NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2010
CONTACT: ERIKA MARZORATI
517/432-6848, marzorat@law.msu.edu
Mary Ferguson Named "Rising Star" by Lansing Black Lawyers Association
East Lansing, MI — The Lansing Black Lawyers Association (LBLA) has presented its first-ever "Rising Star" Young Professional Award to Mary Ferguson, director of the Diversity Services Office at Michigan State University College of Law. The award recognized Ferguson for her commitment to increasing minority enrollment within MSU College of Law, her dedication to student success, and her service to the community.
"Mary has been a great sounding board for both current and past students of MSU College of Law," said Mary Bowen, vice president of the LBLA. "She cares so much, and will serve others in a heartbeat. She is definitely an asset to the profession."
Ferguson's "Rising Star" award was presented at the 13th Annual Otis M. Smith Scholarship Banquet, held at the Lansing Country Club on Friday, March 12. Proceeds from the event help support scholarships for Lansing-area law students.
"Mary is a dynamic and committed advocate for our College and our students," said Joan Howarth, dean of MSU College of Law. "We are pleased that the Lansing Black Lawyers Association selected her for this well-deserved honor."
Founded in 1981, the LBLA's core mission is to unite Lansing-area minority lawyers and judges and support local minority law students while making positive contributions to the community. The LBLA is an affiliate of the National Bar Association, the oldest and largest organization representing the interests of minority lawyers and judges on a national level.
Michigan State University College of Law is a leading institution of legal education with a long history of creating practice-ready attorneys. As one of only a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. After 100 years as a private and independent Law College, the affiliation with MSU has put the Law College on an upward trajectory of national and international reputation and reach. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars, its curriculum rigorous and challenging, and its facility equipped with the latest resources—all affirming MSU Law's commitment to educating 21st-century lawyers.
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