| UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW |
JULY 12, 2023 | | |
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Greetings,
I’m guest-writing this week’s newsletter to recap the wonderful alumni reception during the Arizona State Bar Association’s CLE by the Sea event in San Diego earlier this week. Thanks to all who attended! Corrina Eklund and I enjoyed an evening catching up and meeting new friends, with the Pacific Ocean as our gorgeous backdrop.
During the trip, we had the pleasure of meeting with former Assistant Dean of Admissions Terry Holpert, who is now in the San Diego area (pictured below with Corrina and me).
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Terry has shared what she’s up to now in the Q&A below. You'll also read about another California LawCat, 2023 MLS graduate Erin Goodrich. | |
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Until the footnotes,
Megan O’Leary
Senior Director of Development
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Catching up with Former Assistant Dean of Admissions Terry Holpert | |
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Many in our community know and fondly remember Terry Holpert, the long-time assistant dean of admissions at University of Arizona Law who retired in 2009. She also is the namesake of the Terry Sue Holpert/Class of 2009 Scholarship, which was supported by the 2009 class gift. Terry is now in the San Diego area and we had a chance to see her this week.
Terry shared some thoughts on her time with the law school and her life in retirement:
What brought you to the University of Arizona College of Law?
I joined the College of Law in July 1985 as part of a job-share team with my friend and colleague, Amy Shiner (’74). I had a management and policy background and Amy was a lawyer and graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law, and we were named Assistant Deans for Student Affairs, responsible for Admissions and all manner of student-related issues. We both had very young children and didn’t want to work full-time. We shared the responsibilities of the position, alternating working mornings and afternoons, with lots of consultation, information sharing, phone calls and overlapping time in the office. I will always be grateful to the search committee and Dean Paul Marcus, who took a risk on a job-share proposal and the two of us, and started me on the path of an incredibly gratifying career.
The College of Law was a very different place in 1985–with only a JD program, around 869 applications, only two women on the faculty and a much less diverse student body. We set about enlarging the applicant pool, guided by the belief that talent is everywhere and that students from many different educational and cultural backgrounds would enhance the experience for all.
We encouraged candidates who had not considered the University of Arizona or law school previously, creating many public-facing events, presentations, mailings, recruitment travel, etc. At the same time, the faculty expanded with new and fascinating hires (think Professors Barbara Atwood (’76), Rob Williams, Jamie Ratner, Jane Korn — who went on to become the first female dean of Gonzaga University School of Law, Toni Massaro, David Gantz and others), innovative programming, an elevated national profile, and the applicant pool grew as well.
In 1989 or 1990, my role changed to focus solely on admissions, while Dean Willie Jordan-Curtis joined the College and took over the student affairs responsibilities.
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What kept you here all those years?
When I started working at the law school, I never imagined that I would spend the bulk of my career—24 years—at the College. What kept me at the College was THE PEOPLE! I also found it incredibly rewarding to work as part of a team with the Admissions Office staff (think Kay Clark and the late Dan Nunez) and the Admissions Committee (membership rotated annually, but some stalwarts over the years included Professors Jamie Ratner, Bill Boyd, Charles Ares (’52), Art Andrews, Andy Silverman (’69), Mona Hymel and three students every year) to admit and enroll the class in August.
I found it fascinating to witness and participate in the evolution of an institution—the College of Law—and to see the make up of the legal profession changing. Every year, the law school seemed to get more innovative, interesting, dynamic and diverse and I loved contributing to making this little corner of the universe more representative, equitable and interesting.
What do you miss about your work at the law school?
I miss THE PEOPLE! The faculty and staff were and are smart, innovative, compassionate people who became wonderful colleagues and friends. We grew together and experienced life’s bounty and losses. The students had unique and inspiring histories, stories and goals and I found great joy and meaning in helping them cross the threshold to professional education and a new career. I loved my work, but I didn’t love the stress.
How do you stay involved in the LawCat community?
I no longer live in Tucson, my home town, but I still I enjoy learning about developments at the College, and taking particular pleasure when I learn about the accomplishments of graduates who I admitted and persuaded to enroll. I also keep in touch with several colleagues, see an occasional University of Arizona visitor to San Diego, participate in College of Law Zoom lectures, and contribute to various law school funds.
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Tell us what you are up to now.
