Phi Alpha Delta Benson Chapter Recognized As Outstanding Law School Chapter and for Outstanding Chapter Justice
The Benson Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity (PAD) at Washburn University School of Law was recognized on August 4, 2009 by the PAD International Executive Board as the Stanley H. Kohn Outstanding Law School Chapter for 2008-2009 academic year. Benson Chapter was selected from the more than 190 active PAD chapters. Applications for the award are evaluated on programming, law school activities, financial strength of the chapter, and other categories. Community service events sponsored during 2008-2009 included a blood drive, Adopt-a-Family, bowling for charity, Boys and Girls Club Easter egg hunt, and the 2nd Annual Pool Tournament for Charity. Other programs sponsored by the chapter and activities included a "Street Law" panel covering search and seizure topics; "Dress For Success" which showed students how to dress appropriately for different occasions and build a wardrobe on a budget; and assisting first year incoming students with acclimating to law school.
Benson Chapter executive board members for 2008-2009 were:
- Justice: Kevin Mechtley
- Vice-Justice: Erin Bruce
- Clerk: Jamey Critchlow
- Treasurer: Vo-Laria Brooks
- Marshall: Jodi Litfin
- Social Committee Chair: Moshe Malashock
- Co-Alumni Liaisons: Erica Lopez and David McDonald
Alex Glashausser, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and faculty advisor to the Benson Chapter observes that "Washburn's chapter of PAD has long been dedicated to serving the community and the legal profession. It is a wonderful and fitting tribute to our students to receive this national recognition."
Kevin Mechtley, 2008-2009 Benson Chapter Justice, has also been recognized as the Alex Hotchkiss Outstanding Law School Chapter Justice. This award is based upon general leadership ability, administration of professional programs sponsored by the chapter, social programming, and chapter recruiting activities. In addition to being Justice of the Benson Chapter, Kevin also served as the Washburn Student Bar Association Vice President, Co-Chair of the Kuether Memorial Golf Tournament and Scholarship Committee, Admissions Office Ambassador, and member of the Honor Code committee. Kevin was viewed as a role model to nearly all law students for his compassion, drive, and friendly nature, and the Benson Chapter met each and every goal under his leadership.
In commenting on the award, Kevin noted that he is "extremely honored and excited because Judge Hotchkiss was a graduate of Washburn Law and spent many years devoted to helping Benson Chapter members. This award, like the Outstanding Chapter Award, is a testament to all the hard work of our executive board and members throughout the year. Whether it was time spent planning events, working with alumni, networking with other chapters, or personally helping another Benson brother or sister, our Chapter's members contributed a countless number of hours. I was very lucky to be affiliated with such great and hardworking people and certainly attribute this award to our Executive Board and membership." Kevin is a May 2009 graduate and now works in the legal department at AVIVA USA Life Insurance Co. He looks forward to being involved in the recently reinstated PAD Alex Hotchkiss Alumni Chapter in Topeka.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is a professional law fraternity advancing integrity, compassion and courage through service to the student, the school, the profession, and the community. Chapters share a common interest in the law and the core values of integrity, compassion, courage, professionalism, service, diversity, and innovation.
Posted August 6, 2009.
