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Current Issue
Envision: Spring 2009
Cover story
Generations of Northwestern Law Wildcats: Three legacy families share their memories of the Law School
Featured: Barbara Gariepy Caruso JD '63, Marguerite Raeder Gariepy JD '19, Bill Caruso Jr. JD '90, Jeanne Caruso JD '04, Bill Caruso Sr. JD '61, Alex Amezcua JD '05, Richard Morrisroe JD '78, Jon Mangus JD '66, Ashley Mangus JD '10, and James Hunt JD '67
Law School Update
Giving Back, Paying Forward: Alumni Establish New Scholarship Funds for Students
Featured: Garry Crowder JD-MBA '82, Jill Evans JD-MBA '83, David Kleiman JD '82, Susan Spangler Nussbaum JD '83, Bill Nussbaum JD '83, David Olson JD '81, and Yilei He JD '11
Alumni in the News
Northwestern Law Grads Receive Obama Appointments
Featured: Kate Shaw JD '06, Christina Tchen JD '84, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens JD '49, and Russlynn Ali JD '97
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Generations of Northwestern Law Wildcats
Three legacy families share their memories of the Law School
Northwestern Law celebrates its sesquicentennial this year. Much has happened over the 150 year history of the Law School — from the addition of new programs and degrees to advancements in technology to lectures and seminars from some of the brightest minds in the legal field. Legacy families have the unique opportunity to witness first-hand several generations of innovation and education at the Law School. We have interviewed three such families and have asked them to tell us about their most memorable moments at Northwestern Law.
Here are their stories.
Long-term Relationship
 Fred Gariepy |  Marguerite Raeder Gariepy |
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The Caruso family has three generations of Northwestern Law graduates | |
Barbara Gariepy Caruso JD '63 remembers that her mother, Marguerite Raeder Gariepy JD '19, would receive family Christmas cards from John Henry Wigmore, the first full-time dean of Northwestern Law. "My mother was very close to Wigmore," Barbara says."She had tied for first in her class [with Owen L. Coon] and Wigmore helped her get a job with the Legal Aid Bureau of Chicago when she graduated."
This anecdote exemplifies the long-standing relationship between the Gariepy family and Northwestern Law. Three generations of the family have graduated from the Law School, including two of Barbara's five children, Bill Caruso Jr. JD '90 and Jeanne Caruso JD '04, as well as her father, Fred Gariepy JD '21. Barbara's husband, Bill Caruso Sr. JD '61, is also an alumnus.
Barbara, who, like her mother, finished first in her class, vividly remembers classes taught by two Northwestern Law deans, Harold Havighurst and John Ritchie III.
"Harold Havighurst was one of my favorite professors," she says."He knew that I had taught English literature and asked me to explain to the class what 'hoist with your own petard' [from Hamlet] meant."
As for Ritchie, Barbara says he had a manner and a teaching style that students found appealing.
"Dean Ritchie was a wonderful Southern gentleman — and the only law professor I ever had who gave true/false, multiple choice exams," she says.
Bill Sr. says he was lucky enough to take the first class taught by Victor Rosenblum, a noted scholar and well-loved instructor who was named the Nathaniel L. Nathanson professor of law emeritus.
"He was a fascinating teacher and a great believer in semantics and how words are used in the law,"he says,"He taught us that how we frame things really makes a big difference."
With so much family history intertwined with the Law School, choosing Northwestern was an easy decision for Bill Jr., he says.
"When I started, it was almost like a homecoming because I knew so much about the school," he says.
Having Northwestern Law grads as parents also helped prep him for his law school experience, Bill Jr. says.
"One of the benefits of being a legacy was that I wasn't surprised by or nervous about the law school experience,"he says."We had discussions and debates around the kitchen table about some of the same things we discussed in school."
Post-graduation, the Carusos have maintained strong ties with the school. Bill Sr. was an adjunct professor at Northwestern Law for a number of years. He taught courses on fair housing. Bill Sr. and Barbara regularly attend alumni events and Barbara served on her reunion committee. Bill Jr. keeps in contact with many of his classmates and often uses them as outside counsel.
"We're unmitigated fans of Northwestern Law," Bill Sr. says.
Shared History
Alex Amezcua JD '05 and his father-in-law Richard Morrisroe JD '78 share a love of American history. That interest carried over to their time at Northwestern Law.
