CWSL Celebrates Centennial with Alumni Golf Tournament and Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner
SAN DIEGO (September 24, 2024) – Spirits were high and the fairways were forgiving at the Rancho Bernardo Inn golf course this past Friday afternoon, as close to 60 California Western School of Law (CWSL) graduates competed in the Alumni Golf Tournament, part of CWSL’s ongoing celebration of its centennial. Among the alumni in attendance, the competition was friendly and the camaraderie was clear, as groups of friends and families formed on our campus cherished being together again.
The festivities continued into the evening as over 100 alumni came to Rancho Bernardo Inn for a cocktail hour, dinner, and Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony. During the ceremony, Erin Scharnweber, CWSL’s Senior Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, welcomed the evening’s keynote speaker, President and Dean Sean Scott, noting some of the more significant metrics of Dean Scott’s tenure: $10 Million raised in just three years as part of the Centennial campaign; $3 Million and an additional $1 million in matching funds – the largest gift in the school’s history – for an endowed chair focused on racial justice, a speaker series addressing diversity and antiracism, and direct student support, through scholarships, bar study awards, and public interest internships; and $230,000 raised in the last year for our Bar Study Support Fund.
Dean Scott spoke about CWSL’s adaptability in the course of its 100-year history, how it has changed with the times to continue to serve the needs of its students. In its earliest years, California Western professors adapted their approach and developed innovative courses to help make students practice-ready. And today, the school continues to adapt—recognizing the momentous shift that AI will pose for students as they enter a rapidly evolving market. Dean Scott expressed her gratitude to all of the alumni in attendance for their continued support of CWSL through their philanthropic contributions, mentoring students, and offering internships or clerkships.
The evening closed with the Distinguished Alumni Awards, given to four individuals excelling in their fields:
The Honorable Tila Nunn-Miller received the Distinguished Judicial Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have made significant contributions through their service as judges. This award recognizes their dedication to justice, leadership in the judiciary, and enduring impact on the legal community.
Geneviéve Jones-Wright received the Distinguished Practitioner Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have made significant contributions to the legal profession through their practice. This award recognizes their excellence in legal service and commitment to client advocacy.
Mark Simpliciano won the Rising Star Award, recognizing alumni who have graduated within the past ten years and have already made a significant impact in the legal field. This award celebrates their early promise and leadership potential.
Professor William Aceves received the California Western School of Law Legacy Award, the highest accolade the school bestows. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to California Western through their service, philanthropy, and leadership. Since joining the CWSL faculty in 1998, Professor Aceves has made over 450 contributions to the school.
California Western School of Law is grateful to the sponsors who helped make the Centennial event possible:
Gold Sponsor, Hughes & Pizzuto
Silver Sponsors, HHJ Trial Attorneys and Ford, Walker, Haggerty & Behar
Bronze Sponsors, Bradford & Barthel, Butterfield Schechter, and Finn Trial Attorneys
CWSL also extends its appreciation to Alumni Association Board member, Honorable Lawrence Winthrop, who sponsored lunch and refreshments for the golf tournament; the California Western Alumni Association Board, who sponsored the cocktail reception following the tournament; Blood Hurst & O'Reardon and Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin, who sponsored the tournament contests; and Enright Law and Enright Digital for their hole sponsorships.