Lee, who began his tenure on the board in 2009, calls the experience a profound opportunity to give back to the university that nurtured his passion for justice and public service. Like Deese, he serves on several BOT committees — including campus life, academic affairs, and inclusive excellence — and was chair of the campus life committee. He worked to ensure student voices were heard at the highest level.
“I made a point to get to know the student leaders, have each student-elected leader present to the board at every meeting the state of campus affairs, and bring any concerns or interests to the board’s attention,” he said.
During both of their tenures, the board approved a transformative campus expansion, including the construction of the 9-acre Washington College of Law Tenley campus.
Both Deese and Lee credit WCL with shaping not only their legal careers but also their lifelong commitments to service and community. For Deese, AU opened doors to meaningful connections and transformative professional opportunities, including teaching intellectual property licensing to AUWCL students (including her daughter Kendall BA ’20/ JD ’23 and students ultimately hired by her firm as associates) for the past decade. Lee praises AU for fostering intellectual curiosity, civic engagement and a strong sense of social responsibility.
For both Deese and Lee, AU stands apart for its mission- driven education, supportive community, and its lasting impact on students’ personal and professional lives.
Watch the Videos
tinyurl.com/ PamDeese-video
tinyurl.com/ JudgeLee-video
How AUWCL Shaped United States District Judge Michael Newman’s Path to
the Federal Bench From his first visit to AUWCL, Judge Michael Newman ’89 knew he had found his professional home. “I knew it was the right place for me,”
Judge Newman recalls. “The school’s dedication to public service and its vibrant community of students and faculty who
shared my passion for justice made the decision easy.” Now a United States District Judge for the Southern
District of Ohio, Judge Newman credits AUWCL with laying the foundation for a meaningful and impactful legal career. Drawn by the school’s prime location in Washington, D.C., he immersed himself in a rigorous academic curriculum and a wealth of hands-on opportunities that helped him hone the skills he still uses today. Proximity to federal agencies and courts also provided
a front-row seat to the inner workings of the justice system. “Being in D.C. was a game-changer,” he explains. “I had opportunities to engage with numerous legal institutions that deepened my understanding of the law.” Judge Newman also reflects fondly on the AUWCL
faculty, many of whom were not only excellent teachers but also mentors who helped him build confidence and purpose. “They taught us to think critically, advocate effectively, and most importantly, to serve others through the law,” he says. That sense of mission continues to guide Judge Newman
from the bench, where he emphasizes fairness, access to justice, and a deep respect for the Constitution. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without AUWCL,” he
says. “The education, mentorship and experiences I gained there prepared me for every step of my legal journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation it provided.”
Judge Newman, ’89, with his wife and triplet daughters on a recent trip to Asheville, North Carolina.
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
