Stetson University College of Law

February 10, 2003:  Gulfport, Fla. - Stetson University College of Law is seeking nominations for the 2003 William Reece Smith Jr. Public Service Award. The award will be presented at the law school's May 10 graduation ceremonies. The deadline for nominations is March 21.

"The William Reece Smith Jr. Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary achievements in public service," said Dean Gary Vause. "I encourage the legal community to submit the names of candidates who have made contributions in their community," added Vause.

William Reece Smith Jr., the award's namesake and its first recipient, is a member of the Stetson faculty, and a past president of the American Bar Association and The Florida Bar.

Last year's award was presented to Karen Lopez, who played a major role in forming the Community Law Program Inc., a St. Petersburg nonprofit organization that provides pro bono legal services to those who cannot afford an attorney. Lopez also received the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award for the Sixth Circuit in 1992.

Nominations should be sent to Dean W. Gary Vause, Stetson University College of Law, 1401 61st Street South, Gulfport, Florida, 33707.

Stetson University College of Law is Florida's first law school. It has educated lawyers for more than 100 years, and offers continuing legal education programs for regional, state, national and international audiences. Stetson University College of Law tied for first place in Trial Advocacy in the 2003 U.S. News & World Report rankings of law schools. It is also the future headquarters for the National Conference of Law Reviews.