2006-2007 Weigand Trust
Scholarship Recipients
Six Washburn Students Receive Nation's Largest Legal Education Scholarships
Incoming Washburn University School of Law students Timothy Belsan, Wichita; and Mark Lippelmann, Lyons; will join Aimee Betzen, Claire Terrebonne, both of Wichita; Laurel Klein Searles, Minneapolis; and Eric Pauly, Conway Springs, as the newest recipients of The J. L. Weigand Jr. Notre Dame Legal Education Trust scholarship for the 2006-2007 school year.
The Weigand scholarships — the largest legal education scholarships in the country — were established to assist law students from the state of Kansas. The scholarships provide for full tuition, fees, books and a room and board allowance for selected students who have been legal residents of Kansas for 10 years prior to their admission to law school. In addition to providing scholarships, the Weigand Trust assists scholarship recipients with career placement in Kansas during and after their graduation from law school.
Timothy Belsan graduated from Newman University, Wichita, in December 2005 with a bachelor's degree in English. He was awarded the Big Fish in Small Pond Scholarship and the Creative Achievement Award and was the editor of the school newspaper, The Vantage.
Mark Lippelmann is completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas this May, and expects to receive a bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
Washburn Law's current first-year class features the following top students who were awarded the Weigand Scholarship for their second year at law school.
Aimee Betzen graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in international business. She has been recognized for writing several top papers, and will be a contributing member of the Washburn Law Journal next year.
Laurel Klein Searles graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. This summer, she will work as a judicial clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary K. Sebelius in Topeka, as a research assistant for Washburn Law Professor J. Lyn Goering, and as a member of the Washburn Law Journal.
Eric Pauly was a Weigand Scholar during his first year at Washburn Law, and his scholarship has been renewed for his second year of law school. He graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He will be clerking for Foulston Siefkin LLP in Wichita this summer. Next school year, in addition to being a member of the Washburn Law Journal, he will clerk for Chief Judge John W. Lungstrum of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.
Claire Terrebonne earned an undergraduate degree in Economics from George Mason University. This summer, she will intern with the U.S. Office of Administration at the White House (Executive Office of the President). Next school year, she will be a member of the Washburn Law Journal.
J. L. Weigand Jr., a native of Wichita who returned to his birth city after earning a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and a law degree from Georgetown Law School, established the Weigand Trust to actively promote excellence in legal education and to encourage the most scholastically qualified Kansans to remain in or return to Kansas to practice law.
Dennis R. Honabach, Dean of Washburn University School of Law, believes the Weigand scholarships play an important role in the future prosperity of Kansas. "Many state and business leaders are products of Washburn Law. The Weigand Scholarships help to preserve Washburn Law's legacy of producing talented, home-grown leaders whose influence and expertise have enhanced our great state," he said. "As we prepare to graduate our centennial class, we remain committed to providing a comprehensive curriculum, with a supportive learning atmosphere, to pave the way for our students' transformation into leadership roles," he added.
Claudette Glenn, Trust Administrator for The J.L. Weigand Trust said, "Through his commitment, sacrifices and generosity, Mr. Weigand established a legacy that will benefit Kansas law students for generations to come. What a tremendous gift to Kansas! We're very pleased to award a scholarship to these Washburn students, and are confident that Kansans will benefit from their contributions to the legal community."
See the Weigand Trust website for more information about Washburn Law Weigand Scholarship recipients:
(Posted May 9, 2006)
