Mitchell Hamline honors alumni with awards at 126th anniversary event

Nearly 200 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at Allianz Field in October to celebrate the 126th anniversary of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. The event served as a milestone for the institution, highlighting its history, current initiatives, and the ongoing impact of its legal education programs.

Mitchell Hamline Recognizes Three Alumni with Annual Awards

The celebration featured the presentation of annual alumni awards, presided over by Mitchell Hamline Alumni Association Board President Caroline Moos, a 2019 graduate. The institution recognized three specific alumni for their contributions to the legal field and the school community. The Hon. Shawn M. Bartsh, a 1982 graduate, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Nicole James Gilchrist, from the class of 2003, was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award, while Kojo Addo, a 2017 graduate, was honored with the Recent Alumni Award.

In addition to the traditional categories, President and Dean Camille M. Davidson introduced the inaugural Legacy and Future Award. Robert Klas, Jr., a 1979 graduate, was the first recipient of this honor. The award was designed to recognize individuals who bridge the histories of the William Mitchell College of Law and the Hamline University School of Law while contributing to the development of the combined Mitchell Hamline institution. Klas helped combine the two schools in 2015, which established the current law school’s structure.

Institutional Engagement and History

The evening included musical performances by Brass Solidarity and the Larry McDonough ’83 Jazz Trio. Beyond the awards ceremony, the event focused on fostering connections within the school’s network. Attendees were encouraged to participate in mentorship programs for current students and support the school through charitable giving. The institution also promoted a special anniversary book detailing the history of the law school.

The Mitchell Hamline community continues to emphasize the roles of people, purpose, and possibility as the school moves into its next chapter. These themes remain central to the school’s outreach as it seeks to engage both its historical base and its current student population.