Dean Steven Kaminshine and Gov. Sonny Perdue

Event  Video and  Photos More on our 25th Anniversary

The College of Law’s 25th Anniversary Alumni Kickoff began with a luncheon featuring special guest speaker Gov. Sonny Perdue, followed by open house events at the college throughout the afternoon. The day was capped off in style with a reception at the future home of the COL in downtown Atlanta at SunTrust Plaza.

Dean Steven Kaminshine noted the day could not have been more of a success, as past and present law school faculty and alumni gathered to pay tribute to the College of Law’s silver anniversary.

“This day was a testament to those who built this law school,” the dean said. “So many people came together to help us relive our history and tell the story of the past 25 years since the college opened its doors to our first class of law students in the fall of 1982. We could not have been more pleased with the spectacular turnout and the enthusiasm of those present to celebrate our milestones and look ahead to an even brighter future.”

During the kickoff luncheon in the Georgia State Student Center Ballroom, Dean Kaminshine shared a commemorative narrative and audio/visual presentation, “Celebrating Our Story - Law School Memories.” A special conversation with three of the original COL faculty members who are still teaching at the law school today -- Ray Lanier, Lynn Hogue and Jim Bross -- was one of many highlights.

The luncheon guest speaker, the Hon. Gov. Sonny Perdue, was introduced by COL alum Rep. Rich Golick (‘92). During his remarks, the governor applauded the College of Law for overcoming its long challenges to become established, and for its many successes over the past 25 years.

“Think about all you’ve accomplished in 25 short years,” the governor remarked. “The efforts of Georgia State University’s College of Law during that time have resulted in a tough, determined, successful school with outstanding students, faculty and alumni who have given generously of themselves and made our community and state a better place. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate, important addition to Georgia’s higher education community, and I couldn’t imagine Atlanta without GSU Law.”

During open house activities at the COL following the luncheon, alumni continued to reconnect with classmates by visiting venues throughout the law school linked to the activities in which the engaged as students. All major student organizations were on hand for gatherings with alumni during the afternoon.

In addition, alumni enjoyed a con-law faculty debate featuring Professors Hogue and Eric Segall that asked the question, “Precedent or Politics on the Supreme Court: Which Governs?” Alums also had the chance to re-live their IL experience by  “re-taking” a Contracts class with Professor Corneill Stephens.

The late afternoon Alumni Reception festivities took place at the college’s future home at SunTrust Plaza at Edgewood and Peachtree Center Avenues. Live music and great food kept alumni celebrating until early evening on the day that marked the beginning of the college’s year-long anniversary celebration.

A special thanks goes out to members of the College of Law’s Graduate Leadership Council 25th Anniversary Committee for their assistance in making the event such a success. Members include Stephanie Dyer (’02), Belinda Edwards (‘90), Dawn Jones (’00), Marlo Leach (’94), Jerri Nims Rooker (’03), Cliff Stanford (’95) and Jennifer Boyens Victor (’95).