Pepperdine Caruso Law Hosts Inaugural Belonging Awards

Pepperdine Caruso Law hosted its inaugural Belonging Awards on February 25. The evening virtual ceremony celebrated the diversity of Caruso Law's alumni, students, faculty, and staff. In the first of its kind event, members of the Caruso Law community shared their inspiring stories and how they are taking action to make diversity and belonging a priority in their studies, workplace, and life. Among the award recipients, Caruso Law honored several alumni who have made a significant impact on diversity and belonging in the legal community.

Assistant Dean of Student Life, Diversity, and Belonging Chalak Richards offered the introductory comments to the awards, which were followed by remarks from Professor Bernie James and Pepperdine University President Jim Gash. President Gash noted that the law school has always been a leader on the Pepperdine campus in both its desire and actions to be an inclusive community.

The 2021 Belonging Awards were then presented to the following recipients:

• Alumnus Award: Rich Cho (JD '97), Vice President of Basketball Strategy for the Memphis Grizzlies NBA Team.
• Young Alumnus Award: Brittany Hughes (JD '17), U.S. Legislative and Regulatory Supervising Associate at Ernst & Young.
• Faculty Award: James M. McGoldrick ('66), Professor Emeritus of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
• Larry D. Kimmons Racial and Social Justice Award: Rachel Rossi (JD '09), Deputy Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Associate Attorney General.
• Student Organization Award: The First Generation Law Student Association at Pepperdine Caruso Law.
• Student Award: Thurgood Wynn, Pepperdine Caruso Law second-year student. The Student Award was generously sponsored by the Korean American Bar Association and the Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles.

The Caruso Law community is proud to be rich in political, racial, and spiritual diversity, which has formed a strong culture of connection among alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Led by faith-based values, Caruso Law believes that each person's voice and convictions enhance the community, and is committed to being a place where all belong. We invite those who are interested to partner with us in enhancing belonging in the legal profession here.

A video recording of the 2021 Belonging Awards may be found here.