The charter class of the Elon University School of Law was formally welcomed Aug. 10 by several community leaders and representatives of local, state and national bar associations. Details…
Elon University President Leo M. Lambert welcomed the 115 members of the charter class, saying he could “feel a sense of history” as the inaugural year got under way. Lambert explained Elon’s strong community values and commitment to excellence and service. He also said the law school’s location in downtown Greensboro provided the students with excellent resources, which will have a great impact on the quality of the academic program.
 Law School dean Leary Davis told students they create the school of law…
>> Listen to comments by Dean Leary Davis… |
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>>Listen to comments by Jim Melvin… QT_WriteOBJECT_XHTML(‘http://www.elon.edu/e-net/sound/lawopening/melvinwelcome2.mp3’, ‘240’, ’16’, ”, |
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Greensboro Mayor Keith Holliday asked law students to get involved in the community and talked about the wonderful renaissance taking place downtown. William Hoyle welcomed students on behalf of the Greensboro Bar Association, Tom Lunsford spoke on behalf of the North Carolina State Bar and Alan Head represented the North Carolina Bar Association. Head said the school’s emphasis on leadership is important, and encouraged students to connect with their communities as they begin their legal careers. |
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Ward Black told they students they are about to take on important roles as community leaders. “Society is going to look to you to solve problems,” she said. “You can wreak a whole lot of havoc, or you can do a whole lot of good.” >>Listen to comments by Ward Black… |
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>>Listen to comments by A.P. Carlton… |
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>>Listen to comments by Judge Ben Tennille… QT_WriteOBJECT_XHTML(‘http://www.elon.edu/e-net/sound/lawopening/tenillewelcome.mp3’, ‘240’, ’16’, ”, Students concluded their welcome session by proceeding through a lineup of applauding law school faculty members and members of the legal community. They received a binder that will be used as they begin to compile the first papers of their legal education. |
Jim Melvin, the president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation who led the efforts to locate the school in Greensboro, recalled the first efforts to find a suitable facility and raise the necessary funding. He said the fundraising was easy because the school was such an obvious asset to the community.
Janet Ward Black, a Greensboro attorney and president-elect of the North Carolina Bar Association, advised students to “be a sponge” and absorb every bit of their education. She reminded the students that they are ambassadors for the school and will help shape public opinion about the quality of the program. 
A.P. Carlton, former president of the American Bar Association and a member of the Elon Law School advisory board, said the goal is to create one of the leading schools in the nation. He told students they have a wonderful future ahead of them…
Judge Ben Tennille, of the North Carolina Business Court, welcomed students on behalf of all North Carolina judges. Tennille’s court is located within the law school and uses the school’s courtroom. He told the students he is envious of the opportunities they have available to them…