the unveiling of the portrait of the honorable lupe salinas · the unveiling of the portrait of the...

YOUR MONTHLY THURGOOD MARSHALL SCHOOL OF LAW ELECTRONIC NEWS & INFORMATION SOURCE FROM THE OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS – (713) 313-1197 May 2013 1 of 12

The Unveiling of the Portrait of The Honorable Lupe Salinas

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 marked the unveiling of the portrait of TMSL’s Honorable

Lupe Salinas. The event took place in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, the

Honorable Mark K. Ellis, Judge Presiding. Attorney Joe C. Matta served as the

Master of Ceremonies. Distinguished speakers included:

Jules Johnson, Assistant Public Defender, Harris County, Texas, Alumnus, Texas

Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Benny Agosto, Jr., Immediate Past President, Hispanic National Bar Association, &

First Vice President, Houston Bar Ass’n

Angelica Hernandez, Immediate Past President, Mexican American Bar Association

of Houston

Daniel Ramirez, President, Houston Hispanic Bar Association

The Hon. Mark W. White, Former Governor of Texas stated in his remarks that it

was a pleasure “to honor a man who has been a foot solider in the army of justice...we honor him today but he has honored us in

the way he serves.”

Judge Manuel D. Leal, Jr., Retired Bankruptcy Judge and Professor of Law, Texas Southern

University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in his keynote remarks, gave reflections regarding

Judge Salinas’ “commitment to honesty, truthfulness...and high integrity... (Salinas) stands for

Integrity.”

Kay Sim of the Houston Bar Association conducted the Unveiling of Judge Salinas’ portrait; fol-

lowed by heartfelt remarks from the honoree himself, Judge Lupe Salinas. The event was well

attended by many of his colleagues, supporters, family and friends!!

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

Thurgood Marshall School of Law will host the 2014 Southeast/Southeast People of Color conference beginning on Thursday,

February 27, 2014, and ending Sunday, March 2, 2014. Professor Cassandra Hill will serve as conference chair, Professor

L. Darnell Weeden will serve as vice-chair, and Professor Walter Champion will serve on the executive committee. The

2013 conference recently was hosted by the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock where

presenters included Earl Carl Professor of Law Constance Fain and Professors L. Darnell Weeden and Walter Champion.

Hosting this regional conference in 2014 represents a significant coup for TMSL.

Professor and Associate Dean Asmara Tekle, together with Ms. Shante Clark-Davis, Electronic Resources Librarian, and

Mr. Stephen T. Zapatka, Technical Services Specialist, will serve as co-panelists on a panel entitled, “How Do You Deliver?.

. . An Example of How Technology Has Changed the Face of Meetings and Collaboration,” to discuss their collaborations and

use of technology this academic year at the 2013 CALI conference on law school computing at Chicago-Kent College of Law in

Chicago, IL, in June 2013. The theme of the conference is “Driving Innovation.”

Ms. Shante Clark-Davis

Not Pictured

Professor Stephanie Smith Ledesma judged the National Moot

Court Competition in Child Welfare and Adoption Law held on

March 15th and 16th in Columbus, Ohio.

(Pictured): Herb Brail of the American Academy of Adoption Attor-

neys, Stephanie Ledesma of the National Association of Counsel for

Children, Rich Simpson, Dean of Capital University Law School,

Sara Martin, Erica Blankenship and Gary Tyack, Ohio 10th Circuit

Court of Appeals (from left to right)

YOUR MONTHLY THURGOOD MARSHALL SCHOOL OF LAW

ELECTRONIC NEWS & INFORMATION SOURCE FROM THE OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS – (713) 313-1197

May 2013 2 of 12

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

TMSL HOST 2014 SE/SW PEOPLE OF COLOR CONFERENCE

Mark your calendars! Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law will host the 2014 SE/SW Peo-

ple of Color Legal Scholarship Conference on February 27 to March 2, 2014, in Houston, Texas.

Planning for the conference is well underway. And, as always, the 2014 conference will include thought-provoking

and impactful plenary and panel discussions and works-in-progress sessions. In addition, the conference will provide

time to explore the city of Houston, the historic Third Ward area, and Texas Southern University and opportunities

for colleagues and friends to reconnect. More details to come soon.