"For me it's a big picture notion — just knowing that so many amazing and talented people were here before you,"Alex says. "When I was a first year or a second year and I was having a difficult time, I would think to myself,'Did they [my predecessors] have those moments,too?'And the answer, of course, is yes.We all had the same struggles and it helps to think about the people who went before you and overcame those difficulties and did well."
The two also enjoy discussing the differences between their law school experiences.
"One thing my father-in-law pointed out was that, back in those days, there was sort of a more 'Paper Chase,' Socratic-method teaching approach," Alex says."Some professors certainly still use that approach today, but as the faculty has gotten younger, they've started to step away from that approach.
"And demographically, even when my father-in-law went, the 1970s, there still weren't that many women at Northwestern — and Northwestern was still ahead of the curve in terms of female enrollment. When I went to school, women made up 50 percent of the class."
Richard says attending Alex's graduation was a great moment for him and that their shared Law School experience has given them more common ground.
"We're both very proud that we went to Northwestern Law School," he says.
A Sense of Camaraderie
For father and daughter Jon Mangus JD '66 and Ashley Mangus JD '10, a shared Northwestern Law experience has further strengthened their already close bond.
"Walking about the campus together, attending school sponsored events, and sharing our respective experiences in an environment that is now familiar to both of us has definitely deepened our already strong relationship,"Jon says."It has also opened up new avenues of communication as we discuss my past career and Ashley's thoughts about her future."
Jon and Ashley Mangus (photo of Ashley © Nathan Mandell)
One Northwestern Law memory that stands out in particular for Jon is the time he spent in the dorms at Abbott Hall.
"Abbott Hall, for those of us living there, created the feeling that we were attending an all-boys military school," he jokes."Although there were a few women in our law school class, I don't believe any of them lived in Abbott Hall, and the two floors of women dental hygienist students were only interested in the pre-med and dental students, not us lowly law students."
On a trip to visit Ashley, Jon says he was happy to observe that Abbott Hall was no longer used as a student residence, but also admitted that, overall, his time in the dorms was quite enjoyable.
"The close quarters at Abbott Hall produced camaraderie and a great opportunity to make life-long friends and establish fond memories," he says.
A sense of camaraderie was also one of the reasons Ashley says she chose Northwestern Law.
"It was a pretty easy decision for me when I found out I was accepted," she says. "I fell in love with the culture — it just seemed like my kind of place."
She also has first-hand knowledge of the strong friendships Northwestern Law grads make; her godfather, James Hunt JD '67, was her father's classmate.
"It's nice for me to see those long-lasting friendships,"Ashley says."I'm sure you can get that at other schools, but I always associate it with Northwestern."
The Mangus family has spent a lot of time together exploring Chicago and the Law School since Ashley's enrollment.While some things have changed, the important ones have stayed the same, Jon says.
"Northwestern Law appears every bit as challenging and intellectually stimulating as when I was there," he says.
Giving Back, Paying Forward
Alumni Establish New Scholarship Funds for Students
"It's easy to give when it's easy," says Garry Crowder JD-MBA '82."But in times of economic struggle, philanthropic leadership is needed even more. It was time to step up."
Crowder and his wife Jill Evans JD-MBA '83 are among several Northwestern Law alumni who have recently established scholarship and fellowship funds for qualified law school students. Often, some of the brightest and most talented candidates simply cannot afford tuition or students may ignore their interests and choose internships based solely upon salary. Though backgrounds, careers, and motivation vary, the alumni featured here share a common ideal: to help the next generation of law school students pursue their purpose and to provide sustained support for Northwestern Law.
"So often, our alumni reflect on their Northwestern Law experience and appreciate the important skills they gained and the long-lasting friendships they forged. Many are now looking for ways to give back," says Maggie Morrison, associate director of development."Several have found that establishing a fellowship or scholarship program is an ideal way to accomplish this."
Following are profiles of four funds recently established at the Law School. They represent the generous spirit of our alumni community and the many others who have also established funds.
Evans/Crowder JD-MBA Scholarship
After practicing law at Sidley & Austin and serving as a managing director at Morgan Stanley, Crowder started his own hedge fund firm. He now heads the Institute for Alternative Research and Education in Amherst, Massachusetts.
"Earning a JD-MBA has positioned me powerfully at the negotiating table," explains Crowder."I've been able to offer legal expertise and see the ripple effect of every recommendation under consideration."
Two years ago, he and Evans decided to make a contribution to Northwestern Law. Upon the suggestion of Dean David Van Zandt, the two opted to establish a scholarship to support students pursuing a JD-MBA.
