ALUMNI WEEKEND 2003

It's Not Easy Being Dean

Kathleen M. Sullivan was everywhere, presiding over a symphony of events in the final Alumni Weekend of her term.

[Originally published in Stanford Lawyer #68]

As Stanford Law School searches for its next dean to succeed Kathleen M. Sullivan this fall, auditions for physical stamina might well be appropriate. Sullivan's schedule at Alumni Weekend 2003 spanned 21 separate events, 18 different venues, and 5 costume changes. From the Dean's Circle Dinner Thursday evening through Friday's Volunteer Leadership Summit, outdoor luncheon, Korea panel, Reception for Alumni and Students of Color, through all 10 class reunion dinners, Sullivan tried to reach out to every one of the nearly 1,000 alumni in attendance. "This weekend is a great joy and the highlight of our year," she said, pausing for breath between tents in the lantern glow of the Saturday evening celebrations. "I could not possibly do it without the help of the world's most devoted, professional, and omnicompetent staff."

(1) Sullivan moves from table to table at the luncheon in the Law School's Canfield Courtyard. There's no time to eat as (2) she's off to introduce the panel about Korea.(3) An hour later she speaks to alums at the Reception for Alumni and Students of Color, (4) including Fred Alvarez '75, then on to another event that goes late into the night. Up early the next day to breakfast with guests, (5) the Dean (next to Professor Lawrence Lessig) prepares for the constitutional law panel with Justice Anthony Kennedy. Then there's the tailgate party, the football game, and the dinners. (6) With the Class of '68, she chats with Kristen Finney '96 (BA '92) and her father, John Finney '68. (7) On her stop to visit with the '78 alumni, Larry Ponoroff shares some strongly held views. (8) The evening ends with hugs for Sheila Spaeth and Kitty Lee '53. Photo Credits: 1-5 Steve Gladfelter, and center photo; 6-8 Steve Castillo