This past year was yet another one of listening and learning in our efforts to improve diversity and inclusion at Iowa Law. Tactics included launching new programs and courses and celebrating and recognizing our students, faculty, and staff.

Blake Rupe joins the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative from the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment, where she served as sustainability program manager. There she worked to connect students and faculty with classes, research, and organizations to help advance the mission of sustainability in Iowa.

Lea VanderVelde, professor of law and the Josephine R. Witte Chair, has been named a recipient of the 2022 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair. The award is one of the highest bestowed on Iowa faculty. It recognizes tenured scholars of national and international distinction who are making a significant positive impact within the university, state of Iowa, and beyond.

The University of Iowa College of Law is pleased to announce the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award recipients. The award winners were nominated and selected based on their contributions to building and supporting an inclusive and diverse community at the law school.

With a passion for the law and a determined spirit, Wiah is well on her way to making an impact on the legal profession. After she graduated from Temple University, she had two years left on her military contract. Wiah decided to finish out the military and then go to law school.

Professor Dick’s teaching and scholarship focuses on business and tax law with an emphasis on commercial finance, business bankruptcy and out-of-court restructuring, and business entity taxation.

The Class of 2022 faced many challenges during the past three years. Challenges that have tested their spirit, proved their resilience, and helped prepare them for their future legal careers. We look forward to celebrating their achievements this week.

Yutian Lei and Alison Leuchtenmacher, both third-year law students, recently tried and won a court case as a part of their field placement with Student Legal Services (SLS).

The fast pace and ability to interact with people are some of his favorite aspects of politics. “It's a lot of moving parts, and no two days are the same. It really teaches you to think on your feet, move fast, and work well under pressure.”  

The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI), made possible by the $5 million gift from Iowa Law alumni Charlotte Beyer Hubbell (76JD) and Fred Hubbell (76JD), is helping the law school take its environmental law program to the next level.