2026 College of Law Alumni Luncheon Honors Distinguished Alumni

Celebrating Excellence and Community

The 2026 College of Law Alumni Luncheon was a day of joy and camaraderie as we recognized this year’s St. Ives Awardee, the Honorable Kern A. Reese, J.D. ‘77, while celebrating the achievements of the College of Law and our amazing community.

Honoring the Honorable Kern A. Reese

This year’s St. Ives Award was presented to the Honorable Kern A. Reese, J.D. ‘77, in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding contributions to the legal profession. The St. Ives Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the College of Law, celebrating alumni who exemplify excellence, integrity, and service to the community.

Judge Reese’s distinguished career has been marked by:

• Decades of dedicated service to the judiciary
• Commitment to justice and the rule of law
• Mentorship of countless young attorneys
• Leadership in the legal community

His recognition at this year’s luncheon reflects the deep respect he has earned from colleagues, students, and the broader legal community throughout his remarkable career.

Recognizing Leadership and Service

A special thank you to the Honorable June Darensburg, J.D. ‘94, for her exemplary term as Law Alumni Board President. Her leadership and dedication have strengthened the bonds within our alumni community and advanced the mission of the College of Law.

Judge Darensburg’s tenure as Board President has been characterized by:

• Strategic vision for alumni engagement
• Support for current law students
• Fostering connections across graduating classes
• Advancing the College of Law’s reputation and standing

Her service has made a lasting impact on the alumni association and the law school community.

Community and Celebration

The luncheon brought together alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and supporters of the College of Law for an afternoon of:

• Recognition: Honoring outstanding alumni achievements
• Connection: Strengthening bonds among graduates from different eras
• Celebration: Acknowledging the College of Law’s continued excellence
• Gratitude: Thanking those who support the law school’s mission

The event highlighted the strong sense of community that defines the College of Law alumni network, with graduates from various decades coming together to celebrate their shared connection to the institution.

Gratitude and Support

The success of the 2026 Alumni Luncheon would not have been possible without the generous support of:

• Sponsors: Whose financial contributions make this annual event possible
• Attendees: Who showed up to celebrate and support their alma mater
• Alumni: Who remain connected and engaged with the law school
• Friends: Who support the College of Law’s mission
• Faculty and Staff: Who continue to provide excellence in legal education

This collective support ensures that the College of Law can continue its tradition of excellence while preparing the next generation of legal professionals.

The St. Ives Award Legacy

The St. Ives Award represents the highest recognition the College of Law bestows upon its alumni. Named after St. Ives of Kermartin, the patron saint of lawyers, the award honors alumni who have demonstrated:

• Outstanding professional achievement
• Dedication to the legal profession
• Service to the community
• Commitment to justice and ethical practice
• Leadership in their field

Judge Reese joins a distinguished list of past recipients who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and their communities.

Continuing the Tradition

The annual Alumni Luncheon has become a cherished tradition, providing an opportunity for:

• Recognizing distinguished alumni
• Celebrating the law school’s achievements
• Reconnecting with classmates and colleagues
• Supporting current students through scholarships and programs
• Strengthening the alumni network

The event reinforces the strong bonds between the College of Law and its graduates, demonstrating the lasting impact of a legal education rooted in excellence, ethics, and service.

Looking Forward

The 2026 luncheon reminds us of the strength of our legal community and the importance of continuing to support legal education and the next generation of attorneys. The College of Law remains committed to:

• Providing exceptional legal education
• Fostering a diverse and inclusive community
• Preparing students for the challenges of modern legal practice
• Serving the broader community through pro bono work and public service
• Maintaining connections with alumni across the country

Thank You

To everyone who attended, sponsored, and supported the 2026 College of Law Alumni Luncheon—thank you. Your continued engagement and support make events like this possible and help ensure that the College of Law continues its tradition of excellence.

We look forward to seeing the community come together again at future events to celebrate our shared commitment to the legal profession and the values that unite us.