During two days of orientation on August 13-14, the Fowler School of Law welcomed the incoming Class of 2017. After informative presentations, mock classes and networking with fellow classmates, faculty and administrators, the students wrapped up orientation excited to get started.

There were several opening remarks on the first day of orientation including, Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) Treasurer Todd Friedland who gave a talk entitled, “Your Legal Career Begins Today.” Assistant Dean of Admissions and Diversity Initiatives at Fowler School of Law, Karman Hsu shared some interesting facts about the Class of 2017 (as of August 13, 2014):

  • Represents 68 undergraduate schools
  • Born in 15 different countries
  • Ages range from 21 to over 50
  • 51% female and 49% male
  • Class of 2017 accomplishments:
    • We are proud to have more than one student who has served in the armed forces – an Air Force Staff Sergeant, a U.S. Air Force Commander of the Color Guard and a Marine Corps Corporal
    • Two have careers as university professors, one of whom has her Ph.D. in english and the other is a Certified Public Accountant
    • They have worked for BET, Justice Corps, DreamWorks, the Department of Justice, Department of Defense and Atlantic Records
    • Two can communicate in sign language
    • Two are martial arts black belts
    • One has won a number of beauty pageants including the title of Miss Philippines USA Tourism and Miss Philippines Universe 2011
    • One played bass while touring with Cee Lo Green and has opened for Prince at Madison Square Garden

keynote2014 Orientation Keynote Speaker, Steve Avila, General Counsel for The Spaceship Company (Virgin Galactic, LLC Affiliate), discussed his role with an aerospace production company charged to build the world’s first fleet of spaceships intended to make commercial, manned space travel a reality.

At the end of the second day, Dean Tom Campbell administered the professionalism oath to the new students, with visiting family members watching with pride and equal anticipation. After completion of the oath, the students and their guests enjoyed a traditional barbecue feast on the back deck of Kennedy Hall and browsed the booths of nearly 40 student organizations at the annual student organization fair.

Learn more about Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law.