Diversity Experience

Diverse experiences

How do students at the University of St. Thomas School of Law experience diversity?

Lisa Ellingson, 3L
College of St. Catherine, MN

I came to St. Thomas in part because of its mission to promote social justice in the community. Becoming more involved in my community has been one of the best parts of my law school experience. I’ve had the chance to become a leader in the St. Thomas chapter of the Asian Law Students Association and to sit on the University’s Diversity Advisory Council. Outside of school, I am the Vice President of AK Connection, the Minnesota organization for adult adopted Koreans. My role in AK Connection has helped me network and collaborate with adoptees locally and around the world. I’ve also had several great volunteer legal positions where I could start to apply what I was learning in my classes. I’m very happy to be able put the mission into practice and to take advantage of some of the many opportunities to give back to my community.

Vanessa Gutierrez , 2L
California State University - Northridge

At St. Thomas, for most, community is more important than competitiveness. I have gotten to know some of the greatest individuals that care deeply about the same issues I do through my volunteer experiences at the Park Avenue Immigration Clinic and this semester at the ACLU. Through programs like MJF, finding ways to get involved is very accessible. Being an out-of-towner, volunteering has helped me feel connected to the community I now live in.

Erbayne Jarvis, 2L
Florida A&M University

I chose UST because of the sense I got from reading the school’s brochures that this was the place at which I could get a legal education without having to de-emphasize the things which are valuable to me. The school’s mission appealed to me. I liked the notion that I did not have to leave my faith-life behind. That the period from noon to 12:30 each day is set aside for the student’s personal use for participation in religious activities or personal reflection was an indication to me that the school meant what it said about embracing faith. That all graduates are required to give 50 hours of service to the community fits with what my wife and I have been teaching our children for several years.
I have had many opportunities to grow, to be a leader, and to serve others. My participation in the mandatory mentor externship program has provided exposure to aspects of the legal profession that I perhaps would not have had. One of the advantages of being at a relatively new law school is that you can be a part of starting an organization that does not already exist. A few of us have been exploring the idea of starting a Toastmasters Club. Alternatively, there are leadership opportunities in existing organizations. I am the current Vice President of the UST Chapter of Black Law Student’s Organization.
I enjoy being a part of the UST community. It is amazing to me to see the spirit of collaboration among my classmates within a few weeks of meeting each other. We lookout for and help each other. My experience with the faculty and staff leads me to conclude that they really care.

Dominic Mitchell, 2L
University of Wisconsin - Madison

I came to the University of St. Thomas School of Law anticipating a struggle... I questioned whether a gay male with a liberal world view would find a comfortable place to sit in a premiere conservative Catholic law school. I was pleasantly surprised when I found my diverse views appreciated--sought out even! My ideas as a student leader have been valued, and friendships with faculty, students, and staff have been vibrant and abundant. I have crossed political and cultural barriers, and engaged in fruitful discussions on controversial issues. My experiences have helped me appreciate individuals, they have developed my character, and they have helped me find my own path in this world.

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Diversity Experience

Diverse experiences

	Lisa Ellingson, 3L College of St. Catherine, MN I came to St. Thomas in part because of its mission to promote social justice in the community. Becoming more involved in my community has been one of the best parts of my law school experience. I’ve had the chance to become a leader in the St. Thomas chapter of the Asian Law Students Association and to sit on the University’s Diversity Advisory Council. Outside of school, I am the Vice President of AK Connection, the Minnesota organization for adult adopted Koreans. My role in AK Connection has helped me network and collaborate with adoptees locally and around the world. I’ve also had several great volunteer legal positions where I could start to apply what I was learning in my classes. I’m very happy to be able put the mission into practice and to take advantage of some of the many opportunities to give back to my community.
	Vanessa Gutierrez , 2L California State University - Northridge At St. Thomas, for most, community is more important than competitiveness. I have gotten to know some of the greatest individuals that care deeply about the same issues I do through my volunteer experiences at the Park Avenue Immigration Clinic and this semester at the ACLU. Through programs like MJF, finding ways to get involved is very accessible. Being an out-of-towner, volunteering has helped me feel connected to the community I now live in.
	Erbayne Jarvis, 2L Florida A&M University I chose UST because of the sense I got from reading the school’s brochures that this was the place at which I could get a legal education without having to de-emphasize the things which are valuable to me. The school’s mission appealed to me. I liked the notion that I did not have to leave my faith-life behind. That the period from noon to 12:30 each day is set aside for the student’s personal use for participation in religious activities or personal reflection was an indication to me that the school meant what it said about embracing faith. That all graduates are required to give 50 hours of service to the community fits with what my wife and I have been teaching our children for several years. I have had many opportunities to grow, to be a leader, and to serve others. My participation in the mandatory mentor externship program has provided exposure to aspects of the legal profession that I perhaps would not have had. One of the advantages of being at a relatively new law school is that you can be a part of starting an organization that does not already exist. A few of us have been exploring the idea of starting a Toastmasters Club. Alternatively, there are leadership opportunities in existing organizations. I am the current Vice President of the UST Chapter of Black Law Student’s Organization. I enjoy being a part of the UST community. It is amazing to me to see the spirit of collaboration among my classmates within a few weeks of meeting each other. We lookout for and help each other. My experience with the faculty and staff leads me to conclude that they really care.
	Dominic Mitchell, 2L University of Wisconsin - Madison I came to the University of St. Thomas School of Law anticipating a struggle... I questioned whether a gay male with a liberal world view would find a comfortable place to sit in a premiere conservative Catholic law school. I was pleasantly surprised when I found my diverse views appreciated--sought out even! My ideas as a student leader have been valued, and friendships with faculty, students, and staff have been vibrant and abundant. I have crossed political and cultural barriers, and engaged in fruitful discussions on controversial issues. My experiences have helped me appreciate individuals, they have developed my character, and they have helped me find my own path in this world.