Caruso School of Law Hosts Inaugural Belonging Awards Ceremony

In celebration of diversity and belonging among students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the Caruso School of Law will host the first-ever Belonging Awards via Zoom on Thursday, February 25, at 6 PM PST. Throughout the ceremony, students, faculty, and alumni will share inspirational stories and discuss their approaches to prioritizing diversity and belonging within their academic, professional, and personal lives. 

“I truly believe that we can tell what an institution values by what it celebrates. An essential component of belonging is celebration, so that all members know that they are not only tolerated or welcomed, but truly celebrated,” says Chalak Richards (JD ’12), assistant dean of student life, diversity, and belonging and director of the Parris Institute for Professional Excellence at Caruso Law. “We are thrilled to highlight an impressive community of students and alumni who advocate for change and promote belonging in their studies, professions, and lives.” 

Selected by a committee of senior administration at Caruso Law, the event will honor distinguished alumni who have made a significant impact on diversity and belonging in the legal field:

• Alumni Award 

Rich Cho (JD ’97), Vice President of Basketball Strategy, Memphis Grizzlies NBA Team

• Young Alumni Award

Brittany Hughes (JD ’17), United States Legislative and Regulatory Supervising Associate, Ernst & Young Global Limited

• Larry Kimmons Award

Rachel Rossi (JD ’09), Deputy Associate Attorney General, Office of the Associate Attorney General, United States Department of Justice 

• Faculty Award

James McGoldrick (’66), Professor Emeritus, Caruso School of Law

For additional information about the inaugural Belonging Awards at Caruso Law, visit the event’s registration page.