Social Justice Initiatives Recognizes Law School Community’s Contributions to the Public Interest

Nancy Northup '88, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights and a Lecturer at Columbia Law School, Recognized as Distinguished Public Interest Graduate of the Year
New York, May 14, 2015—Generations of students, alumni, faculty, and staff devoted to public interest practice gathered at Columbia University’s Faculty House on April 7th to honor students who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to a more just and equitable global society built on the rule of law. Nancy Northup ’88, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights and a lecturer at Columbia Law School, was recognized as Distinguished Public Interest Graduate of the Year.
 
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Nancy Northup '88, the Distinguished Public Interest
Graduate of the Year, speaks about her advocacy
for women's health as president and CEO of
the Center for Reproductive Rights.
The 21st annual Columbia Law School Social Justice Honors Celebration kicked off with an introduction from Ellen P. Chapnick, Dean for Social Justice Initiatives, who talked about being inspired by the dedication and zeal of the public interest community. She was followed by brief remarks from Dean Gillian Lester, who highlighted the special role of institutions like Columbia Law School in shaping the public conversation and advancing social change.

Jennifer B. Sokoler ’10, a former legal fellow at the Center for Reproductive Rights, talked about Northup’s tireless advocacy for women’s health in the United States and around the world. In rousing remarks, Northup called on the audience to continue the fight for human rights.
 
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Jennifer B. Sokoler '10, a former legal
fellow at the Center for Reproductive
Rights, mingles with the Law School's
public interest community.
After the keynote address, staff from the Social Justice Initiatives program recognized students who plan to pursue post-graduate employment in public interest, government, or human rights work; worked two summers in public interest, government, or human rights; completed 100 or more hours of pro bono; led annual Spring Break Caravans and/or the Law School’s in-house pro bono projects; who served as public interest peer mentors; and/or student philanthropic leaders. Guests mingled long after the end of the official program, talking about successes and challenges over the past year and looking ahead to future public service opportunities.

Previous honorees include Adriene Holder ’91, a senior attorney at the Legal Aid Society, and Professor Theodore M. Shaw ’79.
 
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(clockwise from top left) Students enjoy the 21st annual Columbia Law School
Social Justice Honors Celebration; Dean Gillian Lester converses at the gathering;
Dean for Social Justice Initiatives Ellen P. Chapnick poses with students;
Northup talks with Professors Richard Briffault and Katherine Franke.