CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–September 19, 2014. Roosevelt University’s Paralegal Studies Program, which offers bachelor degree and post-baccalaureate certificatie opportunities, will celebrate 40 years of operation with a reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
The American Bar Association-approved program started at Roosevelt in 1974. Since then, it has graduated approximately 12,000 paralegal professionals who work all over the nation for lawyers, judges, government agencies, banks, corporate legal departments and educational institutions, among others. In addition, many program graduates have gone on to become lawyers, law clerks, judges and paralegal educators.
“The 40th anniversary is a milestone for our program,” said Carrie Lausen, director and a 1988 graduate of the University’s Paralegal Studies Program. “We are proud to be one of the nation’s most distinguished paralegal programs.”
The Paralegal Studies program will present awards to outstanding alumni during the 40th anniversary reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the University, 425 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Room 1315.
Cook County Public Defender Abishi Cunningham, Jr. will receive an award from the University for furthering Social Justice in the Legal Profession. Fourteen alumni also will be recognized for contributing to the program’s reputation for providing students with practical experience and cutting-edge instruction.
“Early on the program focused simply on a textbook and the law,” said Cook County Circuit Court Judge Lewis Nixon, an instructor with the Paralegal Studies Program for about 25 years. “Today, it has evolved into an academic learning experience that includes what it’s actually like to be a paralegal. We cover the kinds of issues, problems and duties that today’s professional is apt to face and give our students internship opportunities in a legal field that is relying more and more on the paralegal’s expertise to do a growing range of duties,” he said.
Currently, the program has approximately 100 students who are receiving training in everything from legal research and writing to ethics and professionalism, litigation, and legal technology. For information about the event and funding scholarship opportunities, call Carrie Lausen at 312-281-3190 or [email protected].
Roosevelt Paralegal Studies Program alumni who will be recognized and receive awards include:
• Janis Berlin, a 1990 graduate and paralegal for the Illinois Department of Corrections, Legal Services;
• Diana Bienko, a 2007 graduate and paralegal with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office;
• Chanita Britton, a 2002 graduate and assistant director of Roosevelt University’s Paralegal Studies Program;
• Christine Hansen, 1976 graduate and senior paralegal with the AT&T Legal Department;
• Kevin Henderson, a 1993 graduate and director of membership for the American Bar Association;
• Mary Jahntz, a 1996 graduate and loan officer and senior paralegal for the Loan Services Department at The PrivateBank;
• Wm. Michael Lawrence, a 2011 graduate and volunteer paralegal with Catholic Charities Legal Assistance;
• Arlene McKenzie, a 2013 graduate and office administrator with JPS Interests;
• Paul Rutherford, a 2003 graduate and litigation paralegal for Fidelity National Law Group;
• Paige Stepan, a 1985 graduate and paralegal manager for Winston & Strawn, LLP;
• Helene Minaglia, a 1983 graduate and administrative assistant to the Assistant General Counsel in Legal Administration & Operations for Exelon Corp;
• Diane Poulos, a 2007 graduate and senior paralegal at Health Care Service Corp.;
• Steven Proksa, real estate assistant to the President of Wheeler Financial;
• Beatrice Turner, a 2007 graduate and paralegal administrator and docket manager for Mandell Menkes, LLC.
Source: roosevelt.edu