If you have any questions, please contact Professor Cassandra Hill, Chair or the Executive Planning Committee mem-

bers listed below. Tell all your friends and colleagues that we hope to see them next year in Houston!

FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION:

Professor Cassandra L. Hill at [email protected]

FOR PROGRAM INQUIRIES:

Professor Adjoa Aiyetoro at [email protected]

or

Professor Jamila Jefferson-Jones at [email protected]

FOR WORKS IN PROGRESS INFORMATION:

Professor Ilya Iussa at [email protected]

or

Professor Jalila Jefferson-Bullock at [email protected]

FOR THE SE/SW STUDENT WRITING COMPETITION INFORMATION:

Linh Dai at [email protected]

or

Professor Victoria Taylor at [email protected]



May 2013 3 of 12

mailto:[email protected]




mailto:[email protected]%20



FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Welcome Ms. L. Monique Gonzalez

Associate Director and Legal Research Instructor

L. Monique Gonzalez earned her B.A. in English and Minor in Spanish from Texas A&M Univer-

sity (College Station, Texas) in 1996; J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern

University in 1998; and M.L.I.S. from the University of North Texas in 2005. She is admitted to the

Bar in the state of Texas. After law school, she practiced in the area of Family Law with the Law

Office of Dessiray Cusic. After completing her Library Science degree, she joined the Thurgood

Marshall School of Law Library as Learning Resources Librarian and Legal Research Instructor.

She went on to serve as Head of Access Services and Legal Research Instructor at the Tarlton Law

Library at the University of Texas School of Law. Her professional accomplishments include man-

aging Texas Law Help, a statewide initiative to increase access to justice utilizing technology, and

overseeing the Judicial and Court Personnel Training Fund--a legislative appropriation--which pro-

vides funding for continuing legal education and technical assistance projects for judges, court per-

sonnel, prosecuting attorneys, and criminal defense attorneys who regularly represent indigent de-

fendants. Her experience as an attorney and law librarian has led her to develop a particular interest

in access to justice issues.

Ms. Gonzalez is excited to return to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Library as Associate Director and Legal Research

Instructor. She looks forward to managing the day-to-day operations of the law library and teaching Legal Research. She hopes

to create a vibrant and supportive environment in the law library where intellectual pursuits flourish.

Ms. Gonzalez is located in room 134 of the law library administrative offices. She may be contacted via her direct extension is

(713) 313-1009 or [email protected]

Administrative Professionals Luncheon

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 Dean Holley hosted the 2013 Administrative Professional Luncheon in the faculty lounge. The

luncheon celebrated the diligent administrative professionals at TMSL and gave appreciation for their outstanding service. Eve-

ryone received a gift of gratitude from the Dean and enjoyed a room filled with laughter, love & happiness



May 2013 4 of 12

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

2013 HOODING CEREMONY

FRIDAY MAY 10, 2013

6:30 P.M.

T.S.U. Health and Physical Education Arena

3100 Cleburne Ave

Houston, Texas

Reception following ceremony

Sterling Life Center Cafeteria

2013 COMMENCEMENT

SATURDAY MAY 11, 2013

9:30 A.M.

T.S.U. Health and Physical Education Arena



May 2013 5 of 12

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

3L Students Shakeatha Davis & Idris Ashimi named 2013 Presidential Management Fellows

TMSL’s Shakeatha Davis and Idris Ashimi were among the 663 selected out of 12,000 candidates to serve as the 2013

Presidential Management Fellows (PMF). The PMF program was created by Executive order to identify the best

candidates with a potential to serve as future government leaders.

This is a two-year appointment at a single Federal Agency whereby each fellow will receive a salary and added

benefits.

Join us in congratulating Shakeatha & Idris!

TMSL Awards Ceremony

The Office of Student Affairs hosted the annual TMSL Awards Ceremony on April 20, 2013, in the Moot Court Room. The

guest speaker was Sam Lewis, Honors Graduate of TMSL in 1989. Mr. Louis is an Assistant United States Attorney for the

Southern District of Texas. He is currently the Deputy Criminal Chief of the Program Fraud section of the U.S. Attorney’s Of-

fice and the Health Care Fraud Coordinator.