"We really wanted this to be a collective effort,"emphasizes Crowder."We created a seed fund whereby we will match any additional revenue raised by students up to $25,000.This is their fund,and,by establishing a program that replenishes itself, we are able to help grow our support long term."
Bernard Kleiman Memorial Fellowship Fund
"My father dedicated his life to labor law and fighting for workers' rights," recalls David Kleiman JD '82. "And so it's heartbreaking when I see fire-in-the-belly law school students forced to choose a high-paying internship so they can eat and pay rent, even if they'd rather pursue a lower-paying public interest internship."
Kleiman, now a real estate developer, practiced law for several years at Katten Muchin and at JMB Realty. His father, uncle, and cousin all are Northwestern Law alumni, and "because of this legacy, it was important for me to give back to the school," he explains.
In honor of his father, the fellowship he established provides supplemental income to students who accept internships at a general counsel's office of a labor union or non-profit legal agency.
Says Kleiman,"I hope this fellowship will encourage students to open themselves to the possibility of another track, to help them realize there are people and causes worthy of their talent; whether they ultimately choose this as their career or simply commit to pro bono work and contribute to legal aid organizations."
The Nussbaum Family Public Interest Fellowship Fund
"The celebration of our 25th reunion seemed the perfect time to make a gift to the University," recalls Susan Spangler Nussbaum JD '83.
Adds Bill Nussbaum JD '83, "Northwestern was a wonderful experience for us both, creating the foundation for our professions."
Susan Nussbaum is a lobbyist with ORC Worldwide and Bill now shares his expertise with National Public Radio after spending much of his career as president and COO of the Mark Winkler Company, a real estate development company. Both also have been active volunteers in their community.The Nussbaums' fellowship fund supports students who choose summer jobs in public service.
"We worked in partnership with the University's development office to tailor a fellowship fund that felt right to us and met the needs of the school and current students," explains Susan Nussbaum."It feels great to give back to the school, especially if it will encourage students to consider public interest careers."
Olson Fellows Program
"International programs and access are no longer a luxury; they will increasingly be at the core of major law school missions." says David Olson JD '81.
A long-time investment banker, Olson practiced law at then Brown and Wood in New York. His position heading the Asia Pacific region for Donaldson, Lufkin, & Jenrette afforded him the opportunity to live in Hong Kong for three years. He now lives in the U.S., having led international private equity efforts at Guggenheim and Yucaipa.
"Just as I benefited from international experience, so do schools gain from an enhanced global perspective."
International students are the fastest-growing pool of applicants to American universities, and recognizing that very few can afford to attend U.S. law schools, Olson established a scholarship fund to help.
"Today business is global and cross-cultural awareness and skills are essential," he says. "To be competitive, we must gather perspectives from those outside our own borders."
By establishing a scholarship fund for international students, Olson hopes they will become "culture carriers," bringing their national cultures into law schools and then carrying the culture of an American law school like Northwestern Law back to their native countries.
"Very few investments enable us to see so rewarding a payoff, not only to the school, but to the recipients who go on to change lives," he says.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to establish a scholarship or fellowship fund is knowing how profoundly it will impact the students it supports.
"I'm so grateful for this fellowship," says Yilei He JD '11, 2008–09 Olson Fellowship recipient."It relieves my loan liability and lets me be far more flexible with my career choice. My ultimate dream is to run a non-profit foundation to help people in developing countries get good medical care and education."
The development office is happy to work with alumni to establish customized fellowship or scholarship funds in their name or in tribute. For more information, please contact the office at 312-503-7609 or law-development@law.northwestern.edu.
Alumni in the News
Northwestern Law Grads Receive Obama Appointments
Two Northwestern Law graduates, Kate Shaw JD '06 and Christina Tchen JD '84, have received appointments to the Obama administration.
Shaw serves as an associate counsel to the president. Prior to her appointment, she worked on Obama's transition team and served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens JD '49. During law school, Shaw was editor-in-chief of the Northwestern Law Review.
Tchen holds the post of director of public liaison. Prior to her appointment, she served as a partner in corporate litigation at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
In that capacity, Tchen represented public agencies in state and federal class actions, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the Illinois Department of Public Aid, and the Chicago Housing Authority. She also served on the board of several organizations, including the Chicago Bar Foundation.
A third Northwestern Law graduate, Russlynn Ali JD '97, has been nominated to become the assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education. At press time, her appointment was pending approval by the Senate.
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