Spring 2011 Graduation Reception Takes Place in Tuscan-Themed Wine Cellar; Tradition of Recognizing Future Env. and Resources Leaders Continues

One of highlights each spring is the reception for Denver Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate Program students.

The reception brings together students who will soon graduate from the program along with professors they have studied under, graduates who have completed the program in prior years and are on hand to "welcome" the new graduates, the graduates' family members, and friends of the program.

The reception, which this year was held at the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management on the DU campus, is one of the final opportunities for the program to recognize the hard work of the graduates and those who supported them during their study at Denver Law.

The evening was a great one, with those gathered enjoying the warm Tuscan architecture of the "wine cellar" room where the event took place.

The event has turned into a part celebration/part networking event because of the close knit nature of the program's students and supporters.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, said, "It is enormously satisfying for all of us at DU Law, and the Graduate Program in particular, to bring together the many different members of the program's community -- students, graduates, family members, members of the faculty, and friends -- to officially toast the success of our soon to be graduates. The warmth and friendship of this community cannot be understated, and our desire is to enhance our students' experience. This is one event that allows us to do just that."

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Administrative Director of the Graduate Program, noted that the event brought together individuals from Brazil, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Spain, and all across the U.S. "The Graduate Program has a rich tradition of attracting the best and most capable students from across the world, and the annual spring reception allows all of us to join together one final time before graduation. Ultimately our graduates will work and serve their clients and communities on every continent in the world, thus resulting in the growing stature and reputation of the Graduate Program."

Editor's note: The top picture includes (from left) graduating students Lauren Suerth, Mike Dietrich, and Selene Neuberg . The following picture includes (from left) graduating student Alex Aidaghese, Adjunct Professor and alumnus Tonye Oki, and alumnus Pedro Camacho. The following picture includes Associate Adm. Director Lucy Daberkow and former LLM student Payal Sathe. The next picture includes (from left) graduating student Carla Araya, Joan Policastri, Adjunct Professor Jim King, alumnus Eva Kuoni, and current student Ambika Chawala. The last picture at the bottom shows Director Don Smith and winner of the Outstanding Graduate Student Award Stacy Coyle.