences prior to attending law school, which included building barbwire fences and selling used cars.  He credited various mentors with helping him to succeed in life and forging his commitment to give back to the community. Burningham observed that, “It’s great to be a donor because of what you [get back].  It makes you connect to life.”

Scholarship recipient Timothy Considine also addressed the crowd, combining personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflection: “Not only does this seem to be a jobless recovery,” he said, “but worst of all, [it’s] a recovery with considerable tuition hikes. The continued commitment, generosity and support of our donors are particularly valuable” during these times.

Considine also noted the powerful social good education provides. “Education is a boon in itself,” he said. “It creates social justice and destroys intolerance.”

In his closing remarks, Chodosh praised the dedication of students and the generosity of donors and stressed the importance of collaboration. “We must face [the] obstacles in our path not alone, but arm in arm, because that is when we are most powerful,” he concluded.