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.