BLSA Wins Midwest Chapter of the Year—Again
Marking its fourth victory in five years, the Law School’s chapter of the Black Law Students Association has been named the 2015-16 Midwest Regional “Chapter of the Year.” The honor puts BLSA in the running for the national award, which they won in 2013-14.
“Winning the Midwest Chapter of the Year Award is an honor for us because it highlights BLSA’s ongoing commitment to enriching our campus community,” said BLSA President Kyle Panton, ’17. “Collaborating with and alongside dedicated students and administrators on a daily basis to bridge the gap between the Law School and the surrounding communities has been both a privilege and an honor. This recognition from the Midwest Black Law Students Association makes me proud of the work my fellow members and I have accomplished thus far, and gives me hope for what we can accomplish together in the future.”
The award recognizes commitment to community service, professional development, and academic and social support. Panton said he is “extremely proud of all of the programs that my fellow BLSA members worked hard to develop and implement.”
“Some of the most rewarding projects BLSA has worked on this year are ones that succeeded in our aims to create and reinforce community,” he said. “Our clothing drive for Pacific Garden Mission Homeless Shelter, tabling programs, and lunch talk programs concerning diversity are all prime examples of events that strengthen relationships between organizations in the community, alumni of the Law School, and students on campus. Bringing people from a myriad of backgrounds and environments together to create enriching educational opportunities is a main goal of BLSA, and one of the many ways that BLSA members work to give back to our community.”
Dean of Students Amy M. Gardner said the recognition was well-deserved.
“We are so proud to see BLSA once again recognized for their hard work and commitment,” Gardner said. “They have brought important programming to the Law School, including their recent line-up of speakers during Black History Month. This is a terrific honor.”