Things have changed a bit since Pauline Becker graduated from the DePaul University College of Law 50 years ago. In 1952, Harry S. Truman was president of the United States, “I Love Lucy” was the most popular show on television; a loaf of bread cost 16 cents; a two-door Buick sold for $2,280; and Frederick Moore Vinson was the 13th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Becker, along with 19 other 1952 DePaul College of Law graduates, will celebrate their 50th anniversary at the College of Law’s commencement May 19 at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. The day will begin with an 11 a.m. brunch in the Graham Room of the Civic Opera House. During the brunch, Wayne Lewis, acting dean of the College of Law, will brief the alumni on some of the changes that have taken place at the law school over the past 50 years. Following the brunch, the class of 1952 graduates will take part in the graduation exercises that begin at 2 p.m. The honorable Abner Mikva, a former U.S. congressman, White House counsel and federal appellate judge, will deliver the commencement address.

Becker is pleased to have the chance to see her classmates and her school again after so many years. "I was a night student and one of only two women who graduated in 1952," recalls Becker, who was widowed and raising two small children while attending law school. "We went to school in a building at 64 E. Lake, where we had a meager library and shared space with the College of Commerce. When I went back and saw the facilities students have today it nearly blew my mind."

A semi-retired real estate and probate attorney, Becker said current graduates will fare better if they specialize. "Practicing law is difficult so it’s important that graduates decide which area of the law they find interesting and want to spend time learning,” she said. “It is important to choose a specialty and then take advantage of the continuing education courses in the field that you choose."

Notables from the class of 1952 who are expected to attend the reunion include:

The Honorable William J. Bauer— a U.S. district judge and chief judge of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Bauer is a former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois who is best known for prosecuting organized crime, corporate polluters, corrupt public officials and suburban real estate developers who discriminated against people of color.

Seymour Presky—a criminal attorney with an admitted love of old buildings, he is recognized among Chicago’s philanthropists. He financed the building that houses the national headquarters of the Society of Architectural Historians and created and sponsored a settlement house that provides legal, medical and dental services for the indigent.

Louis T. Duerinck— retired senior vice president of the Chicago North Western Corp. and the North Western Railroad. Duerinck also served as the general attorney for the National Railway Labor conference in 1967 and as a member of the North Western Railroad board of directors.

Louis J. Perona—a circuit court judge for the 13th judicial circuit, LaSalle County. Perona was the presiding judge in the proceedings involving Brian Dugan, who plead guilty to the1984 kidnapping and murder of seven-year-old Melissa Ackerman.

"This is a very special day for the class of 2002 and the class of 1952," said Lewis. "Our new graduates are the future of the legal profession, while our alumni have helped blaze the path. I think having representatives from the class of 1952 present for this year’s commencement is an excellent way to honor their accomplishments."

Note to editors: Reporters wishing to cover the brunch or commencement ceremony should contact Valerie Phillips, DePaul Media Relations, at 312/362-5039 or 312/330-3155.