Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Blog

The 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Amy Rombyer Tripp (Blair Moody Class, 1996) and Karen Truszkowski (Richard H. Flannigan Class, 1999). The coveted award is presented at the annual meeting of the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association, and this past year, the virtual ceremony was held on November 19, 2020. Recipients are chosen by the Past President's Committee of the Alumni Association and awarded annually. 

On May 1 each year, thousands of people and organizations across the nation participate in Law Day, celebrating the role of law in American society. Of the many events that make up Law Day, few capture its spirit as well as a program first developed in our own state, the Liberty Bell Award. The award honors persons or entities outside of the legal profession that have contributed to a greater understanding of our legal system, participated in it to the betterment of their communities, or helped to strengthen and improve the American system of justice.

An adjunct professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, Stacey Dinser might be considered a bountiful giver.  It’s just something that comes naturally to her. It then is no surprise that her dedication and enthusiasm for teaching the law have resulted in her being honored with the 2018 Frederick J. Griffith III Adjunct Faculty Award.

This blog was originally published on February 14, 2015. “Who needs just red roses and dark chocolate when what I really love is working together and solving problems with my husband as a team,” exclaimed Elizabeth Devolder about the couple’s Valentine win in the ABA Client Counseling Regional Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Feb. 8th. 

WMU–Cooley and its professors have always been known for teaching and advocating for the use of plain language in the legal profession. The professors have written several books and countless articles on the subject, edited legal writing journals and columns, and won national and international recognition for their work. And now, because of two professors’ efforts, the school has received a ClearMark Award from the U.S. Center for Plain Language.

At 31, life has already been a roller coaster ride for Lindsey Messenger. Yet every single high and low has taught her something. Never one to shy away from anything new or to challenge herself, she's learned a lot over her short life. She's learned some valuable life lessons, and what she wants to do, and what she doesn't. 

Being given a chance to excel, to find your own path and be encouraged every step of the way is a "gift" that can last a lifetime. When those who have received this gift pass it on to someone up and coming, its value is increased manyfold.

Sometimes it’s just serendipity when life takes you where you didn’t know you wanted to go. That’s how third-year WMU-Cooley Law School student Danielle Lofton might describe how she finally found the career path meant for her.

Melanie White has always had an interest in equal justice for all. After learning that her mother had taken the LSAT and was accepted to the Detroit College of Law, Melanie’s yearning for the law grew stronger. It stems from her strong feelings and interest in wanting to make sure people are treated fairly, with respect, and with justice. 

When Rosston Lloyd Ramsey was born, his parents chose his name because they thought it sounded “judicial” and befitting of their hopes that he would someday be a judge. Today, as Ramsey prepares to graduate from WMU-Cooley Law School’s Auburn Hills campus, he is getting closer to fulfilling his parents’ desires.