The Awards Ceremony is held to honor students who have achieved outstanding grades in law school courses. The program

lists each course taught in spring and fall 2012. The professor who teaches the class notifies the office of the exam number with

the highest grade in the class. The office decodes the number and indicates the name of the student. All the information regard-

ing the individual accomplishments in classes are placed in a souvenir program distributed at the ceremony (copies are available

by contacting the Office of Student Affairs at [email protected]).

TMSL Alum, Elvin P. Ross III has awarded the top three (3) 3L students with the Elvin P. Ross III Peer Excellence Award for

the past five (5) consecutive years. This is a monetary award given in celebration of the outstanding academic achievements of

the top students. The 2013 top three students in order are the following:

Congratulations to all awardees!!!



May 2013 6 of 12

Rodolfo

Morales

Shelley Pennell Karin Galindo

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

2012-13 SBA President's Message:

The Executive Board of the Student Bar Association was proud to host the annual Thurgood

Marshall School of Law School Barrister’s Ball at the St. Regis hotel in Houston, TX. The Stu-

dent Bar Association was grateful to have the opportunity to host the annual social event that

highlights a few of the many accomplishments that make our history so rich while increasing

camaraderie among all those associated with the preservation and enrichment of that history. In

a rapidly changing world, the people we choose to associate with are more important than ever.

TMSL Students, Faculty, Staff and alumni chose to be a part of the Thurgood Marshall School

of Law family. We appreciate you and welcome you into a family of humility, guided princi-

ples, and who embraces change.

The 2012-2013 school year has been an exciting journey for us all. We are so proud of the work

our Moot Court and Mock trials team are doing across the nation. It is inspiring to see the class

of 2013 securing competitive positions in the federal government, private practice and busi-

ness. Our twenty-three student led organizations continue to enhance the law school experience

through the coordination of various professional, social, and extracurricular activities. Many of

them have been recognized both locally and nationally for their community service efforts.

This year’s Barrister’s Ball is especially monumental as it’s the first time we set out to increase ticket sales with the goal of allo-

cating awards to current students in order to offset the costs associated with attending law school and studying for the bar ex-

am. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to all who supported this event. Together, we're setting a precedence of focusing on

the financial needs of our students and making a commitment to invest in their success. We are confident that contributions to

this cause will continue to grow with each annual Thurgood Marshall School of Law Barrister’s Ball. We hope that you enjoyed

the event and look forward to your continued support. IT was an honor and pleasure to serve the TMSL student body. I wish

you all success in your legal careers. Although I will no longer walk the halls of TMSL everyday, I will still embody our motto

and do all that I can to Protect It, Improve It, & Pass It On!!

The TMSL 2013-14 SBA Board



May 2013 7 of 12

Student Bar Association

President - Gaven Norris

Vice-President – David Espinoza

Secretary – Mickey Rayford

Historian – Jessica Smith

Sergeant-at-Arms – Rick Ramos

3L Class

President – Rahan Atia

Vice-President – Amir Tavakkoli

2L Class

President – Angela Nicewonder

Vice-President – Nick Perez

Professor of the Year - Fernando

Colon-Navarro

Staff of the Year - Mona Bledsoe

Secretary – Andrew Atchison

Honor Court

Prosecutor – Mary Williams

Justice – Anthony Hynes

Justice – Philesha Torrence

Clerk – Andrew Atchison

Mr. and Ms. TMSL

Mr. TMSL - Jonathan Everhart

Ms. TMSL - Syvondia Bailey

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS



May 2013 8 of 12

OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES

TMSL’s Andreaus Boise-Fontenot receives Two Highly Recognized Honors in Career Services

We are proud to announce that Mrs. Andreaus Boise-Fontenot is the 2013-2015 winner of the Southeastern Regional Repre-

sentative for NALP (The National Association for Legal Career Professionals).

