Bianchino Technology Center Dedication

Dedication of the Bianchino Technology Center at Washburn University School of Law is October 25, 2002. The Bianchino Technology Center is housed in Robinson Courtroom at the law school and is made possible through a generous donation by Bernie Bianchino '74.

The Bianchino Technology Center provides Washburn Law students and faculty with state of the art technology and a learning environment suitable for 21st century practice. Increasingly, courtrooms at both the federal and state levels provide litigants with various technologies to assist with presentation of a case. Students can gain experience with technology and be prepared to operate and use equipment at their disposal in modern courtroom environments.

Technology which comprises the Bianchino Technology Center includes:

The Center also incorporates technology which provides the capability for video teleconferencing and remote broadcasts, digital court reporting and electronic legal research.

Trial Advocacy classes use Robinson Courtroom & Bianchino Technology Center to train students how to present evidence persuasively with modern computer technology and graphics. Videotaping equipment can record student performances of mock trial exercises so they may be critiqued by Trial Advocacy instructors. The addition of courtroom technology training to the law school curriculum through small group hands-on instruction has increased students' comfort with the use of these tools.

As part of the installation of technology, Robinson Courtroom was modified to be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. New carpeting, drapes, and darkening shades were installed. The generous donations made by more than eighty individuals and groups during a special campaign allowed re-upholstering of the seating in the gallery and jury box.

Bernie Bianchino graduated from Washburn Law School in 1974. He was Senior Attorney for the U.S. Department of Energy until 1978, then was counsel for Exxon Corporation for the next eight years. He joined U.S. Sprint as Vice President - Law, General Business in 1986. After eight years in that position, he spent one year as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Qwest Communications in Denver before joining Sprint PCS in 1995 as Chief Business Development Officer. From 1995 until June 2000, Bianchino was Chief Business Development Officer for Sprint PCS in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to retirement, Bianchino was also Chief Executive Officer of Pegaso PCS in Mexico City. He has been a member of the Washburn Law School Association Board of Governors since 1990, and is President during 2002-2003.

Mike Manning discussing the value of technology during a CLE program held in conjunction with the dedication.