The Faculty of Law paid tribute to three alumni last night to a packed Great Hall at U of T's Hart House.
Hal Jackman '56, former chancellor of U of T and Rob Prichard '75, former dean and university president, each received the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award for their outstanding contributions to the law school, the law community and beyond.
Cornell Wright speaks at the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award Dinner |
Law alumnus Cornell Wright '00 received the Ann Wilson and Rob Prichard Award for Community and Professional Service for his many career achievements and volunteer commitments, including his dedication to mentoring at-risk and marginalized high school students in Toronto. A graduate of the JD/MBA program, Wright has volunteered with Law in Action Within Schools, the Faculty of Law's high school outreach program, since its inception in 2005.
"You realize how lucky you are to have graduated from a law school like U of T, with access to the people that we have at this institution," said Wright, "and I think it makes it very easy to convey to these students the sense of opportunity that's available."
Wright said when he first heard he was the recipient of the Wilson-Prichard Award, he felt "complete intimidation…because they mentioned the names Rob Prichard and Hal Jackman in the same sentence." The partner at Torys LLP said he hopes to have as varied a career as his Distinguished Alumnus Award-winning colleagues have had.
Distinguished Alumnus Award Dinner in the Great Hall of Hart House |
Video tributes of Jackman and Prichard shared little-known stories of them, in a light-hearted look at the generous public service contributions of both law school graduates.
In his speech, Jackman poked fun at the law world, saying he decided to pursue business rather than law, and in doing so became part of the engine of the entire legal system: the chargeable hour.
"Therefore I accept this award tonight," said Jackman, with tongue firmly in cheek, "on behalf of all the 'chargeable hours' working so hard to preserve the legal system, for without them, the rule of law disintegrates and the law school would fade into irrelevancy."
Prichard spoke of his two great loves: first, his wife, Ann Wilson, for her love, support and guidance over the years, and for their three sons; and secondly the law school.
Guests gave standing ovations to all three honourees |
"This law school provided me with a superb education, incredible opportunities and three years with my good friends," said Prichard. "It gave me a sense of purpose, and the tools to do something about it."
More than 200 people attended the Nov. 19 event, which included dinner and a silent auction. All three awardees received gifts of silver cufflinks created by law alumnus and jewellery designer, Tamara Kronis, www.tamaradesigns.ca.
Story by Lucianna Ciccocioppo. Photos by Diana Balogh-Tyszko.
