Annual Report of the WLAM Foundation
May, 2001
The WLAM Foundation completed another very successful year, building on the groundwork of prior years and raising its profile among the state’s bar-related foundations. It raised money through a combination of innovative campaigns, and awarded more money to deserving women law students and doubled the number of recipients, and lent financial support to a special project of the State Bar’s Open Justice Commission. Accomplishment of these goals was due to the exceptional efforts of a talented board comprised of Dawn Van Hoek (Chair), Kimberly M. Cahill (Treasurer), Sandra L. Sorini (Secretary), Mary Barden, Z. Kay Fitzpatrick, Deborah R. Garcia-Luna, Jennifer T. Gilhool, Nancy Glen, Michelle D. Johnson, Loretta Lewins-Peck, Linda Fowler-Sims, and Paula Talarico.
Fundraising continued this year in the form of a WLAM membership "dues check-off" which gave WLAM members an option of adding a contribution. Dues check-offs and direct contributions raised over $2,100 (through 3-31-00). In addition, the Foundation continued its theme of "Art for Attorneys" at an art sale hosted by the Detroit law office of Dickinson Wright. With the generous help of the firm and Kathy Lang, inspired leadership of Nancy Glen and participation of four artists (including WLAM members Barbara Wynder and Lori Zurvalec, attorney Brian Zubel, and artist Kara Laramie), the Foundation raised over $1,000 at the March 30th event. A portion of that amount, much appreciated, was contributed by the artists. Over 70 attendees mingled with Dean’s List Contributors, Student Awardees and Foundation Trustees at the reception. Each of the seven Awardees attending was profiled for the group, revealing accomplishments which were an inspiration to all.
The Foundation also continued its "Dean’s List" campaign, designed to build on the commitment shown last year by the Ford Motor Company, the Howard & Howard Community Reinvestment Fund, and other firms. Intended to directly support scholarships, the campaign was joined by law firms and corporations contributing at various levels: summa cum laude ($2,500), magna cum laude ($1,000), and cum laude ($750). Results of the 2001 campaign were:
Summa Cum Laude ($2,500 or more)
Magna Cum Laude
($1,000 or more)
Cum Laude ($750 or more)
Honor Roll
The WLAM Foundation also received generous support from the State Bar of Michigan, which continued to host the Foundation’s web site, www.wlamfoundation.org. The site contains news, archives, photographs, profiles of student-awardees, and much more. Web page design and maintenance are ably handled by John Powell.
Additional support for the Foundation’s work came from the statewide WLAM, as well, which will contribute the proceeds from a special golf scramble event at its May Annual Meeting.
WLAM’s Regions stepped up to the plate with their own contributions this year, with commitments received from Genesee-Shiawassee-Lapeer, Mid-Michigan, Monroe, Oakland, Wayne, Livingston, and Tri-Cities. Many have wanted to establish scholarship funds over the years, but have found it difficult for a variety of reasons. Contributions to the Foundation allow them to make a difference without assuming the administrative duties. The Foundation thanks them all (and I thank Nancy for her help with this project).
Awards made to Outstanding Women Law Students this year were increased in both amount awarded to each, and total number of awards. Last year, a total of $7500 was awarded to five students; this year a total of $16,000 was awarded to ten students. The year-2001 awardees are: Rebecca Kelley Oster (Howard and Howard Awardee at the University of Detroit Mercy), Natalie Alane (Cooley), Sheila C. Cummings (Wayne), Joy E. Hayes (Wayne), Cynthia L. Jaeger (MSU/DCL), Elizabeth Kluck (UDM), Neha Lall (UM), Tara K. McGrath (UM), Margaret A. Olesnavage (Cooley), and Tricia Ronat (MSU/DCL). Full profiles of the students appear on the Foundation’s web site, www.wlamfoundation.org.
The Foundation also awarded $1,000 to the State Bar of Michigan’s Open Justice Commission, to support its Pro Bono Project for Domestic Violence Victims, a special project training attorneys statewide.
Many thanks to all for the support shown during the year!
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Van Hoek, Chair, WLAM Foundation