Students Recognized at Honors Convocation in Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids campus honored two graduating seniors, Dawna Snipes (left) and Artia Jones (right), with the Leadership Achievement Award at Honors Convocation on July 15, 2011. The award is given to students who have consistently, comprehensively, and effectively provided leadership in a variety of capacities while enrolled in law school. Dawna Snipes, who is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, served as a VITA volunteer, Law Journal Executive, Graduation Marshal, and Moot Court Executive Team members. She was also a member of the Student Bar Association and the Weekend Student Association. Artia Jones, who hails from South Carolina, served as a Cooley Ambassador, a Moot Court Executive Team member, Grade Appeals Board Magistrate, and Law Review editor. She was a member of the Cooley Volunteer Corps and the Weekend Student Association.

The Grand Rapids campus honored three students with Great Deeds Awards at Honors Convocation on July 15, 2011. Rebecca Baker, Jared Bowler, and Nicole Garai were recognized for their volunteer service in New Zealand in January 2011 after the 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck. The three honorees were participating in Cooley's study abroad program in New Zealand at the time, and chose to stay and help the citizens of Christchurch rather than leave the country after the quake. They said, "It was very scary going back to Christchurch to volunteer, but so many people's lives had been devastated; we just couldn't leave New Zealand without helping." The Great Deeds Award is given to students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the service of others. Pictured, from left, are Assistant Dean Tracey Brame, Nicole Garai, Rebecca Baker, and Assistant Director of the Center for Ethics, Service & Professionalism Karen Rowlader.