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Monday Morning Message 6.25.2018: “Our Obligations to our Students”
“Earlier this year I struggled and needed help. I honestly remembered being in orientation and the woman from the counseling center came to talk to us about staying sane and to be on the lookout for substance abuse. Because of that, I reached out and got the help I need.” - Cleveland-Marshall first-year student, Spring 2018
The recent tragic suicides of famed fashion designer Kate Spade and famed chef and television host, Anthony Bourdain, and the disturbing patterns of racial and sexual discrimination, and sexual harassment throughout our country have, once again, made me reflect about our obligations to each other and to our students, staff, and faculty ….especially our students.
Monday Morning Message 6.18.2018: “Your Room for Improvement is Always Your Biggest Room”
“Thank you for organizing such a wonderful and meaningful graduation ceremony. With the risk of sounding corny, for me it was like an out-of-body experience. I could not stop smiling during the entire day, knowing that I did it, that I survived, and I definitely came out stronger than I went into it three years ago… I just needed to let you know how much I appreciate the life-changing opportunity and experience I received from CMLAW.”-Erika Molnar ’18
Some people collect wine, antique furniture, fine art, coins, or trading cards. I collect speeches and talks because, to me, there is nothing more inspiring than when the written word meets the human voice. A great speech has meaning that transcends the immediate moment.
Monday Morning Message 6.11.2018: “What's the Greatest Gift to a Law School?”
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” – Maya Angelou
“Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.” – Chris Diaz
There is no greater gift to a law school and no greater testament to the quality of its students, faculty, and staff, than a strong, loyal alumni network. I will be forever grateful for our supportive and engaged alumni, led by our dedicated Alumni Association and Board of Visitors, who pay it forward every day.
Monday Morning Message 6.4.2018: “My Notorious Granddaughter”
“The women of my generation and my daughter's generation, they were very active in moving along the social change that would result in equal citizenship stature for men and women.” – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (aka “RBG”)
“How fortunate I was to be alive and a lawyer when, for the first time in United States history, it became possible to urge, successfully, before legislatures and courts, the equal citizenship stature of women and men as a fundamental constitutional principle.” - RBG
A few days ago, Peggy and I saw the excellent documentary film “RBG” about the inspiring, groundbreaking career of U. S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Monday Morning Message 5.21.2018: “Summer Reading for Lawyer-Leaders”
“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” – Ernest Hemingway
“So many books, so little time.” - Frank Zappa
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” -James Baldwin
My mother, Elaine “Boots” Fisher, was a voracious reader. When she died, my family established a special collection in her name of Newbery and Caldecott Medal and Honor children’s books at the Shaker Heights Public Library.
Monday Morning Message 5.14.2018: “Our Turn to Bend Down and Help Pick Someone Up”
“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron
“A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells hundreds of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that individuality is the key to success.” - Robert Orben
“It’s not easy being a mother. If it were, fathers would do it.” - Dorothy, The Golden Girls
This past weekend was very special for me both personally and professionally. Saturday was the Cleveland State University Commencement, and I had the rare privilege of proudly handing a diploma to my daughter, Jessica, who graduated with a B.A. in social work.
Monday Morning Message 5.7.2018: “Four Examples Why We Are On The Rise”
“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.” -Colleen Wilcox
One of the greatest benefits of my position as Dean is working with our outstanding faculty. They not only inspire our students, they inspire me.
Over the next year, I will highlight the work of each of our dedicated professors in my Monday Morning Message. This morning, I am pleased to highlight the work of four of our faculty -Professor Carolyn Broering-Jacobs, Professor Patti Falk, Professor Claire Robinson May, and Professor Milena Sterio.
Monday Morning Message 4.30.2018: “Reflections on a One-Year Anniversary”
"None of us is as smart as all of us." - Ken Blanchard
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
This week is my one-year anniversary as Dean, and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the C|M|LAW community over these past two years, first as Interim Dean, and over the past year as Dean. I remain excited and grateful for this unique opportunity.
Monday Morning Message 4.23.2018: “I Couldn't Have Done This Without You”
“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” – Socrates
“The best thing about being a teacher is that it matters. The hardest thing about being a teacher is that it matters every day.” -Todd Whitaker
We are a law school that is student-centered. That would not be possible without our outstanding Cleveland-Marshall faculty. Our faculty members offer a level of accessibility, support, encouragement, and interaction that many law schools don’t offer.
Monday Morning Message 4.16.2018: “Bridging the Gap Between Law School and the World”
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
We are a law school that ensures that our students are practice-ready. Our excellent Civil Litigation, Transactional, and Community Advocacy Clinics connect our students with the practice of law in creative ways that allow us to use the city and the courts as our classroom.
There are many examples, but below is just a brief glimpse into last week in our Civil Litigation Clinic.
Last week our students: