The DePaul University College of Law seeks nominations for their 2008-2009 Law Alumni Awards.  Established in 1994, the awards recognize DePaul law graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the legal profession, business community and public service and public interest law sectors.

The deadline for submissions is Sept.5. Nominations should include a letter of nomination that explains why a nominee should receive consideration; the candidate’s résumé or curriculum vitae; and letters of support from others who know the nominee and his or her accomplishments.  Send nominations to Katie Aune, Director of Alumni Relations, DePaul University College of Law, 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL  60604.  They also can be faxed to 312/362-7220 or e-mailed to kaune@depaul.

Awards will be given in the following categories:

Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award

The highest distinction the DePaul College of Law Alumni Board bestows.  It recognizes DePaul law alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their careers, maintaining a level of career excellence over their lifetime.  It honors alumni who have enhanced the prestige of DePaul University and the College of Law by virtue of their character, integrity and personal accomplishments.  Recipients exemplify living the DePaul mission in both their personal and professional lives.  Service to the university is not a prerequisite for this award; however, it is considered in the selection process. 

Outstanding Service to the Profession Award

Recognizes DePaul law alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen field or specialty – be it judiciary, public service or interest, the business community or the legal profession.  Recipients will have reached a level of excellence in their career and exemplify living the DePaul mission in their personal and professional lives. 

Outstanding Service to DePaul University Award

Recognizes DePaul law alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service to DePaul University – be it through volunteerism, philanthropy or other means.  Recipients will have rendered significant time, talent and effort to support the mission of DePaul University and the College of Law.  They exemplify living the DePaul mission in their personal and professional lives. 

Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna Award

Recognizes the accomplishments of DePaul law alumni who are under the age of 40 or who are young to the profession, having graduated from the DePaul College of Law within the past ten years.  Recipients show promise in their careers and service to DePaul University and the College of Law, as well as exemplify living the DePaul mission in both their personal and professional lives.

Awards will be presented at a dinner on March 5, 2009 at the Blackstone Hotel, 636 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The public is welcome to attend and proceeds from the dinner will benefit the College of Law’s Center for Public Interest Law.  A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available.  For more information, contact Katie Aune at 312/362-6249.

Past honorees include federal judge William J. Bauer (Outstanding Service to the Judiciary, 1999); noted personal injury attorney Robert A. Clifford (Outstanding Service to the Legal Profession, 1994);  Chicago mayor  Richard M. Daley (Outstanding Public Service, 1997); former McDonald’s Corp. CEO Jack M. Greenberg (Outstanding Service to the Business World, 1998); former executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Benjamin L. Hooks (Outstanding Service to the Field of Public Interest Law, 2003);  former commissioner of the Chicago Department of Consumer Services Caroline Shoenberger (Outstanding Public Service, 2003); former United States transportation secretary Samuel K. Skinner (Outstanding Service to the Business World, 1994) and Chicago library commissioner Mary A. Dempsey (Outstanding Public Service, 1999).