I retired in February 2009 and my husband retired from practicing law around the same time. Our kids were grown and pursuing their own dreams, and we spent most of the first years of retirement down-shifting from hectic lives, exercising and trying to stay healthy, traveling internationally, volunteering for the Tucson Festival of Books, welcoming grandchildren and helping our aging moms navigate their final years.
We both grew up in Tucson and in 2015, we sold our home in mid-town Tucson and moved to Cardiff by the Sea, CA, about 35 miles north of San Diego, where we live in a small house with a big view. I exercise daily, walk on the beach regularly, travel, follow the news, read whatever I like, am active politically by door-knocking and advocating, bake, cook more, shop at farmer’s markets, and support various causes that I care about—reproductive rights, education, the environment, immigration and justice issues, and sustaining democracy.
What does it feel like to have a scholarship in your name at the College of Law?
It is humbling and emotionally moving that the Class of 2009 dedicated their class gift to the Terry Sue Holpert/Class of 2009 Scholarship, and I feel honored. Many others contributed as well, including George Rountree (’60), and my husband and I continue to give to the scholarship annually. It is a reminder of how much the College of Law and its faculty and students contributed to my growth and development and is a tribute to all the students who enrolled over the 1985-2009 period and how we all contributed to the evolution of the College. It’s also an expression of belief in the College, its future and its talented students.
Any parting words to Letter of the Law readers?
Thanks to all of you for enriching my life and continue to do justice honorably, ethically and in a manner that makes us all proud! And make contact. I’d love to hear what you are up to! Email me at: terry.s.holpert@gmail.com.
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Photo Highlights from California Alumni Reception | |
We had a memorable evening in San Diego at the Hotel Del Coronado with many alumni and friends! | |
Hon. (Ret.) William Brammer (BS ’64, JD ’67), Justice Ann Timmer (BA ’82), Stephen Weiss (BA ’65, JD ’68), Jan Wezelman (’74) | |
Elizabeth Sperling (’02), Scott Schindler (BS ’08, JD ’12) | |
Arizona State Bar CEO and Executive Director Joel England (’02) and the Arizona State Bar’s newly elected President, Benjamin Taylor (’04). Ben’s son is not in association leadership...yet. | |
Hon. Lilys McCoy (’91), Hon. William Wood (BS ’81, JD ’88), Hon. Sherry Thompson-Taylor (’95) | |
MLS Grad Pursues Interest in International Trade, Business Law with Trusty Law-brador By Her Side | |
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While we’re in southern California, we bring you the story of another West Coaster, 2023 Master of Legal Studies graduate Erin Goodrich, from Huntington Beach, California. Erin’s story reflects the diversity of degree options and student experience that Terry helped bring about during her tenure.
Some of the Q&A with Erin is below. Read the full article here.
What initially inspired you to pursue an MLS degree, and has that changed over the course of your studies?
I pursued the MLS degree because I wanted to enhance my understanding of business and international law. The MLS program afforded me an opportunity to pursue my legal interest while concurrently continuing my full-time career aspirations.
Why did you choose the University of Arizona?
The online program allowed for the right amount of flexibility for me to self-pace through the week which suited my work-student-life balance. I could also peruse the program in the comfort of my own environment, which usually meant being at home with my dog right by my side. Her nickname is now “The Law-brador.” I was also drawn to the concentration offerings which allowed me to tailor my MLS experience to what interested me most, which was international trade and business law.
What are you most proud of while at University of Arizona Law?
I am most proud of putting myself out-there and getting involved in this program to begin with. Initially I was nervous since I had been out of school for over a decade and also have a full-time career. However, my nervousness quickly subsided with the quick learning curve of the onboarding process and finding comfort knowing others in the program are going through a similar experience too.
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Join Us for Phoenix Mixer August 1 | |
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Arizona Law employers, alumni and friends are invited to network with Arizona Law students and administrators in Phoenix during summer interview week. Appetizers and drinks will be provided.
When: Tuesday, August 1, 5-7 p.m.
Where: AC Hotel Phoenix Downtown, 414 North 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
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Do You Have News?
Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.
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It is always a privilege to spend time with University of Arizona Law alumni and friends, whether it’s in Tucson or around the U.S. and the world. I value your experience and perspective...and I might be biased, but I think we have one of the friendliest and most accomplished alumni communities around.
Thanks for all the ways you contribute to the LawCat community! And don’t hesitate to be in touch: alumni@law.arizona.edu
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