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Monday Morning Message 6.29.20 Invest in Equal Justice
“I have found that there is a true dedication to the motto of "Learn Law. Live Justice." that is demonstrated every single day.” -Melissa Obodzinski’ 22
“Learn Law. Live Justice. is more than just coursework, papers, exams...it's a principle of devotion to making lives better for the people who need our help... that's why we signed up for this journey...” - Sharon Kay Bäden’19
This morning I am asking for your help in these final days before the end of our fiscal year.
Your support has never been more important. Let me explain why.
Monday Morning Message 6.22.20 Keep Going
“Hopelessness is the enemy of justice.” -Bryan Stevenson
“ The elemental sermon embedded into the history and lore of Juneteenth has always been one of hope. The gifts of the holiday are the moments of connection, renewal and joy for a people who have had to endure so much, for so long. To me, Juneteenth matters because it says: Keep going, the future you want is coming.” -Veronica Chambers
No one could be blamed for feeling overwhelmed in light of a global pandemic that has revealed an unprepared public health care system, a fragile economy, and racial, health and economic disparities.
Monday Morning Message 6.15.20 Carrying the Torch
“Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it over to future generations.” ― George Bernard Shaw
We are living through a defining moment in history. The convergence of two pandemics is testing our mission, "Learn Law. Live Justice."
Coronavirus is testing our resolve to Learn Law. The virus of racism is testing our resolve to Live Justice.
Monday Morning Message 6.8.20 No Room for Silence.
“We stand with CSU’s finest – our students. There is no more powerful statement than their words which come from the heart. The future we are all thinking about belongs to them. A challenge for all of us: let’s look inside of ourselves. Consider our own conscious and unconscious racial biases by questioning everything, listening more closely, and then – most important – becoming an active participant in changing our collective path forward. Each of us has something to contribute. Now.” - Cleveland State University President Harlan Sands
Monday Morning Message 6.1.20 Charge to our 2020 Graduates: Help Heal our Nation
“It is amazing to think that when we met 3 years ago you were only starting this journey…..While the current health crisis prevents us from being together physically on this momentous occasion, I have to confess to enjoying the intimacy of it just being you and me, in my home, where very few enter, for a short chat…..
Like you, I am an alum of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. We are now cut from the same cloth. When we were last together, you were aspirants. Now you are veterans of Law School, Covid-19 and, among other things, New Normals….No matter how legitimate your fears or concerns may be, remember, your legal degree--alone--arms you to withstand even a global pandemic.
Monday Morning Message 5.26.20 Above and Beyond: Our Students
“Learn how to dance with the unknown.” – Jonathan Fields, Uncertainty
This unprecedented semester recently ended, and I could not be more proud of our students. They leaned into the disruption and uncertainty and learned how to dance with the unknown.
Our students were forced to juggle the usual pressures of being a law student with a range of new and unexpected challenges, not of their making. They faced sudden and unexpected stress and faced these anxieties without the direct support networks they have built on campus.
Monday Morning Message 5.18.20 Above and Beyond: Our Staff
“I am unbelievably impressed and grateful for colleagues who have enthusiastically helped with new areas, learned new technology, tracked down answers across campus, moved entire departments (like the entire library!) to remote work overnight, kept in touch with alumni, helped with student questions, and just generally responded to crisis with grace and kindness.” – Sarah Beznoska, Assistant Dean for Student and Career Services
“Not a day goes by that I don't feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the C|M|LAW community. It's nice to be appreciated for the work we are accomplishing as a dedicated team during these unprecedented times.” – Marcie Rechner, Student Records Administrator
Monday Morning Message 5.11.20 Above and Beyond
“I have just been amazed at how wonderful Cleveland-Marshall's faculty has been throughout this entire process. It was evident to every student that the faculty was doing their best and were doing everything they could to make this situation better. Our professors were always reachable by email. Some provided their phone numbers and Zoom meetings to help answer questions. I never once thought that I was alone or abandoned… I have actually reflected on this last week and thought to myself, ‘If I had to be in law school during COVID-19, I am glad it is at Cleveland-Marshall.’ "– 1L Student
Monday Morning Message 4.4.2020 A COVID-19 Serenity Prayer for Final Exams
“Well, tests ain’t fair. Those that study have an unfair advantage.” – Allan Dare Pearce, Paris in April
“You can train your mind to not only handle the unease that comes from having to consistently act without having all the answers, but embrace and invite it as a signpost that what you’re doing matters….learn how to dance with the unknown.” - Jonathan Fields, Uncertainty
Final exams begin today and continue until May 15.
This morning’s message contains three separate messages to our students.
First, another special video message from our faculty and staff.
Second, my COVID-19 serenity prayer for final exams.
Monday Morning Message 4.27.2020 A Special Video Message to Our Students from Our Faculty and Staff!
“At a time when so much is uncertain, I'm particularly grateful for the steady flow of information and the many opportunities to provide input. I'm sure balancing the unique needs of students, faculty, and staff has been overwhelming, but your transparency throughout this process has made the situation a little less overwhelming for everyone else.” -2L Student
“It is the personal connection that has been shining through during this trying and transitional time… Everyone at the law school has gone out of their way to extend help in any way they can….That is why I grow happier every day about choosing Cleveland-Marshall.” -1L Student