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We are sad to share that Professor Emerita Rhoda Billings has passed away. A trailblazer, icon, and overall remarkable human being, Rhoda earned her law degree from Wake Forest Law in 1966, graduating as the only woman and first in her class.
Rhoda held numerous positions in the North Carolina judiciary, including as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. She also served on many state and national boards and commissions and volunteered with the North Carolina Bar Association in numerous capacities.
Rhoda joined the Wake Forest Law faculty in 1973, its first female law professor. In 2013, Wake Forest University awarded Rhoda with the Medallion of Merit. Her impact on our Law School, on Wake Forest, and on North Carolina is incomparable.
She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on. Read more about Rhoda in her obituary at the link in our bio. @wfualumni
Behind every Wake Forest Law student experience are programs and opportunities made possible by donor support, such as financial assistance, participation in student organizations and pro bono opportunities, and more. The Wake Forest Fund for the School of Law helps bring those experiences to life. Consider a gift to help make a difference in the lives of our students. Click the link in our bio to make your end-of-year gift.
Assistant Dean of Achievement and Impact Barbara Melendez was recently honored with the Friend of UMBA Award by the Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA). This annual award, one of UMBA’s most meaningful acknowledgements, recognizes individuals, institutions, and law firms that demonstrate exceptional support for UMBA and its mission. Recipients are celebrated not only for their achievements but for the impact they make through service, mentorship, and advocacy.
“Barbara Melendez is the embodiment of resilience and purpose,” said Amaris Leiataua, Dean Melendez’s former student and presenter of the UMBA award. “My law school journey and countless others’ exist because of Barbara’s unwavering belief that we all belong in this profession.”
Congratulations, Dean Melendez!
“I was working with a little boy and drove out to complete a home visit," says Iris Sunshine (JD `89), executive director of the Children`s Law Center. "He came outside to greet me and he hugged me. He grabbed me around the legs and I thought, ‘He knows I’m his person and that I’m here for him.’ He trusted me and he needed that connection. That’s why we are here. That’s why we do what we do.”
Read more about how Pro Humanitate shines through Iris’s work and her lifelong commitment to protecting children: https://wfu.law/sunshine
Congratulations to 3Ls Jakob Christopherson and Macey Tipton, whose papers were recognized in the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) Student Paper-Writing Contest.
Jakob’s paper, “The EPA: Kneecapping Pollution and Economic Growth,” earned first place. “My background in agriculture was a core motivation to attend law school, and to win the competition is a rewarding full-circle moment,” says Jakob. “Additionally, it was exciting to see two Wake Forest students place in the competition, which to me speaks volumes about the quality of the Wake Forest Law experience.”
Macey’s paper, “Sustainable Farming: Strategies for Large-Scale Biodigester Adoption on Small CAFO,” earned second place. “I’m honored to have received second place in the AALA Essay Contest," says Macey. "This accomplishment would not have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of Professor Murphy and Professor Plott, as well as the support of Wake Forest Law.”
Both students were honored at the AALA Annual Conference in Scottsdale in November. Jakob’s article will be published in the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law.
Learn more about two of our German Exchange students, Christoph Bonarius and Liam Marett! 🇩🇪 We are so happy to have had you at Wake Forest Law this semester.
Before they were shaping future lawyers, they were future professors. ✨
Celebrating #FacultyFriday by showcasing some of our faculty as baby deacs!
@wrightfzl @simone.rose.336 @cardiwj @ellenbakesellensews
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