27th Alumni Awards Banquet - Ritter, Pelican, and King

March 21, 2008

The 27^th Annual University of Colorado Law School Alumni Awards Banquet, the law alumni’s signature event, was held on the evening of Thursday, March 20, at the Hyatt Regency Denver. In addition to being the largest awards banquet ever—430 people in attendance—the banquet showcased three exceptional award recipients, inspiring speakers, and a wonderful new venue. Thanks to a record $78,000 in sponsorships from the law school’s many friends and supporters, the Law Alumni Scholarship will receive more than $41,000. Thank you especially to our Lead Sponsors: Arnold & Porter, Faegre & Benson, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Otten Johnson Robinson Neff & Ragonetti, and Wheeler Trigg Kennedy.

Following an hors d'oeuvre happy hour in the hotel’s Capital Foyer, guests were welcomed into the dining hall. Kara Veitch, the Law Alumni Board Chair, opened the banquet and Brian Meegan, the Banquet Chair and Chair Elect, thanked the 40 sponsors, advertisers, and in-kind donators, and past alumni board members.

Following a fabulously presented three-course dinner, Dean David Getches welcomed guests, reviewed Colorado Law’s accomplishments over the past year and paid special tribute to former Dean and Professor Emeritus Don Walter Sears. Pat Furman (Class of ’80) presented David Barash who gave a special heart-felt tribute to his brother Daniel B. Barash (Class of ’02), for which 1,000 donors have contributed more than $500,000 for a scholarship in his name.

Peter C. Dietze (Class of ’62) presented Neil C. King (Class of ’56) with the Distinguished Alumni Award for Solo/Small Firm Practitioner for being one of Boulder, Colorado's most recognized legal figures in the areas of land use and real estate development.

John Suthers (Class of ’77) presented Judge Steven T. Pelican (Class of ’71) with the Distinguished Alumni Award for Judiciary. He is one of the highest rated judges by attorneys and non-attorneys in the Fourth Judicial District (Colorado Springs) during his 22 years on the bench.

Dean Getches introduced former CU President Hank Brown (Class of ’69) and thanked him for all that he had done for CU in a time of need, for which the audience gave him a standing ovation. President Brown introduced Governor Bill Ritter (Class of ’81) with the Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service and Governor Ritter spoke about the importance of his legal education with teaching him how to think and learn.

Dean Getches said, “The quality of the award winners this year eminds us that our most important mission is developing and inspiring young people to become leaders of our profession.”

All recipients were accompanied by their adoring families, which they each thanked for their support. The banquet was a huge success because of the dedication of our great alumni!

Alumni Awards Banquet 4

Alumni and guests, including Attorney General John Suthers

CU President Hank Brown and Dean David Getches

Award Winners and Presenters