Alumni Weekend 2005

Stanford University's annual alumni celebration, held October 20 to 23, brought more than 650 law school alumni, family, and friends back to the campus for a weekend of fun, learning, and friendship.

The festivities opened with the traditional Dean's Circle dinner, held Thursday evening at the Bechtel Conference Center in Encina Hall. An event to recognize and honor the school's top donors, it boasted a crowd of nearly 200. David C. Drummond '89, vice president of corporate development and general counsel of Google, Inc., and one of the newest members of the Dean's Circle, keynoted the evening.

Emeritus professor John Henry Merryman led a tour of the outdoor sculptures that adorn Stanford's campus, including Dimitri Hadzi's Pillars of Hercules III, a bronze from 1982. Photo: Steve Gladfelter

David C. Drummond '89 (right), vice president of corporate development and general counsel for Google, Inc., was the keynote speaker at Thursday's Dean's Circle dinner. Photo: Robert March

Brad '55 (BA '53) and Dorothy Jeffries at the Dean's Circle dinner. Photo: Robert March

The fall weather during reunion weekend couldn't have been better—it enabled Friday's alumni luncheon and Saturday's tailgate party to be held outdoors. Adults and children alike enjoyed the barbecue, ice cream, and balloon-blowing clown at the tailgate party. Those who went on to the football game were awarded with a victory as Stanford beat Arizona State by a score of 45 to 35.

Saturday's tailgate party, held on the lawn outside the law school's Kresge Auditorium, offered a fun time for all.

Members of the class of 1955 gathered for lunch

A balloon man entertained children with hats, animals, and other creations Photos: Robert March

It wouldn't be Alumni Weekend without the usual selection of stimulating panel discussions on important, controversial, and topical subjects (see below). Friday led with the panel "National Security: At What Cost?" followed by an afternoon session, "Controlling the Bench: The Impeachment of Justice Samuel Chase Revisited." Saturday afternoon's panel, "From Despair to Hope? The Reconstruction of New Orleans and Its Effect on U.S. Poverty," attracted a large crowd.

Hon. Robert Worth '55 (BA '53) (left) and Bill Abrell '55 (right) donned a pair of the Stanford caps.

Balloons sporting the law school's colors festooned the corridors around Cooley Courtyard. Photos: Steve Gladfelter

There were numerous opportunities during the gathering for alumni to get reacquainted. Besides the luncheons, there was a special reception for alumni and students of color held on Friday afternoon, followed by an evening reception for all alumni held in the law school's Crocker Garden. For many attendees the highlight of the weekend was the Saturday reunion dinner, when each class got together in its own private tent for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and regaling.

(Left to right) Katrina McIntosh '00 and her baby, Olivia; Shannon Eagan '00; and Maureen Lewis '00.

Saturday evening's reunion dinners were held in festive tent pavilions on Canfield Courtyard, just across from the law school. The dinner provided an opportunity for alumni, and potential future alumni, to get together. Photos: Robert March

REBUILDING THE GULF COAST

Hurricane Katrina did more than wreck the Gulf Coast. It also exposed some of the deep social problems that ravage the country on a daily basis. Stanford Law School and Stanford Alumni Association brought together an esteemed panel to discuss these critical issues and to suggest ways that the federal government can help solve them.

Moderator Hon. Richard L. Morningstar '70, former U.S. ambassador to the European Union

Panelist Josh B. Bolten '80, director of the Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President of the United States (left) with panelist Leon Panetta, former director of the Office of Management and Budget and former White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton

Panelist Reuben Jeffery III, JD/MBA '80, chairman of the Commodity Trading Futures Commission and former special assistant to the president Photos: Robert March

DEBATING NATIONAL SECURITY

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States changed the balance that exists in this country between upholding civil liberties and ensuring national security. Or did it? Stanford Law School and Stanford Alumni Association assembled a distinguished panel of experts to debate the impact that global terrorism is having on our nation and its laws.

Panelist Jenny S. Martinez, assistant professor of law

Moderator Carlos Watson '95, CNN political analyst

Panelist Heather MacDonald '85, John M. Olin fellow, Manhattan Institute, and contributing editor at City Journal Photos: Steve Gladfelter

IMPEACHING JUSTICE SAMUEL CHASE

Justice Samuel Chase is the only member of the U.S. Supreme Court to be impeached. His trial, held in 1805, raised a number of important issues that are still debated today. What constitutes an impeachable offense? What relationship should the judiciary have with other branches of government? Stanford Law School staged a reenactment of the impeachment trial.

Stanford 3L Mike Kass arguing for the impeachment of Justice Samuel Chase

Stanford 3L Lauren Kofke arguing against the impeachment of Justice Samuel Chase; Jury member

Hon. Fern Smith '75 (BA '72), retired judge of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California Photos: Steve Gladfelter