DU Law Stars

Award Descriptions

• William L. Keating Outstanding Alumni Award

  The William L. Keating Outstanding Alumni Award is granted to a graduate of Denver Law who has:

  • Maintained a strong connection to DU and the College of Law since graduation (e.g., by participating in the Michael G. Massey Professional Mentoring Program, serving as an externship supervisor, serving on the Alumni Council,  or serving as a mentor in the Ascent program, among other ways of maintaining a strong connection to DU and the College of Law); and
  • Worked to make a positive difference in their community.
     

  Recipients of this award should also:

  • Be excellent communicators with impeccable ethics;
  • Be dedicated to the practice of law and to advancing fairness and equity; and
  • Exhibit “good sportsmanship” throughout the legal community, both in and out of the courtroom.
     

  The William L. Keating Outstanding Alumni Award may be, but is not required to be, awarded on an annual basis.

• Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. Alumni Professionalism Award

  The Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. Alumni Professionalism Award is granted to a graduate of Denver Law whose community work reflects their professionalism. Recipients of this award should also:

  • Exemplify integrity and strong ethical standards;
  • Have a commitment to strong legal writing that has a positive impact on the legal profession;
  • Be dedicated to the public sector and/or pro bono legal services; and
  • Be community-oriented.
     

  The Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. Alumni Professionalism Award may be, but is not required to be, awarded on an annual basis.

• Thompson G. Marsh Award

  The Thompson G. Marsh Award is granted to a graduate of Denver Law who has shown a strong dedication to their community (e.g., via volunteer service or by providing pro bono legal services, among other ways of supporting their community; does not need to be in a teaching/faculty role).

  Recipients of this award should also:

  • Have an illustrious and fulfilling career;
  • Live a well-rounded life outside of their career; and
  • Be actively involved with the community.
     

  The Thompson G. Marsh Award may be, but is not required to be, awarded on an annual basis.

• Bruce B. Johnson Outstanding Young Alumni Award

  The Bruce B. Johnson Outstanding Young Alumni Award is granted to a graduate of Denver Law who is between five (5) and ten (10) years out of law school at the time of the awards ceremony. Post-undergraduate professional experience prior to law school may count toward this calculation.

  Recipients of this award should be dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct and be known for their outstanding contributions to the legal or greater community. This could be, but is not limited to being, demonstrated by:

  • Exhibiting strong leadership;
  • Demonstrating courage and humor in the face of adversity; or
  • Being a skilled problem-solver.
     

  Recipients of this award should also be deeply committed to their clients, listen to their clients, and act decisively on that commitment.

  The Bruce B. Johnson Outstanding Young Alumni Award may be, but is not required to be, awarded on an annual basis.

• Robert B. Yegge Excellence in Teaching Award

  The Robert B. Yegge Excellence in Teaching Award is granted to a teacher at Denver Law who has made outstanding contributions to the legal educational mission and has fostered Denver Law’s relationship with the community. Recipients of this award should be retired or current members of the faculty at Denver Law.

  The Robert B. Yegge Excellence in Teaching Award may be, but is not required to be, awarded on an annual basis.