UConn School of Law

Relive the memories and pride of commencement! We now have nearly 1,000 photos as well as videos of each student speaker and the full ceremony at law.uconn.edu/commencement

Congratulations to Jessica de Perio Wittman, director of the Thomas J. Meskill Law Library and Cornelius J. Scanlon Scholar, on receiving the 2026 Joseph L. Andrews Legal Literature Award from the American Association of Law Libraries.

This national award honors works that demonstrate originality and make meaningful contributions to legal scholarship and law librarianship. Professor de Perio Wittman was recognized along with her co-editor Beth G. Adelman of the University at Buffalo School of Law for their book “Organizational Structures of Academic Law Libraries Past, Present, and Future (Volume 3)," explores how academic law libraries are adapting to changes in higher education through 10 case studies from across the United States.

Professor de Perio Wittman’s scholarship has long focused on how law libraries adapt to a changing academic and technological landscape, including legal technology and accessibility. She has also held leadership roles within AALL and is a frequent presenter on the future of law librarianship.

Read more: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/06/professor-jessica-de-perio-wittman-honored-with-american-association-of-law-libraries-award/

A gift from the Chase-Bear-Dyer family will support technology across UConn Law and rename Chase 110 as the Chase-Bear-Dyer Family Classroom.

We’re grateful for the family’s continued support. Their endowment will provide ongoing funding for technology in classrooms, practice courtrooms, and the law library, including AI software and support for technology- and AI-related courses.

Read more: https://law.uconn.edu/chase-gift

A moot court competition set Wes Horton '70 on the path to a distinguished career in appellate law. He wants other UConn Law students to have the same experience, giving a gift to support competitive opportunities to practice law and represent clients in simulated legal proceedings, like moot court, mock trial, and negotiation and dispute resolution programs.

This is fitting for a man who, in addition to arguing cases in front of the Connecticut and U.S. Supreme Courts, has shared knowledge and mentorship by teaching at UConn Law nearly every semester for the past five decades. He grants his students a level of mutual respect many didn't expect from an instructor, treating them as a colleague, in a "singularly empowering experience."

The Connecticut Moot Court Board named their spring competition in his honor earlier this year.

Read more: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/06/the-moment-that-changed-everything-and-the-gift-that-followed/

Congratulations to Jessica Panella, Law Library Head of Outreach and Community Engagement, on receiving the Outstanding Librarian Award from the Connecticut Library Association!

This statewide honor recognizes Jessica's career accomplishments and outstanding record of service to UConn Law's library and the librarian profession. She has expanded the reach and impact of the law library’s services, strengthening the connection to the state’s legal profession, its libraries, and the broader community.

Jessica helps build collaborative spaces both physically in the library and through programming connecting people to knowledge, opportunities, and each other.

It was such a pleasure to bring together alumni for our annual Hartford gathering. Evenings like this are a reminder of the strength and support within the UConn Law community, which continues well beyond graduation. Whether reconnecting with former classmates or meeting fellow alumni for the first time, these gatherings help keep our network active, engaged, and connected. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and made the night so special!

We are incredibly proud to share that Professor Casey Faucon has been promoted to Professor of Law and Tenure, while Professor Rachel Reeves has been promoted to Clinical Professor of Law!
https://today.uconn.edu/2026/05/two-uconn-law-professors-earn-promotions-one-with-tenure/

UConn Law’s Class of 2026 celebrated Commencement with a powerful call to lead with purpose, compassion, and hope.

Honorary degree recipient Bryan Stevenson and Dean Eboni S. Nelson encouraged graduates to use their legal education to advance justice and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Read a recap of the ceremony: https://today.uconn.edu/2026/05/uconn-school-of-law-celebrates-103rd-commencement

📸 You can also view photos from the day: law.uconn.edu/gradphoto26