News

Dwayne N. Knutsen ’85 has been elected chief judge of Minnesota’s 8th Judicial District by his fellow district court judges. Knutsen’s term of service will begin July 1, 2018.

At the Law School’s 130th commencement exercises on May 12, Dean Garry W. Jenkins presented three Law School faculty members with Stanley V. Kinyon Teacher of the Year Awards.

The award was established by family and friends in honor of the late Professor Stanley V. Kinyon ’33, a recognized commercial law scholar and member of the Law School faculty for 40 years.

This year’s recipients are:

In a reflective and heartfelt keynote address, Arne M. Sorenson ’83, president and CEO of Marriott International, recounted how the world and profession has changed in the 35 years since he graduated. On the positive side, he noted the great strides that have been made in technology and in recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusiveness. On the negative side, he pointed to the increasing divisiveness in discussions of politics.

At the May 12 commencement ceremony, five students were honored for distinguished academic, service, and leadership achievements at the Law School.

Alexis Dutt ’18 presented the two outstanding student awards selected by members of the Class of 2018—the Excellence in Public Service Award and the Most Outstanding Contribution Award.

On an overcast, cool, and crisp Saturday morning, the Law School held its 130th commencement exercises at Northrop Auditorium on May 12.

In his opening remarks, Dean Garry W. Jenkins congratulated the students on their hard-earned success and welcomed them to their new role as legal professionals who will be entrusted with the lives and affairs of their clients.

The Board of Regents yesterday approved the promotions of Steve Meili and Perry Moriearty to the rank of associate professor with tenure and Chris Soper, who will become associate clinical professor and director of legal writing.

The Law School welcomed graduates and their families for the 2018 Student Awards and Recognition Ceremony, held at 2 p.m. on May 11 in Lockhart Hall. The event acknowledged outstanding student achievement among those in the Class of 2018, prior to the May 12 commencement.

Lily Fu Claffee ’93 has been appointed general counsel of FOX News.

In making the announcement, FOX News Co-President Jack Abernethy said, “Lily has a distinguished legal career in both the private sector and in public service. We are pleased to add her extensive experience to our legal affairs team.”

Claffee added, “I look forward to embarking on this new and exciting role at an iconic network like FOX News, especially as the media landscape continues to undergo historic growth and change.”

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) has inducted Joan S. Howland, associate dean for information and technology and Roger F. Noreen Professor of Law, into its Hall of Fame.

Professors Susanna Blumenthal and Heidi Kitrosser have been appointed prestigious named professorships at the Law School.

Susanna Blumenthal will be the William L. Prosser Professor of Law and Heidi Kitrosser will assume the title of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Professor of Law on May 4.