Spirit of WVU Law – Emily Neely '21
Emily’s nomination applauds her dedication to serving her community. Beginning during Orientation, Emily has been involved in many community service projects through the law school. She encouraged and motivated her classmates to victory in the school-wide food drive. Later, she was elected Community Service Chair for the Class of 2021, and has continued to keep her class focused on ways to give back. She organized that students to help with the Winter Weather posse and the College of Law Angel Tree. According to her nomination, “Emily is kind, organized, and clearly committed to helping others and inspiring her classmates to do the same.” The Culture of Excellence Committee was very pleased to learn that Emily is carrying out a mission of service within the law school and believe she truly represents the Spirit of WVU Law.
Random Act of Kindness Award – Julian Pecora '20
Julian received multiple nominations for this award. His nominators talked about Julian as a kind spirit – someone who has “a special gift for knowing when you are struggling” and being there to lend a hand and lift your spirits. His nominators characterize him as an “amazing person” and a “blessing.” One nominator writes, “Julian has provided me with strength this semester when I felt like the world was against me. I was on the edge of giving up, but he stepped in and has inspired me to push forward.” Julian’s random acts of kindness have made a huge difference in others’ lives here at the law school, and we are pleased to recognize him with this award.
Group of the Semester – Women’s Leadership Council
The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) received multiple nominations for this award. President Maddie Moritz and her team have worked very hard this semester. They started off the year with their annual faculty/staff mixer and have not stopped since! They raised $1000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation Walk-A-Thon. The nomination notes that there is a “true camaraderie among the group this semester.” They have a very dynamic mentorship program, and everyone loves their annual Haught Dog Sale. And they aren’t stopping – next semester looks just as busy! The organization has set a great example for what it means to be active within the College of Law community, and we are excited to recognize them with this award.
Culture of Excellence Award – Laura Babiak '19
Described as “diligent, tough, and dedicated,” Laura is our pick for the overall Culture of Excellence Award for this semester. According to her nominations, she serves as Senior Managing Editor of the West Virginia Law Review and as a TA for Professor Krech; she is top of her class academically; actively involved in many student organizations including PIA, Democratic Law Caucus, and the Women’s Leadership Council; and much more. As Senior Managing Editor, her nominator writes, that she “basically holds the entire law review together.” Laura is one of those quiet, total-package students. Not only is she brilliant, but she is also “kind, caring, compassionate, helpful, smart, and just an all-around great friend.” Laura certainly sets the gold standard for law students, and we are pleased to recognize her with this award.
