The Grand Rapids Business Journal (GRBJ) honored Thomas M. Cooley Law School President and Dean Don LeDuc as the publication’s 2013 Newsmaker of the Year in the law category. LeDuc was recognized for the significant impact Cooley’s affiliation agreement with Western Michigan University (WMU) will have on the region and the new opportunities the affiliation will open for students, faculty and staff.
During the selection process, GRBJ writers and editors noted, the affiliation “has the potential to serve as a model for integration of legal education within a university setting.”
“This affiliation is the reason Cooley is being recognized by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, and it would not be possible without the initiative and collaboration of President John Dunn from Western Michigan University,” said LeDuc.
While GRBJ highlighted the affiliation with WMU, LeDuc noted Cooley’s leadership also focused on the continued integration of Cooley into the civic and legal communities.
“As a school with commitment to public and community service and to pro bono assistance for those needing legal help, we could not be in a better city than Grand Rapids, where the political, business and legal leaders are among the most public-minded in the nation,” said LeDuc. “What I enjoy most about working in Grand Rapids is that it is such a community-oriented environment with so many outstanding leaders.”
Nominees for GRBJ’s Newsmaker of the Year award are individuals whose industry contributions are noteworthy and are helping to shape the region’s future.
Before Cooley and WMU implement the affiliation, which is currently under review, the agreement must receive approval by accrediting agencies, the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission.
