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More than two thirds have crossed state lines to be here, and several have crossed oceans and international borders. They hail from widely varying undergraduate institutions ranging from Christian schools like Pensacola Christian College and Patrick Henry, to the University of Oklahoma, the University of Wyoming, James Madison University, Tufts, the University of Virginia and the U.S. Naval Academy, to name a few.
The students themselves are as diverse as their educational backgrounds. One is a recent West Coast transplant from Hong Kong by way of New Zealand. Another is a brand new father from California with his wife and three-month-old namesake in tow, and yet another is a quiet, bright-eyed Pennsylvanian recently graduated from college. One fifth of the incoming class are underrepresented students including Asians, African-Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans, helping to make Regent Law among the most diverse law schools in the nation.
Orientation events were designed so students could begin acclimating to the school, learning what to expect and what will be expected of them, and making new acquaintances who, in many cases, will become lifelong friends and colleagues. The week’s activities culminated in a Beach Barbeque at Sandbridge Park on Friday evening. While enjoying the warm sand, fresh salt breezes, and traditional southern-style catered meal, students and their families had a chance to interact in a more casual setting with each other and with longer standing members of the Regent Law community. Representatives of student organizations mingled to share opportunities for extracurricular involvement. Professors and their families, dressed in beach attire, turned out to welcome the new students, and members of the Board of Visitors took time from their busy schedules to share a meal and encourage newcomers in their choice of Regent Law.
As the new academic year gets underway, Dean Brauch had these words of welcome to share:
“It has been a joy to welcome the Class of 2013,” he said. “ In just a few days with our new students—while interacting in the classroom or clearing brush at Union Mission during Community Service Day—I have been impressed. These men and women come from all over the country and world. They are here because they have a passion to serve God and others through the law. I look forward to 2013 and beyond to see what they will accomplish.”We expect great things from the Class of 2013 and welcome them warmly to the Regent community.
-By Kristy Morris