New Admits Event Touts Diversity, Community, Passion

College of Law Professor Veronica Thronson talks with a group of students at Saturday’s New Admits event.

Extolling community, family and opportunity, Michigan State University College of Law Dean Linda Sheryl Greene last Saturday made the case to some 60 potential students (as well as family and friends) that this is the place to make their career come true.

The event, held at the Eli Broad Business College’s Eppley Center, welcomed students who have been accepted into MSU’s law school but have yet to decide where they would like to attend. The day-long activities included a tour of the campus, discussions with law school faculty, in-depth conversations with current students and more.

“We know you have choices and that you are currently weighing your options about which law school to attend,” Greene said. “We want you to join us here at MSU and become part of our growing community of inclusion and diversity.”

Dean Greene emphasized several key points to the students in attendance:

• That 25 percent of students come from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the law field.
• Nearly 30 percent are the first in their family to attend college.
• Some 80 percent will be the first lawyer in your family.
• And that 10 percent are first-generation Americans.

Potential new law school students were greeted with goodies as they listened to MSU College of Law professors and students at last Saturday’s New Admits event.

“Each of you brings your own history, your family’s heritage, your distinct cultural experiences to this law school,” she said, adding, “You will look around and feel at home.”

She also emphasized the types of law for which MSU will prepare students – including immigration law, child advocacy, business and regulatory issues and housing inequality.

“Law school takes a lot of hard work and planning,” Greene concluded. “But mostly it takes passion and commitment and you being here today is proof you have what it takes to succeed.”