Launch Week 2020: An Online Success

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law was pleased to welcome one of its largest and most qualified classes of incoming students to Launch Week 2020 on August 10-13. The planned presentations and activities were creatively converted to online formats, which were enthusiastically attended by the future Class of 2023.

The festivities began with a welcome and prayer by Dean Paul Caron, and his wife, Courtney. Pepperdine Senior Vice Chancellor and Caruso School of Law Dean Emeritus Ronald Phillips followed with remarks of academic and professional encouragement. Dean Caron then completed the opening session with the presentation "The Pepperdine Mission" before launching the students into a week of professional development and academic preparation sessions designed to enhance their success in law school and beyond.

Some of the features of the week included addresses by distinguished Caruso Law alumni Judge Andre Birotte, Jr. (JD '91) of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and Judge Jennifer Dorsey (JD '97) of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. On the closing day of the program, Pepperdine University President and Caruso Law alumnus Jim Gash (JD '93) gave a rousing and insightful presentation, "Leadership: The Pepperdine Way," about his own experience at the School of Law, his lifetime career path, and his words of advice. The new students then prepared for their first day of classes, which began on Friday, August 14.

Although Launch Week was conducted a bit differently this year, many of the incoming students commented that they felt warmly welcomed. Indeed, all of us at Caruso Law look forward to the day when we may greet each other in person and be together in community once again.

Please watch the video of highlights from Launch Week 2020: