Law School Celebrates Sesquicentennial with Gala

Some 300 attorneys, alumni and friends of the University of Mississippi School of Law gathered in Jackson Feb. 17 for a dinner gala to celebrate the law school’s 150th anniversary.

The event, held at the Country Club of Jackson, was the highlight of the law school’s yearlong sesquicentennial celebration.

“This was an occasion to celebrate the incredible legacy of this great law school that pioneered legal education in the state of Mississippi,” said Dean Samuel Davis. “It was a fun occasion, and it was a grand occasion. We have much to celebrate and much for which to be thankful.”

The alumni response to the gala demonstrates their continued dedication to the school, said Tim Walsh, the university’s associate director of alumni affairs.

“This event was a great way to celebrate with our alumni all that the law school has accomplished in its 150-year history,” Walsh said. “Many of the outstanding leaders who have graduated from the law school were present to celebrate with us.”

Among them was William Dalehite, partner at the Jackson law firm Steen, Dalehite and Pace, a sponsor of the Jackson celebration. “From my perspective, graduates of the University of Mississippi School of Law have been the leaders and movers and shakers throughout the past 150 years for the state of Mississippi,” Dalehite said. “As a graduate, it has certainly provided me with an excellent opportunity to serve the people of my native state.”

Alumnus and former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove agreed. “The Ole Miss Law School throughout its 150 years has provided the foundation for many great opportunities — I am proud to be a part of that,” said Musgrove, who is of counsel at the Jackson firm Copeland, Cook, Taylor and Bush.

Special invited guests included former deans Parham Williams and David Shipley.

The school kicked off its anniversary celebration Oct. 14 with a sesquicentennial address by Walter Wadlington, a Biloxi native and University of Virginia law professor emeritus.

Several other events marked the anniversary. They included a lecture series on diversity and the future of legal education and the completion of a manuscript of a book chronicling the school’s history, by professor Michael Landon. Law Alumni Weekend in April also featured a sesquicentennial theme. The weekend’s activities included a trip to the Oxford home of the university’s second law professor, L.Q.C. Lamar, for whom today’s law building is named.

Recognizing the need for formal legal education in the state, the university’s board of trustees petitioned the state legislature in 1854 to establish a “Professorship of Governmental Science and Law.” The Department of Law opened its doors to seven students and a single professor that year.

“The event was significant not only because it elevated the status of the fledging college to that of a university, but because it marked the beginning of a legacy of leadership that continues to this day,” Davis said.
—Natashia Gregoire

“I don’t belong to many organizations that can say they have been around 150 years. The law school at Ole Miss is one of those, and I’m proud to be associated with this.”
– James Peden,
class of 1970

“It’s so nice to see people from 12 years ago … Oxford was a friendly town. It was a great three years. It was a delightful place.”
– David Shipley,
former dean

“Tonight is a very emotional night; it’s an invigorating experience. It’s great to renew friendships here this evening. The law school has placed a great emphasis on scholarship, and it’s rewarding to see the high quality of students who attended the Ole Miss Law School.”
– Parham Williams,
former dean

“This event is something to be very proud of.”
– Don Morrison,
class of 1960

“It’s amazing to be a part of this history. My father was a law school graduate in 1930; therefore, we have a good part of the 150 year history. Ole Miss history is our family history. It’s a thrill-filled pride. Dean Davis is moving us in the right direction. Our history helps move us forward and more and more along with our acclaimed national scholarly recognition.”
– Barney Eaton,
class of 1960

“This means an opportunity to see old friends that were sometimes adversaries in the courtroom, but when all is said and done, we’re all Ole Miss alumni.”
– Roger Flynt,
class of 1964

“This is an exiting event and I’m honored to be here.”
– Landy Teller,
class of 1965

“Ole Miss Law School is an impressive place. It’s top notch.”

– Bob Latham,
class of 1978
“Ole Miss prepares model students to practice law. I have seen both the professors and students surpass all the previous classes, and it’s exciting to see the progress.”
– D. Briggs Smith, class of 1966

“The graduates that our firm hires are so bright. They have exceeded our expectations year after year.”
– Silas McCharen,
Class of 1985; partner, Daniel, Coker, Horton
and Bell

“This is a grand occasion. Classmates are here and it’s great to reconnect with them and their lives.”
– Chief Judge Glen H. Davidson,
class of 1965; U.S. District Court, Northern Mississippi

“This is an exciting time at the Ole Miss Law School. Students are coming from all over the country. The community is diverse, and it’s exciting to be challenged in such a fashion.”
– Darrel Tucker,
class of 2005

“It’s great to be here tonight. It means so much to me to be with former professors and mentors.”
– Jay Carmean,
class of 1999

“Ole Miss Law School prepared me for practice. It was unlike anything else in my life, but it was rewarding.”
– Frank C. Jones III,
class of 1997

“It’s great to be back in the midst of professors and friends.”
– Brad Jones,
class of 2000

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