faculty focus
HONORING AN ETHICAL IDEALIST After 40 years, Prof. Ron Garet retires from Gould By Gilien Silsby
Top: Prof. Ron Garet receives a hug from Prof. Jody Armour, as Mauro Morales (JD 1991) looks on. Bottom: Prof. Garet with daughter, Winnie, and wife, Susan
28 USCLaw magazine
This spring, Ron Garet, one of USC Gould’s most beloved and respected professors was honored and feted at an event that highlighted his 40 years in the classroom. Much to the dismay of his students and colleagues, but with their characteristic understanding too, Garet retired in May. He was widely heralded by students, faculty and
alumni as epitomizing and fostering attention to ethical ideals. “He leads by example and encourages us to be the best that we can be, and in so doing improves all of us,” said USC Gould Prof. Greg Keating, who has known Garet for more than 25 years. Garet’s studies included theological ethics and constitutional law, especially in areas where the two fields intersect. He taught thousands of USC Gould students, in courses ranging from Constitutional Law and Law, Language and Values to Law Informed by Faith and Concepts in American Law. “Ron has been an absolutely indispensable member of our faculty,” said Dean Andrew Guzman. “He has served the law school and the university in so many different ways that it is impossible to list them all. Yet what I think makes Ron indispensable is less about his accomplishments, but more about who he is. What matters the most to me is how he has demonstrated how to lead with sensitivity and gentleness, while modeling an openness of spirit and high regard for others.” In addition to his teaching, Garet and his wife, Susan, served as the faculty residents at Terrace, the USC student residence hall for first-year law students. The Garets provided “hominess” and counsel — especially for first-year law students who are prone to stress and uncertainty. “They don’t need enrichment activities. They need friendship, support and hominess. And
