Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law Hosts Second Annual Belonging Awards
On February 24, 2022, the Caruso School of Law hosted the second annual Belonging
Awards to honor faculty, students, and student organizations influencing a culture
of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Following a keynote address from Connie Chung
Joe, chief executive officer of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, three awards were
presented to current members of the community informed by community nominations.
“It was particularly meaningful for our community to come together in person and celebrate the hard work of our students, organizations, faculty, and alumni, in transforming the legal progression into a place where all belong," shared Chalak Richards, associate dean of student life, diversity, and belonging.
The Faculty Award honored Tanya Cooper, associate clinical professor of law, for her
dedication to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence. Shayna Elian, who
serves as the vice president of student group OutLaw, director of social media for
the Women's Legal Association, and director of membership of the Students for Reproductive
Justice coalition, received the Student Award. For their work advancing support for
Latino and Latina law students, the National LatinX Law Student Association received
the Student Organization Award.
In addition to the Faculty, Student, and Student Organization Awards, the Caruso School of Law presented judge Beverly Bourne (JD ’91), Nathaly Medina (JD ’19), and Elizabeth Eubanks (’05, JD ’08) with the Alumnus Award, Young Alumnus Award, and the Larry Kimmons Award respectively for their outstanding work in their fields.