Pepperdine Caruso Law Celebrates 12th Annual Parris Awards for Professional Excellence

The Parris Institute for Professional Excellence proudly hosted its 12th Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 16. The Pepperdine Caruso Law community gathered in the Caruso Law atrium for this cherished tradition, coming together to celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional students, faculty, and staff. During the festive luncheon, attendees honored distinguished award recipients, thoughtful presenters, and outstanding nominees, all united in a spirit of recognition and community.

The Institute presented the Evan T. Carthen Inspirational Leadership Award to three exceptional 1L students who stand out for their character, leadership, and positive influence.  As always, seven 3L awards were given, with two recipients for Excellence in Professionalism.

In addition to the Institute’s traditional awards, this year’s ceremony also featured the presentation of four Belonging Awards, recognizing alumni who have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to fostering inclusion and a strong sense of belonging within the broader legal profession.

Each year, Caruso Law invites members of its community to nominate individuals who exemplify integrity, character, and leadership. These nominations of compelling stories and personal impact help highlight the remarkable contributions and enduring influence of each honoree.

The recipients for the 2026 Parris Awards are:

Evan T. Carthen 1L Inspirational Leadership Award

• Section A:  Maddie Goodpaster
• Section B:  Alan Beard
• Section C:  Brandon Colechio

Excellence in Professionalism 

• Denis Bogatin
• Juliette Kashani

Excellence in Service

• Emma Joy McArthy 

Excellence in Peacemaking

• Isaac Rabbanian

Excellence in Courage

This recipient will be announced during the 3L breakfast

Excellence in Leadership

• Ashley Pae

Excellence in Character

• Isaac Zwerling

The Pepperdine Award

• Mitchell Brost

Staff Parris Award

• Emily Doneen

Preceptor of the Year Award

• Janette Blair
• Jemuel Gascon 

The Steve Schultz Upper Division Professor of the Year Award

• Victoria Schwartz

1L Professor of the Year

• Ahmed Taha

Alumnus Belonging Award

• Zna Portlock Houston (‘84, JD ‘87)

Young Alumnus Belonging Award

• Enoch Cheung (JD ‘20)

Larry D. Kimmons Belonging Award

• Michael Quigley (JD ‘83)

Graduate Law Programs Alumnus Belonging Award

• Darryl Darden (MDR ‘15)

Skip McDermott Teaching Award

• Ahmed Taha

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship

• Joel Johnson
• Barry McDonald