Wilmington University School of Law celebrated the culmination of its inaugural academic year with the Mentor Close-Out and End-of-the-Year Reception. The event, held at the Brandywine campus, brought together students, faculty, mentors, staff, supporters, and distinguished guests to share, recognize, and celebrate the many achievements of the first academic year. The Brandywine campus has been the temporary home for law students while the new law school building, projected to be completed in 2025, is under construction.

This evening reception was more than a mere formality; it was a testament to Wilmington University’s mission of providing broad access to affordable legal education within a student-centered culture. The law school is committed to serving qualified students from all walks of life, including traditional and non-traditional-age students and professionals transitioning from other careers.

The highlight of the evening was the celebration of the inaugural WilmU Law class and their mentorships with distinguished law professionals in the community. Students Hannah Goldston, Elijah Westog, and Marissa Rauscher delivered heartwarming speeches, each reflecting on the incredible opportunities Wilmington University School of Law brought them through their mentors.

Student Reflections

The law school’s mentorship program has become a standout feature, providing unparalleled opportunities for its students. Goldston, a 1L student, opened the student speeches by sharing her journey and the valuable opportunities she encountered through the mentorship program. “The establishment of a mentor program by the law school was what I believed worked best. Networking in law as a 1L can be intimidating, and having resources available to help us with that is paramount for our success,” Goldston said. Her mentor, Dwayne J. Bensing, legal director at the ACLU of Delaware, provided guidance that was instrumental in her academic and professional growth. Goldston’s gratitude was evident as she spoke about the steadfast support she received from her mentor and the faculty.

Exemplifying the Program’s Impact

Britton Ody, another first-year law student, exemplifies the transformative impact of the mentorship program. “In my very first year as a 1L with zero legal skills, I’ve already been paired with a federal circuit judge, and nowhere else in the country could a first-year student get connected with an individual with such great legal magnitude,” Ody says. This connection underscores the program’s commitment to providing students with direct access to seasoned legal professionals, fostering academic and professional growth from the outset of their legal education.

Summer Internship Success: A Testament to Strong Community Ties

All 1L students interested in summer internship opportunities secured positions, underscoring the strong ties between WilmU Law and the Delaware legal community. The support from local law firms and legal professionals has been unwavering. The presence of the Delaware legal community at the reception highlighted their commitment to fostering the next generation of legal minds.

Dean Heather Karns, associate dean for Career Services, and Dean Kimberly Gattuso, associate dean for Experiential Learning, played pivotal roles in establishing these relationships. Throughout the year, they traveled to law firms and courthouses, forging connections and creating the mentor program that has been instrumental in the students’ successes. Their efforts were acknowledged and appreciated during the reception. 

WilmU Law remains committed to providing accessible and affordable legal education. With the new law school building set to open in 2025, the future holds even greater promise for expanding programs and resources that will benefit students and the community.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

The Mentor Close-Out and End-of-the-Year Reception was not just a celebration of the past year’s achievements but also a reaffirmation of Wilmington University School of Law’s mission and values. The evening highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication of everyone involved in shaping the future of legal education. As the inaugural class moves forward, they carry with them the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the unwavering support of a community committed to their success.

In this inaugural year, Wilmington University School of Law has set a high standard, embodying its mission to serve a diverse student body with affordable, high-quality legal education within a student-centered culture. As the school looks to the future, the foundation laid this year promises a bright and impactful journey ahead for all who walk through its doors.  

—Taylor Warrington-Purcell