Santa Clara University

True Leaders

This year I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting and working with many highly accomplished graduates of the law school. Some are young attorneys, incorporating the lessons and values they learned at Santa Clara into their new profession. Others are seasoned practitioners who have become part of the school’s legacy of excellence and success. What so many of my fellow alumni have in common is their ability and willingness to be leaders—to “…inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.” On April 28 at the 2006 Spring Awards Banquet, the School of Law and the Law Alumni Association will honor four alumni who truly exemplify that definition of leadership.

Established by the Law Alumni Association for the purpose of publicly recognizing outstanding achievements of its alumni, the Alumni Special Achievement Award honors alumni who have distinguished themselves in their profession, in their community, and in service to humanity. This year’s honorees are the Honorable James “Nubby” Wright ’49, John Cruden ’74, and Naomi Young ’74. The combined honors and recognition earned by these three alumni over the years are truly awe-inspiring. For example, Judge Wright won the U.S. Army’s Bronze Star Medal during World War II and was the first president of Santa Clara University’s Student Bar Association. John Cruden is chief of the environmental enforcement section of the U.S. Department of Justice. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Presidential Rank Award, Cruden currently serves as president of the Washington D.C. Bar. Naomi Young is a recognized expert in labor and employment law who has served on the executive committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Labor and Employment Law section and on the board of directors for both California Women Lawyers and the Legal Aid Society of San Francisco.

The Edwin J. Owens Lawyer of the Year Award honors a lawyer who has distinguished him/herself in the profession. This year’s recipient is William B. Clayton Jr. ’74, who is highly regarded for his numerous professional, civic, and community activities, including his service on the fee arbitration committees of the state and county bar associations; the Arena Authority, Parking Commission and Downtown Transit Task Force for the City of San Jose; and the San Jose Sports Authority. Bill also served as president of the Law Alumni Association from 1999 to 2001.

Come and help us celebrate four Santa Clara Law graduates whose actions have distinguished each of them as true leaders. Visit www.scu.edu/law/alumni.html or call 408-551-1748 for details and tickets.

Warm Regards,

JOHN H. CONWAY B.S. ’90, J.D. ’93
Law Alumni Board President, 2005-06