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Significant ‘Y’ Milestone

Click to see original imageThe convocation and dedication of the J. Reuben Clark Law School Building at Brigham Young University Friday will be a significant milestone for the University and Central Utah. Seldom has an event here brought together a more distinguished group of dignitaries. Participating in a major way will be Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Lewis F. Powell Jr; President Spencer W. Kimball of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his counselor, President Marion G. Romney, and a number of General Authorities of the Church; the two U15. Senators from Utah, Frank E. Moss and E.J. “Jake” Garn; nine judges of U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, two judges of U.S. district courts, two federal bankruptcy court judges, ten justices of state supreme courts, ten judges of state district courts, and scores of prominent attorneys and delegates from other universities and colleges. A convocation, with dignitaries in caps and gowns, at times other than commencement is a rare event reserved only for the most important occasions. BYU held such convocations on its 75th anniversary in 1950, for the inauguration of President Ernest L. Wilkinson in 1951, and the inauguration of President Dallin H. Oaks in 1971. This time the convocation marks not only the University’s Centennial but also an important step in the development of its Law School. It is significant that the opening of the new building comes just as the Law School achieves its full contingent of professors and students. The first law students were admitted to the three-year program- in 1973, another class in 1974, and the third group this year, bringing the total enrollment of .the professional school to near 500, where it will remain. The first full class will graduate next April. The building itself, aside from being a magnificent and beautiful structure, was designed specifically for the Law School, and contains many features which will contribute to the maximum and most efficient achievement of its purposes. The faculty has been hand picked for experience and competence in teaching as well as practice. and the students have been carefully screened and tested for their promise in the profession. It is safe to say that many of them will be heard from in future years in important positions of government and business. The Herald congratulates Brigham Young University and the J. Reuben Clark Law School on this important occasion and wishes them outstanding success in the institutions second century.