CHAMPION STORIES
Alumni Shaping the Future on the American University Board of Trustees
For Pam Deese (SPA/BS ’80, JD ’83) and the Honorable Gerald Bruce Lee (SOC/BA ’73, WCL/JD ’76, WCL/HON. SJD ’03) American University Washington College of Law was more than just the next step in their education — it was the foundation for careers grounded in purpose, leadership and lifelong service.
BY LIZ NEWTON
Deese was completing her undergraduate degree at AU’s School of Public Affairs in political science while working 30 hours a week at the United States Trade Representative. Her love for D.C., her job and AU drove her to seek admission to WCL. She advocated for herself directly to the WCL admissions faculty.
“I even went so far as to ‘knock on the door’ of two WCL faculty members,” Deese recalls. “To personally state my case for admission.”
Lee, the first in his family to attend college, participated in Price Inc./American University’s program while in high school. He enrolled in AU’s School of Communication with ambitions to become a journalist. He spent four and a half years with NPR affiliate WAMU-FM as a producer.
Inspired by civil rights attorney Herbert Reid and the landmark Powell v. McCormack case, Lee shiſted his career goal from journalism to law, eventually attending WCL.
“I became convinced that being a lawyer would allow me to be a champion for my clients and make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
Both Deese and Lee credit their time at WCL for shaping their professional paths and personal values — Deese as partner in the Intellectual Property Group at ArentFox Schiff, and Lee as a
36 THE ADVOCATE SUMMER/FALL 2025 Pam Deese Hon. Gerald Bruce Lee
former U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Their connection to AU didn’t end at graduation. They felt a strong calling to give back to the institution, ultimately serving on the American University Board of Trustees (BOT), where they have played key roles in guiding the university’s growth and upholding its mission.
Deese, who joined the board in 2001 aſter years of volunteer leadership with the Alumni Association and Annual Fund, was influenced to accept the invitation to serve on the board. She describes her trustee service as the “greatest honor, pleasure, and learning experience” of her life.
“I have met so many wonderfully brilliant, caring and interesting humans from students and their families to faculty to staff and our administration as well as BOT colleagues and guests of AU,” Deese said. “I continue to feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve a community that I truly love.” Deese has chaired multiple board committees and special task forces, including BOT governance, student conduct procedures, and President Alger’s transition. Two of her three children are also AU alums, making AU a true family affair.
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