Mrs. Boise-Fontenot will focus on regional interests, concerns, interaction, and communication with Southeastern region law

schools and law firms which is comprised of 14 states and 48 law schools. Collectively, the Regional Representatives will form

the Regional Resource Council, which will be led by NALP’s Vice-President for Member Services and Education. A corner-

stone of NALP’s mission is to help members connect with each other so they can collaborate and share expertise, research and

best practices. Mrs. Boise-Fontenot and the other law school representative will play a critical role in fulfilling NALP’s mission

and will help us to strengthen lines of communications between and among members, volunteers and staff.

Among other responsibilities, the Regional Representatives will advise the membership about NALP initiatives, write articles

for NALP publications, welcome new members, lead, coordinate and participate in regional meetings; and share respective ex-

pertise and knowledge to the Southeastern Region. Mrs. Boise-Fontenot will serve as a liaison with city groups, law firms and

law school consortia, as well as act as an ambassador within this region. Because this is a relatively new role (two years), NALP

is excited that the Regional Representatives will be creative and innovative as they look for ways to fulfill their roles.

Those elected to this position are self-starters with energy, ideas and strong organizational and communication skills. Mrs. Boi-

se-Fontenot’s dedication, tenacity and commitment to excellence has propelled her in this position on the first round of nomina-

tions, and she has risen above her peers as the only coordinator in the position of regional representative council. In addition to

the position of Regional Council, Mrs. Boise-Fontenot was also asked to serve in the position of Chair of the Southeastern Mi-

nority Job Fair. The Southeastern Minority Job Fair (SEMJF) provides legal employers throughout the United States an oppor-

tunity to interview second and third year law students, as well as recent graduates, from 50+ ABA-approved law schools located

in the following 14 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma,

South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. In past years, approximately 140 employers have interviewed

over 900 students during the two day job fair. Join us in Congratulating Mrs. Boise-Fontenot !!



May 2013 9 of 12


ELECTRONIC NEWS & INFORMATION SOURCE

FROM THE OFFICE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS – (713) 313-1197

May 2013 10 of 12

UPCOMING EVENTS

NBA 88th Annual Convention

TMSL Alumni & Friends Breakfast

Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Location: Fountainbleu Hotel

South Beach, Miami, FL

Time: 7:00am

Mojitos in Miami


Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Location: Fountainbleu Hotel, Sorrento Ocean view

Suite

South Beach, Miami, FL

Time: 8:00pm - Midnight

State Bar of Texas

TMSL Alumni & Friends Reception

Date: Thursday, June 20, 2013

Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm

Place: Hilton Anatole

Location: Dallas, Texas

Address: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207

June 20th-21st

State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting and Alumni

& Friends Reception

Location: Hilton Anatole

2201 N. Stemmons Freeway

Dallas, TX 75207

Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm

July 28th-August 1st



4441 Collins Ave.

Miami Beach, FL 33140

July 30th

TMSL, Houston Lawyers Association & NBA

Region V present Mojitos in Miami Alumni &

Friends Reception


4441 Collins Ave.


Sorrento Ocean view Suite

Time: 8:00pm-Midnight

July 31st

TMSL Alumni & Friends Breakfast


4441 Collins Ave.


Time: 7:00am




May 2013 11 of 12

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 7th

Faculty Meeting

Location: Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Time: 12:00pm

May 10th

Hooding Ceremony

Location: Texas Southern University HP&E building

Time: 6:30pm

May 11th

Commencement

Location: Texas Southern University HP&E building

Time: 9:30am

May 27th

Memorial Day-University Holiday

INSIDE THURGOOD NEWS REQUEST

Please submit your news, events and announcements in email text or word

documents to Brittani Halliburton by the 25th of the PRIOR month,

[email protected]. Please be brief, but ensure that important

details and information are included.

MAY BIRTHDAYS Recycle reminder

Go Green! Let’s remember to recycle our used bottles! The recycle bins are located in two areas

of the law school and emptied every morning!

Let’s do our part!




May 2013 12 of 12

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rita Johnson

8th

DeCarlous Spearman

12th

Lucinda Daniels

31st

the unveiling of the portrait of the honorable lupe salinas · the unveiling of the portrait of the...

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