Judge, attorney, and survivor to discuss USA Gymnastics scandal

To kick-off its Community Conversations series, Western Michigan University Cooley Law School will present “‘At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal’ Panel Discussion.” The in-class and virtual discussion will take place Thursday, September 30, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

“At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal” is a powerful documentary that reveals a dangerous system that prioritized winning over everything else, including protecting young female athletes. It features brave testimonials from the athletes at the center of the story.

The panelists discussing the scandal at WMU-Cooley will include:

  • Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, who sentenced disgraced gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar
  • Trinea Gonczar, an abuse survivor
  • Mick Grewal, who represented 139 or the 543 survivors

Aquilina made news worldwide for her work presiding over the sentencing of disgraced former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar.  She is known for her reputation for outspoken advocacy and giving those in her courtroom a voice.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and her law degree from WMU-Cooley. 

Aquilina became the first female member of the Judge Advocate General Corps in the state, serving 20 years in the Michigan Army National Guard.  She was an Ingham County 55th District Court and Sobriety Court judge for four years and currently serves on the 30th Circuit Court bench.

Gonczar is a gymnast from Lansing, a survivor of Larry Nassar, and an advocate for preventing sexual assault and helping other victims. She is currently the Director of Development for Wayne County SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Program) in Detroit.

Grewal is the founding and managing partner of Grewal Law PLLC with offices in Okemos, Northville, and Grand Rapids. He graduated from the University of Michigan and earned law degrees from WMU-Cooley and John Marshall Law School. He began his career in 1993 and focused his practice on criminal and family law, civil litigation as well as estate work. In the last decade, he has immersed himself into learning new areas of the law including sexual assault, medical malpractice, personal injury, and medical marijuana.

Those interested in attending the September 30 Community Conversations event must register at https://info.cooley.edu/community-conversations.