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Greetings,
Gatherings around the college in the past week have been a source of camaraderie, reflection, inspiration, and renewal.
One snapshot of camaraderie comes from ten students in our partnership program with Ocean University in Qingdao, China, who celebrated their first Thanksgiving with Assistant Dean Nancy Stanley and her mother (who quickly became their "American grandma"). The students who attended are completing their first semester in a two-year program here in Tucson, after which they will have earned a BA in Law from the UA, as well as an LLB degree in Chinese law from Ocean. After the traditional turkey dinner, students took turns at making pies to take home, though chocolate cream far outpaced pumpkin as a favorite. The past week also brought moments for reflection on the friendship and inspiring careers of two of our own -- Ed Morgan and Russ Jones.
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Celebrating W. Edward Morgan ('45)
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On Saturday, November 25, more than 150 friends of the late W. Edward Morgan ('45), who died in September of this year, came together at the college to celebrate his life.
The memorial, organized by Ed's family and friends, included moving tributes by fellow alumni, music, and time to share anecdotes and lighthearted memories, most of which focused on Ed's willingness to take the cases others would not and do the work for free.
Among the speakers was Dean Emeritus Charles Ares ('52), who described Morgan's approach to the law as "involving great imagination, beyond what most lawyers see in the law."
Photos courtesy of Stacy Scheff ('10) Those who spoke at the memorial also included Barbara Elfbrandt ('71), Ed's wife of 18 years, and Barry Kirschner ('78), who served as the emcee. Former Division 2 judge Bill Druke ('69) noted that Ed sought justice for everyone regardless of position. Tucson attorney Len Scheff described how he met his wife through Ed while working on the Elfbrandt v. Russell (1966) case. (You can read or listen to Ed's argument here.)
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Remembering Russell Jones ('50)
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We recently received the sad news of the death of Class of 1950 alumnus Russell E. Jones, who passed away on November 17 at the age of 93.
Russ's family and friends quickly came forward to offer stories of his great career, his respect for his alma mater, and his admiration for Dean Ares. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations Russ's honor to the Law College Association to support student scholarships, or to a charity of the donor's choosing. We are grateful that our college and our students will be included as part of Russ's legacy. Barry Kirschner ('78) allowed us to share his history and tribute:
Russell E. Jones, longtime leader of the bar in Pima County, was raised in Clarkdale, Arizona, graduating from the University of Arizona and later our College of Law in 1950.
Jones interrupted his undergraduate career to enlist in the United States Army following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His service included combat in the Philippines and Okinawa. He earned the Silver Star for heroism, which saved the lives of his patrol. Jones was waiting to be deployed for the anticipated invasion of mainland Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped and World War II concluded in August 1945.
Jones joined Hall, Catlin & Molloy in 1950, and was a central figure in the firm, which came to be known as Molloy, Jones & Donahue. Jones served in many capacities with the bar and community charitable organizations. He helped organize the Arizona Administrative Code, was a longtime member of the Tucson Conquistadors, and president of the Pima County Bar Association.
Jones was a gift to partners and the young lawyers whom he mentored throughout his long career. He also spent a few decades representing TRICO Electric Cooperative, Inc., whose longtime board member and current board president Nick Buckelew wrote, "You can trust Russ Jones with your life," and "He could also quote statutes like the Pope quotes scripture."
Jones practiced law at Waterfall Economidis Caldwell Hanshaw & Villamana the last 15 years of his career, retiring at the age of 90 in 2014. Peter Economidis ('65) stated, "The legal community of Arizona lost one of its icons. Russ was a larger than life personality, a beacon of honesty, integrity, and legal expertise that singled him out from the rest of his peers."
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Alumna Brenda Burman ('96) Becomes First Woman Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Brenda Burman ('96) has been unanimously confirmed as the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. She is the first woman to lead the agency. She previously served as the bureau's deputy commissioner for external and intergovernmental affairs and as the deputy assistant secretary for water and science during the George W. Bush administration. Professor Robert Glennon taught Brenda in his water law class, and says, "Brenda is a wonderful choice to be the commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, which is the most important federal water agency." He also recalled, "I'm not surprised at the trajectory of her career. She has so many talents. She's a very bright, hard-working and even-keeled water lawyer who brings years of experience to the position." Professor Glennon credits Brenda with being the guiding force behind the 2004 Arizona Water Settlements Act, which she worked on while serving as legislative counsel for energy and water for U.S. Senator Jon Kyl ('66). The federal legislation settled major Indian federal reserved rights and brought greater clarity to water rights across Arizona. Congratulations, Brenda!
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Student-led Journals Publish Latest Issues
The Arizona Law Review recently announced the publication of issue 59:4. Access the full issue at www.arizonalawreview.org. The Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law has published issue 34:3. Access the full issue at www.arizonajournal.org.
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ABA Journal, includes commentary from professor Keith Swisher
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The Arizona Republic, Professor and associate dean Christopher Robertson co-authored op-ed
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The legacies of Ed Morgan and Russ Jones remind us that our work is firmly rooted in the example set by our predecessors and the support so thoughtfully given by our alumni.
Time spent around the Thanksgiving table also reminds us to be grateful to all who share in the journey.
Warmly,
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