Toledo Law Commencement Honors Students, Faculty
June 20, 2016
On May 8, 2016, The University of Toledo College of Law celebrated its annual commencement exercises. In addition to the conferring of Juris Doctor and Master of Studies in Law degrees, both students and faculty were honored for their contributions to Toledo Law and the legal academy.
Trisha Krewson was presented with the Class of 2016's Valedictorian Award. Ms. Krewson received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and served as Editor-in-Chief of The University of Toledo Law Review during her final year at Toledo Law. In the fall, Ms. Krewson will begin a clerkship with the Honorable James G. Carr of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Following her clerkship, she will work as an associate attorney for Jones Day in its Cleveland, Ohio, office.
"Trisha is easily one of the top three students I have ever had the joy of teaching in my 12 years as a law professor," said Professor Nicole Porter. "Whether it was writing her law review note or other papers, working as my research assistant, or serving as the editor-in-chief of our law review, Trisha always gave her best effort, and it showed."
Kolet Buenavides received the Dean's Award, an honor that is given to a graduate who has made a significant contribution to the College of Law. Ms. Buenavides served as President of the International Law Society and Chief Justice of Toledo Law's Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. She also won the Outstanding Oralist award at the 2015 Beijing Foreign Studies University-Wanhuida Cup Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition in Beijing, China. Previously, Ms. Buenavides received her bachelor's degree from Muskingum College.
"Kolet has added depth and diversity to the College of Law and the larger University community," said Katherine O'Connell, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. "As Chief Justice of Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) and President of the International Law Society, she spearheaded a full complement of charitable, social and educational programs enriching the student experience for many others here at the College of Law."
Faculty members were also recognized. Each year, the graduating class selects one faculty member as the winner of the Outstanding Professor Award for Dedication to Legal Education. This year, graduating students selected Professor Eric Chaffee as the award's winner. Arnold Finkbine, the 2015-2016 Student Bar association President, described Professor Chaffee as someone who "genuinely cared about our education, career, and personal lives" and always took the time to say hello and talk to students.
For the second year in a row, Professor Chaffee also won the Beth Eisler First-Year Teaching Award, selected by a vote of the 1L class. First year student Breanne Hitchen noted that Professor Chaffee "finds a way to keep class interesting and ensures that we know and understand the material." Ms. Hitchen also mentioned Chaffee's availability and encouragement, saying "the vast majority of my class has been to his office, whether it be for help with class or to be reminded that law school is tough, but we should never give up."
Gregory Gilchrist, an associate professor of law, was honored with the inaugural Faculty Scholarship Award for his article Trial Bargaining. Published in the Iowa Law Review in January 2016, it has received positive mention from scholars, practitioners, judges, and legal websites. Professor Gilchrist's article has already been cited in a new book by a leading criminal law scholar, responded to by a former judge, and become a popular download on SSRN. "Trial Bargaining is bold, cogent, and timely," says associate dean for academic affairs Geoffrey Rapp. "It is a fitting first winner for this award, which recognizes the top flight research being done at UT."