What a night for the Society of Law & Justice! SLJ held a spring social event on March 28 at PSB 166 that featured two guest speakers from the legal field, a donation drive, free swag, and free pizza.

With the pandemic still ongoing, many UAA students have never met their professors in person. This social event was a wonderful way for Justice Center faculty, staff, and students to come together and meet each other. It also was a great opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the Justice and Legal Studies programs.

“This was the Society of Law & Justice's first in-person event since our pandemic started two years ago! We are very proud!” says Amanda J. Licka, SLJ president.

Attendees were treated to two presentations from the legal field by Blake F. Quackenbush, president and attorney, and Whitney Rowe, senior legal assistant, for the Law Offices of Blake Fulton Quackenbush. Voted “Best Attorney” by the Anchorage Press, Quackenbush colorfully recounted his journey from college to owning his own firm in Downtown Anchorage. Rowe provided insight on the work she does and how a law firm provides support to a client on multiple levels.

A surprise addition to the program was an award presentation for Jo Walker, Justice Center academic program specialist. She was presented a gold monogram SLJ brooch in recognition of her hard work behind the scenes with the Justice Center. She has helped Legal Studies and Justice students stay in the know about upcoming events, scholarship and employment opportunities, exit exams, and so much more.

During the event, attendees were able to support The Ukraine Project, an initiative put together by SLJ to support Ukrainian children refugees. Running through April 30, you can purchase a ribbon with the Ukraine state peace and resistance flower for $3 or two ribbons for $5. All proceeds will be given to UNICEF for children caught in the crossfire of the Ukrainian crisis.

Before the night came to a close, attendees were given a sneak peek into renovation plans for PSB 166 to simulate a courtroom, which will be named after the late John E. Havelock, the founding director upon the establishment of the Justice Center.

When asked about future plans to host another SLJ social event, Licka says, “I believe a Social event like this one should be held at least annually. Having wonderful speakers like the ones from the Law Offices of Blake F. Quackenbush was truly inspiring!

“It was a wonderful experience to get to meet the professors that I have yet to meet so far in my career and get to see the professors I already knew outside of the classroom setting … The energy everyone had last night was amazing!” Licka says.