By Forum Staff

Vermont Law School honored members of the Class of 2021, as well as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Diversity Shirley A. Jefferson, on the eve of the school’s 46th commencement.

The virtual awards ceremony recognized graduating Swans who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, exemplary professionalism, and outstanding contributions to the VLS community and beyond.

Brooke Herndon, vice president for the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, presented Jefferson, J.D. ’86, with this year’s class gift, which will support efforts to transform the space between the Cornell Library and the Chase Center into the Dean Shirley A. Jefferson Gallery.

VLS will host a virtual joint commencement for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 on Saturday. The festivities will include a prerecorded, 90-minute presentation, followed by a live toast featuring deans, administration, faculty, staff, and the VLS Alumni Association.

Here are the winners of the 2021 VLS Awards:

Diversity Award
April Urbanowski and Jameson Davis

International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award
Sara Gaylon

ALI CLE Scholarship and Leadership Award
Lauren Wustenberg

Marc Mihaly Environmental Leadership Award
Jameson Davis and Gillian Cowley

Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award
Andrew Cliburn

National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award
Marissa Pizaña

John Delemarre Award
Michael Crouse

Jonathan B. Chase and Ballenger/Green Paper Competitions
Christopher Brady Eaves; Arielle V. King and Mariana Muñoz

Shirley Jefferson Perseverance Award
VLS Class of 2021 and Carla Jean Usher

President’s Leadership Award
Lauren Rosenberg and Matthew Brooks