The Dean's Message

Dear Alumni and Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I write to you as the new dean at Willamette University College of Law. We begin our 130th year by both congratulating one of our own, newly elected Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, and by welcoming the class of 2016. While meeting both alumni and students during the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the path from nervous first-year student to highly successful alumnus. I have heard how vividly our alumni recall their first classes, first jobs, and their then-uncertain futures, and I can’t help but think of these stories when I see our current students. It is a privilege to see this year’s first-year class begin their own journeys to similarly impressive careers that will make a real difference in the world.

Later in this issue I have an opportunity to talk about our priorities at the law school. Because I cannot say it enough, however, let me mention the two most important priorities here. First is the placement of our graduates in meaningful, fulfilling jobs. Although the class of 2012 did extremely well, our work on placement is never done. We need your help. When your firm or office is hiring, please interview Willamette graduates; when you hear of jobs elsewhere, please let us know. Our students leave Willamette well-prepared to practice law, many with meaningful experience already under their belts, and all of them ready to meet the challenges of practicing law in the 21st century. But their success depends on our alumni and other friends, and we appreciate your support.

Secondly, we at the law school want to reconnect with our alumni and friends outside the school, including many we may have lost touch with over the years. Our students come here to enjoy a small school with a student-focused learning environment, but also to join a large yet close-knit family of alumni. We want Willamette to be a part of your life throughout your career and beyond, not just a part of your past. I have had the privilege of visiting many of your offices and homes in my first few weeks, and I am so impressed by your hospitality, your pride in the school, and your readiness to make things happen. And for those of you I have not yet met, I hope we can get together soon. Our students will go exactly as far as our alumni take them, so please stay involved.

Thank you — it is my great pleasure to be here! I look forward to working with you.

Warmly,

Curtis Bridgeman

... our work on placement is never done. We need your help.