Alumni panel at the 2024 AUWCL Alumni Reunion featuring Interim Dean Heather Hughes (left), Lorna DeRosa '14 (center left), Joiava Philpott '90 (center right), and Jim Cooperman '87 (right).

American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) proudly welcomed more than 100 alumni and guests back to campus for a memorable Alumni Reunion on October 18-19, 2024. With 102 alumni and 28 guests, the events offered tremendous opportunities for reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating milestones. Attendees represented diverse geographic locations, spanning 12 states and countries, including Kenya, Bosnia, and Germany. 

The festivities kicked off on Friday, October 18, with a tour of the law campus, followed by an evening reception with faculty at Lia’s Restaurant in Chevy Chase, Maryland. More than 70 participants, including 52 alumni, enjoyed reconnecting with favorite professors and reflecting on their time at AUWCL. 

Saturday’s programming began with the Barristers Breakfast and Alumni Networking Session, hosted by the DC Metro Area Alumni Chapter. The event served as a platform for alumni to strengthen their professional connections while sharing insights with current students. 

Insights from Alumni General Counsels 
 

The highlight of the weekend was the Dean’s Luncheon, featuring a keynote panel on “From JD to GC: Alumni General Counsels at the Forefront of Corporate Governance.” Moderated by Interim Dean Heather Hughes, the panel featured distinguished alumni Jim Cooperman ’87, Lorna DeRosa ’14, and Joiava Philpott ’90, all of whom shared their insights on navigating the path to becoming a general counsel. 

"I am thrilled to welcome all of you back to campus for this special reunion,” Hughes said in her opening remarks. “It is a privilege to celebrate the incredible achievements of our alumni who are making significant impacts across various industries. Today’s discussion will give us a glimpse into the corporate governance world and how our alumni are shaping it at the highest levels." 

The panelists shared invaluable advice on leadership, adaptability, and career growth in the general counsel role. Jim Cooperman, senior vice president and associate general counsel at MSG Entertainment, emphasized the importance of flexibility. “It’s rolling with the punches, it’s staying positive, and understanding that things will change. That’s the one constant,” he advised. He also highlighted the pivotal role of relationships in career development, noting, “I didn’t have a specific game plan, but opportunities presented themselves because of relationships. People know you, like you, trust you, and believe you can add value. Relationships are crucial.” 

Lorna DeRosa, general counsel at MAG Aerospace, echoed the importance of being a well-rounded professional. “Keep in mind that while you are a lawyer, you’re also part of the business team, and both roles are equally important,” she said. She further encouraged attendees to stay engaged in business decisions and approach legal matters with a strategic mindset, noting, “Your role is to balance legal counsel with business practicality.” 

Joiava Philpott, senior vice president and general counsel at Cox Communications, urged alumni to pursue leadership roles early in their careers. “Look for opportunities to lead teams. Show up with excellence,” she advised. Philpott also offered guidance to current law students, reminding them to, “continue enjoying learning because the practice of law is always about continuing to learn, and if you let learning ignite you, you will have a phenomenal career.” 

Celebrating Milestones and Legacy
  

The weekend’s attendance spanned 28 different class years, with milestone classes from 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 being specially recognized. Classmates gathered to reminisce and celebrate their shared experiences, concluding with an elegant dinner in Grossman Hall. 

Before the evening’s festivities, Saturday afternoon offered alumni the chance to relax or participate in a variety of optional activities. These included a family-friendly campus tour, a walking tour of the Dupont Circle area that explored its historical and architectural significance, or a visit to the American University Katzen Art Museum. Whether choosing to explore the city on their own or join these guided experiences, attendees enjoyed a laid-back afternoon before reconvening for the class dinners.  

“We could not be more thrilled with the success of this year’s reunion,” said Kelly McCarthy, associate dean of advancement at AUWCL. “Our goal is to meet our alumni where they are, celebrate their accomplishments, and keep them engaged with the AUWCL community. We hope that the energy and connections made this weekend will inspire even more alumni to stay involved—not just through our annual reunion, but throughout the year at various events and opportunities to reconnect.” 

Alumni Reunion ’24 was a vibrant testament to the enduring bonds between alumni, faculty, and the institution. The event highlighted the successes of alumni across the legal spectrum and served as a reminder of the transformative power of an AUWCL education. 

"This reunion weekend has showcased the strength of our alumni community and the lasting connections forged here at AUWCL,” Dean Hughes said. “We look forward to continuing these celebrations in the future." 

More photos here: auwclphotos.com/AUWCL-Alumni/Alumni-Reunion-2024 

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